If you’ve ever wished your hot tub felt warmer, comfier, easier to maintain, or just a bit more fun, the right accessories make a huge difference. A good cover keeps the heat in, pillows help you stay relaxed longer, and simple upgrades like LED lights or a Bluetooth speaker can turn a normal soak into your own backyard spa.
Here’s a clear, practical look at the accessories that are actually worth buying and how each one improves your day-to-day soaking experience.
Must-Have Hot Tub Accessories (Quick Essentials)
These are the upgrades most owners end up buying within the first year because they make life easier right away.
- Insulated hot tub cover
- Cover lifter
- Steps with a handrail
- Spa pillows
- Water-care tools and test kits
- Cleaning tools
- LED lighting
- Waterproof speakers
- Winter insulation add-ons (if you live in a cold region)
A strong cover alone can cut heat loss by up to 40 percent, and accessories like pillows or trays simply make the experience feel more like a real spa.
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Hot Tub Covers and Lifts
A good cover does two big things. It keeps heat from escaping and keeps debris from getting in. Add a lift and you don’t have to wrestle with a heavy, wet cover every time you want a soak.
Types of Hot Tub Covers
Foam-insulated covers
Lightweight, reliable, and great at holding heat. Most owners choose these because they balance price and performance.
Thermal blankets
Float on top of the water to reduce evaporation. Many users see 10 to 15 percent lower heating costs in winter.
Hard covers
Heavier and more durable, good for storm-prone areas or when you want the strongest protection.
Soft covers
Easy to move but better suited for mild climates because they don’t insulate well.
If you want a deeper breakdown, you can look at hot tub spa covers here: Hot Tub Spa Covers
Cover Lifts
Manual lifts
Affordable and simple. They take a little strength but are reliable.
Hydraulic lifts
Open and close smoothly with minimal effort. Great for daily use.
Automatic lifts
Push-button convenience. If mobility is a concern, this is the easiest option.
A lift also prevents damage to your cover over time, which is why many owners install one from the start.
You can compare styles here: Hot Tub Spa Cover Lifter
Filters and Water-Care Tools
The right filter setup makes the water stay clear longer and reduces how often you need to shock or clean the tub. A good rule of thumb is to clean your filter every 2 to 4 weeks and replace it every 12 months.
For help picking the right filter for your model, here’s a detailed guide: How to Choose the Right Hot Tub Filter
For ongoing care, this water-care guide helps a lot: Hot Tub Water Care Guide
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Entertainment Accessories
Music, lighting, and ambience upgrades make soaking feel more immersive.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
A speaker with an IPX7 rating can survive being submerged for 30 minutes, which is plenty of protection for hot tub use. Many people say adding a floating Bluetooth speaker makes a bigger difference than any other “fun” accessory.
Great examples include cup-holder speakers, floating speakers, or wall-mounted waterproof units.
Helpful comparison here: Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Hot Tubs
LED Mood Lighting
LED lights use up to 85 percent less energy than halogen bulbs and last far longer. Color-changing LEDs can shift the mood from relaxing (blue or green) to party-ready (purple or red). Underwater LEDs look amazing at night.
If you want more inspiration, check here:
Hot Tub Lighting Options
Comfort and Convenience Accessories
These are the things you don’t think about until you try them, then you wonder how you soaked without them.
Spa Pillows and Seats
A good pillow supports your neck and shoulders so you can stay in longer without feeling stiff. Many are made of waterproof gel or quick-dry foam.
Explore more options here: Spa Pillows
A tray keeps your drink, phone, snacks, or book within reach so you don’t have to hop out mid-soak. Floating options move with you while fixed trays attach to the tub’s edge. Learn more here: Spa Caddies and Trays
Maintenance Accessories
Clean water always starts with the right tools. Most owners use a simple kit that includes:
Skimmer net
Filter cleaner
Shell cleaner
Hose pre-filter
Vacuum or wand
Spa Caddies and Trays
You can see a full breakdown here: Essential Hot Tub Cleaning Tools
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
For overall care, this guide also helps: Hot Tub Maintenance
Safety Accessories
If anyone in your household is older, unsteady, or a child, safety accessories matter even more.
Handrails and Steps
A sturdy handrail prevents slips when climbing in and out. Many people overlook this until someone gets hurt walking on a wet patio.
Here’s a simple DIY version: DIY Hot Tub Handrails
More detailed safety guidance is here: Hot Tub Safety
Eco-Friendly Accessories
If you want lower power bills, these two upgrades make a noticeable difference.
Solar Covers
A solar cover warms the water on sunny days and slows heat loss at night. Many owners report 10 to 25 percent lower operating costs, depending on climate.
Solar option here: Solar Panel Hot Tub Cover
Winter-Friendly Hot Tub Accessories
If your winters go below freezing, a few extras help protect your equipment and keep the water warm.
- Thermal cover or thermal blanket
- Freeze-protection system
- Insulated steps and mats
- Heated robes or towel warmers
- Floating thermometers
- LED lights for dark evenings
People in snowy states often add a thermal blanket first because it can reduce nightly heat loss by 25 to 40 percent.
Full winter care here: Hot Tub in the Winter
Aromatherapy and Sensory Upgrades
Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, or chamomile can shift your whole mood. Some owners use bath salts made for hot tubs while others use dedicated diffusers.
Browse scent options here: Hot Tub Aromatherapy Scents
Décor, Privacy, and Outdoor Enhancements
A few upgrades outside the tub change how the whole area feels. Privacy screens, shrubs, string lights, steps, pergolas, and nearby seating all make your patio feel more like a retreat.
If you need layout ideas or landscaping inspiration, this helps: Hot Tub Designs and Ideas
Unique and Fun Hot Tub Accessories
If you want to go beyond the basics, here are fun add-ons people love:
- Floating LED drink coasters
- Floating game boards
- Movie projector screens
- Color-changing glow cubes
- Floating coolers
- Bluetooth headrest speakers
- Mist diffusers
- Waterfall attachments
Some of these are just for fun, but they’re great for parties or family nights.
How to Choose the Right Accessories
Picking the right accessories feels a lot easier when you think about what matters most for your setup.
Start with your climate
If you live in a cold state, focus on insulation upgrades first like thermal covers, freeze protection, or insulated steps. Warmer climates can start with comfort items.
Match accessories to how you use your tub
For long soaks, pillows, trays, and Bluetooth speakers make a big difference.
For short sessions, steps and a reliable cover keep things simple.
Think about maintenance
If cleaning isn’t your thing, choose accessories that reduce work like a better filter, hose pre-filter, or higher-quality cleaning tools.
Balance price with lifespan
A premium hot tub cover can last around five to eight years. Cheaper covers often wear out within two.
Real-World Example: Small Changes, Big Difference
A couple in Michigan added a thermal blanket and replaced their aging cover. Their electric bill dropped by 28 percent during winter. Another owner in Arizona added pillows and a caddy tray and said they used their tub twice as often simply because it was “easier to relax without juggling things.”
These tiny upgrades change how often you use your spa and how much you enjoy it.