October 1, 2025

Covered or Open-Air? Choosing the Best Setting for Your Hot Tub

When you picture your new hot tub, do you imagine soaking beneath the stars or relaxing under the shelter of a pergola? Both covered and open-air installations have unique advantages—and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, climate, and backyard design. Before you decide, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can create the spa setting that feels perfect for you.

At PDC Spas, we know that where you place your spa can shape how often you use it and how much enjoyment you get out of it. To help you make the best decision, here’s a look at the benefits, considerations, and lifestyle factors for both covered and open-air hot tub installations.

1. Covered Installations: Protection and Privacy

One of the most popular ways to install a hot tub outdoors is under a protective covering such as a roof extension, pergola, gazebo, or pavilion. A covered installation creates a cozy retreat that feels inviting in all seasons.

Benefits of a Covered Hot Tub Installation

  • Weather Protection: A roof or pergola keeps you sheltered from rain, snow, and harsh sun, so you can enjoy your spa in almost any weather.

  • Extended Spa Lifespan: By keeping the cabinet and cover protected from UV rays, snow loads, and falling debris, you reduce wear and tear on your spa.

  • Year-Round Comfort: Covered spaces are warmer in winter and more shaded in summer, making them ideal for climates with temperature extremes.

  • Privacy: With the addition of screens, curtains, or lattice walls, a covered spa becomes a private hideaway—even in a busy neighborhood.

  • Customizable Style: Pergolas and gazebos come in endless styles, from modern aluminum frames to rustic wood structures, allowing you to match your backyard design.

Best for:

  • Homeowners in regions with frequent rain or snow.

  • Families who want to use their spa year-round, regardless of weather.

  • Anyone who values privacy, shelter, and comfort in every season.

2. Open-Air Installations: Nature and Simplicity

For many hot tub owners, the appeal of soaking under the open sky is irresistible. Open-air installations allow you to fully embrace nature and keep your spa experience simple, fresh, and outdoors-focused.

Benefits of an Open-Air Hot Tub Installation

  • Stargazing and Views: An open-air spa makes every soak an immersive experience. Watch the sunrise, stargaze at night, or enjoy surrounding landscape views without obstruction.

  • Fresh Air: The open sky offers a sense of freedom and wide-open space—perfect for stress relief and reconnecting with nature.

  • Lower Costs: Without the need to build a structure or roof, open-air installations are typically more affordable.

  • Simpler Installation: Open-air spas require fewer construction steps, meaning you can install and enjoy your hot tub faster.

  • Design Flexibility: Because you’re not limited by a structure’s footprint, you can position your hot tub in a wide range of backyard spaces, from garden corners to deck edges.

Best for:

  • Homeowners who want the simplicity of stepping into a spa without additional construction.

  • Couples or individuals who love stargazing and outdoor ambiance.

  • Those in milder climates where weather extremes are less of a concern.

3. Key Considerations for Both Options

Whether you’re leaning toward covered or open-air, there are a few practical factors to consider before finalizing your installation.

Climate and Weather

  • In colder or wetter regions, covered installations provide more consistent year-round comfort.

  • In mild climates, an open-air installation may work beautifully without added structures.

Budget

  • Covered setups (pergolas, gazebos, or custom roofs) add construction costs to your project.

  • Open-air spas are more cost-effective up front but may require more long-term care for covers and cabinets.

Backyard Layout

  • Covered structures require adequate space and clearance.

  • Open-air spas can fit into smaller or less symmetrical spaces without the need for additional planning.

Maintenance

  • Covered spas are shielded from debris like falling leaves, making them easier to maintain.

  • Open-air spas require more frequent cleaning, but allow for unobstructed access and airflow.

4. Which Setup Fits Your Lifestyle Best?

Deciding between a covered and open-air hot tub installation ultimately comes down to lifestyle. Ask yourself: What do I picture when I imagine using my spa most often?

  • If your ideal evening is a warm soak while snow falls gently around you: A covered installation will make that experience possible while keeping you comfortable.

  • If your dream is lying back under a wide-open sky to watch constellations: An open-air spa is exactly what you’re looking for.

  • If you value privacy above all else: Covered installations allow you to enclose your spa area for a more intimate retreat.

  • If you crave nature and a feeling of openness: Open-air setups deliver unmatched outdoor ambiance.

Sometimes, the answer is a hybrid: a pergola or open-roof design that offers partial protection while still allowing plenty of sky views. Many PDC Spas owners choose this balance to get the best of both worlds.

5. Real-Life Inspiration: Covered vs. Open-Air

  • Covered Example: A family in a snowy climate installs their spa beneath a rustic timber pavilion. They enjoy year-round use, knowing their cover and cabinet are protected, and add privacy screens for a cozy feel.

  • Open-Air Example: A couple in a mild climate installs their spa at the edge of their deck with no covering. Each night, they relax under the stars and enjoy the breeze from their garden.

Both are excellent choices—the best option is simply the one that matches your climate, yard, and lifestyle.

Conclusion: Create the Hot Tub Experience That’s Right for You

Choosing between a covered or open-air hot tub installation isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about what will bring you the most enjoyment. Covered setups provide shelter, privacy, and long-term protection, while open-air spas deliver simplicity, natural views, and a sense of freedom.

No matter which option fits you best, a PDC Spas hot tub is designed to provide unmatched comfort, hydrotherapy, and year-round relaxation. With durable construction and customizable features, your hot tub is ready to enhance your lifestyle in any setting.

Explore our hot tub collections at pdcspas.com or connect with your local dealer for inspiration and installation ideas.

Your perfect spa experience starts with the right setting—covered or open sky, the choice is yours.