Hot Tub Mosquito Nets: The Ultimate Bug Protection for Your Spa
By Jennifer Rhodes · Updated
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Want to enjoy your hot tub without being eaten alive by pesky mosquitoes? Look no further than hot tub mosquito nets.
First things first, I need to let you in on a little secret: there's no such thing (as far as I know!) as a mosquito net designed specifically for hot tubs. But, there ARE mosquito-proof gazebos—many of which are plenty large enough to pop up and place directly over a spa. With this clever hack, these can provide excellent bug protection for your hot tub.
In this blog post, we'll show you why these mosquito nets are the ideal way to keep the mozzies out—and give you some hand-picked examples that should work for most hot tubs.
Best overall: COOSHADE 6-Sided Pop Up Gazebo
The COOSHADE Pop Up Gazebo is a great all-around choice for most outdoor hot tubs.
This 12x10ft gazebo includes a hexagon-shaped canopy, six zippered mesh walls and a powder-coated steel frame. It's relatively easy to set up (but you will want 2-4 people) and extra-large tie-down stakes keep it stable in windy conditions.
Additionally, the canopy and mesh walls provide UPF 50+ UV protection and of course bug protection, while maintaining air circulation and visibility. So you can still see out while you relax in your spa!
The only downside is that the mesh walls are attached with pieces of velcro, so it might not be totally bug free depending on how well you manage to close all the gaps.
Best looking: EVER ADVANCED Pop Up Gazebo Screen House
If you're looking for a shelter to protect you and your family from mosquitoes while you enjoy the hot tub, but also care about your backyard aesthetic, the EVER ADVANCED Screen House could be a great option. This sleek black tent is made with strong yet lightweight mesh net walls and a fiberglass frame, and is 11.5 x 10 ft in size, so it offers plenty of coverage for hot tubs of up to around 8ft.
The mesh walls have one zippered entry point where you get in and out, and the tent has a water-resistant and UPF 50+ protective roof for added protection from the elements. It's also easy to set up and take down, even with just one person.
On the downside, it won't provide much protection if it starts to rain heavily (though you could consider treating it with extra waterproofing). This tent is also on the pricier side, so you'll need to make sure it fits your budget. Additionally, since there is only one entrance, you will have to be ok with only entering the spa from this side. This could also be a benefit though—fewer gaps means less chance of mosquitoes making it inside.
Best for large hot tubs: ULTICOR Outdoor Screen Tent
This ULTICOR Canopy Outdoor Screen Tent is ideal for anyone who wants to keep bugs and insects away from a large spa.
The tent features an instant pop-up design that makes setting it up quick and easy. At 15ft wide, it's spacious enough to accommodate even the largest of spas, and features a 360⁰ visibility design that lets you enjoy views of nature while keeping pests out.
The ULTICOR tent is lightweight and portable, so you can easily carry it to your spa, and back again if you don't want to leave it out long term. It also provides great ventilation thanks to the open design which is important—all that steam has to go somewhere.
On the negative side, the tent is not waterproof, so you should take it down during rainy weather. It's also not especially designed for windy areas, so may not stand up to strong gusts of wind. This tent also only has one entrance door, and the design means you have to step into it so it's not for you if you need step-free access.
Best for small hot tubs: Leedor Gazebos 4-6 Person Canopy
The Leedor Gazebo is an ideal way to spend time in a smaller spa (inflatable would be perfect) while keeping the bugs away.
This 10' x 10' tent is made of durable materials, with a pop-up design that makes it very easy to set up and take down. The sides are of course fitted with mosquito net mesh panels.
This gazebo is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and safety with a relatively smaller footprint. The sturdy canopy and walls keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay, and the built-in mesh windows still allow for plenty of fresh air. Plus, the versatile design means you could easily convert it to a dining space or outdoor living room or den when it's not up over your spa.
However, it is not waterproof, so will not be suitable for heavy rainstorms or days with high winds. Additionally, due to its pop-up design, it has the same door style as the ULTICOR which means you will have to be careful not to trip over the material when coming out or going in.
Best budget: GLORYFIRE Tactical Mosquito Netting with 4 Corners
If you're not looking to spend a lot but still want protection outdoors, this GLORYFIRE Tactical Mosquito Net might work for you.
This netting is a little different from the other options in that it's not a self-supporting tent. Instead, it has four corners which you will need to tie onto some kind of supports. This could be your house, nearby trees, or dedicated support poles—but you will need something.
Once it's up, you get a high density of holes (200 per square inch) for maximum protection from pesky bugs like mosquitoes and flies. And the olive drab color lends a tough, functional look, helping your net blend into its environment.
This netting is lightweight, yet durable enough to last. It can also be easily packed up and stored in a bag, so you don't have to worry about it taking up too much space at home if you don't want to keep it over the spa all the time.
The downsides of this one (apart from needing something to tie it to) are the access—there's no door, so you need to duck under a side to get in or out—and the size. At 82 inches square, it's only going to work for tubs smaller than that.
Choosing the right hot tub mosquito net
Size
Make sure to measure the sides of your hot tub carefully so that you can purchase a net that fits properly. You need to decide whether you want a couple of feet of space around the tub for things like side tables or towel racks, or if you're happy for the mesh walls to be pretty close to the sides of the spa.
Design
When choosing a hot tub mosquito net, it's important to consider whether you want to leave the net up long term. If you do, it needs to be weatherproof and much sturdier than if it's going to be in a bag most of the time.
If you just want to pop it up on the occasional warm evening, your priority should instead be something that goes up and down easily so it's not a multi-person operation every time you want to use it. The pop-up styles above are great for this.
Aesthetics
Nets with a gray or black finish can add a modern, sleek look to an outdoor hot tub and also create a more high-end look in your backyard.
Add some fairy lights for an extra special evening effect!
However, if you don't care about that so much, you'll have more choice of functionality as a lot of the tents tend to come in browns or greens to blend in more with nature.
How to install a hot tub mosquito net
A hot tub mosquito net is a great way to keep bugs out of your hot tub while also providing it with additional weather protection. Installation varies a lot depending on the style of the net you choose.
Some come with poles which must be assembled into a frame structure, with the net draped over the top. Others are more of an all-in-one pop up style. The main thing you need to figure out is if you can lift the net over the spa once it's assembled, or if you will need to 'build it in place'.
Other tips for keeping mosquitoes away from your hot tub
In addition to purchasing a hot tub mosquito net, there are a few additional steps you can take to keep mosquitoes away from your hot tub:
- Clearing out any standing water in the area where you have your hot tub will help reduce the chances of mosquitoes taking up residence. If you can't do this (like with ponds) you can add mosquito dunks which will stop mosquitoes breeding without harming any other wildlife.
- Planting citronella, peppermint, and marigolds in your garden could provide natural mosquito repelling scents.
- Lighting citronella candles or special mosquito repellent coils when using the hot tub can also be effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Closing thoughts
Investing in a mosquito net for your hot tub is a smart move for more than just the obvious reasons. Not only will it help you and your family avoid pesky and uncomfortable mosquito bites, but the right net can actually add a nice aesthetic touch to your backyard, making your spa feel extra cozy.
With a net in place, your spa will be protected from mosquitoes and other flying insects, allowing you to enjoy your soaks without the worry of mosquitoes making their way into the area. If you struggle to enjoy your hot tub due to bothersome mosquitos, this is one purchase you won't regret!
