The best hot tub side panels depend on your spa’s measurements, existing cabinet, and preferred finish. Highwood replacement kits suit tubs up to 33 inches high and 96 inches corner-to-corner, while Confer Plastics flexible panels are designed for tubs under 34.5 inches high and within the listed size limits. Choose Highwood for a kit with panels, corners, trim, and fasteners; choose Confer if you want the option to install over existing skirting. The products below include several color choices for comparing fit and appearance.
| Product | Best For | Key Fit Information |
|---|---|---|
| Highwood Coastal Gray | Complete replacement kit | Up to 33 inches high; 96 inches corner-to-corner |
| Confer Plastics Black | Flexible panel replacement | Under 34.5 inches high; size limits apply |
| Confer Plastics Espresso | Dark brown panel finish | Same flexible kit dimensions |
| Confer Plastics Deep Gray | Gray panel finish | Same flexible kit dimensions |
| Highwood Weathered Acorn | Woodgrain-style appearance | Up to 33 inches high; 96 inches corner-to-corner |
Highwood Coastal Gray Replacement Kit
Best for: Buyers seeking a coordinated replacement set with a gray finish and included installation hardware. This Highwood kit includes trim, eight side panels, four corners, and 72 stainless steel screws with grommets. Its textured surface is designed to recreate a natural woodgrain look.
The stated fit limit is a maximum cabinet height of 33 inches and a maximum corner-to-corner dimension of 96 inches. The product is made in the USA and lists a 12-year residential limited warranty.
Limitation: Measure the tub before ordering; this kit’s stated height limit is lower than the Confer panels’ 34.5-inch limit.
Confer Plastics Flexible Panels, Black
Best for: Spa owners who want flexible black panels and may prefer to cover existing skirting instead of removing it. The product information says the flexible spa panels can be installed over existing skirting. It is intended for tubs under 34.5 inches high, with the listed size guidance covering tubs smaller than 96 by 96 inches or 32 feet in total length.
Installation requires a circular saw, string, measuring tape, drill, and pencil. If you remove the existing skirting, the product information says additional framework may be needed to reinforce panel overlaps.
Limitation: The listed dimensions are maximum fit guidance, not a substitute for measuring the tub and planning panel layout.
Confer Plastics Flexible Panels, Espresso
Best for: Buyers who want the Confer flexible-panel installation approach in an espresso color. Like the black version, this kit is described as suitable for installing over existing skirting. The stated limits are under 34.5 inches in panel height and less than 96 by 96 inches, or 32 feet in total length.
Choose this finish if a dark brown appearance better suits the patio or spa area. The listed tools include a circular saw, string, measuring tape, drill, and pencil. Removing old skirting may require extra framework where panels overlap.
Limitation: It shares the same size and installation considerations as the other Confer colors, so finish preference does not change fit requirements.
Confer Plastics Flexible Panels, Deep Gray
Best for: Buyers comparing flexible panels who prefer a deep gray finish. The product is specified for spa panels under 34.5 inches high and tubs within the stated 96-by-96-inch or 32-foot total-length guidance. Its ability to go over existing skirting can reduce the need to remove the old cabinet panels.
Plan for the listed tools: circular saw, string, measuring tape, drill, and pencil. If existing skirting is removed, allow for additional framework to reinforce the areas where panels overlap.
Limitation: This option is not a no-measurement installation; confirm the tub’s height and overall dimensions before choosing it.
Highwood Weathered Acorn Replacement Kit
Best for: Owners who want a complete cabinet replacement kit with a weathered woodgrain-style finish. It includes trim, eight side panels, four corners, and 72 stainless steel screws with grommets. Highwood lists a maximum cabinet height of 33 inches and a maximum corner-to-corner dimension of 96 inches.
The kit is made in the USA and lists a 12-year residential limited warranty. It is better suited to buyers who want the included corners and trim than to those seeking flexible panels that can cover existing skirting.
Limitation: Check the stated maximum dimensions carefully; the product information does not list the higher 34.5-inch panel limit given for Confer’s flexible panels.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Hot Tub Side Panels
What measurements should you check?
Measure cabinet height and the spa’s overall dimensions before selecting a kit. Highwood lists a maximum 33-inch cabinet height and 96-inch corner-to-corner dimension. Confer lists panels for tubs under 34.5 inches high and provides size guidance of less than 96 by 96 inches, or 32 feet in total length. Compare your measurements with the product’s limits rather than relying on the spa’s model name alone.
Should you replace the old skirting or cover it?
Confer says its flexible panels can be installed over existing skirting. That may suit buyers looking to avoid removing the old panels. If you remove the existing skirting, Confer notes that additional framework may be needed to reinforce panel overlaps. Highwood’s listed kit includes new panels, corners, trim, and fasteners for a replacement approach.
Which finish and kit style fit your project?
Compare color with the patio and spa area, but choose by fit and installation needs first. Highwood offers a woodgrain-textured appearance in Coastal Gray and Weathered Acorn. Confer’s listed choices include black, espresso, and deep gray flexible panels. Highwood lists the included hardware; Confer lists the tools needed for assembly, so plan for cutting and measuring work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hot tub side panels go over existing skirting?
Confer’s flexible spa panels are described as installable over existing skirting. Check the product’s fit limits and installation instructions for your tub.
What is the maximum height for the Highwood kits?
Highwood lists a maximum cabinet height of 33 inches and a maximum corner-to-corner dimension of 96 inches.
What tools are listed for installing Confer panels?
The listed tools are a circular saw, string, measuring tape, drill, and pencil.
Do I need extra support if I remove the existing panels?
Confer says additional framework may be needed to reinforce areas where the replacement panels overlap after existing skirting is removed.
Are the Confer color options different in size?
The black, espresso, and deep gray listings share the same stated size guidance and installation considerations. The main listed difference is color.