Replacement Hot Tub Headrest, Cushion or Pillow

Last updated: September 2026

If you own a plastic shell hot tub, sooner or later you’ll probably need a replacement headrest. It isn’t always straightforward, because the age of the tub and the brand can change your options a lot.

Don’t worry. By the end of this article you’ll know how to find a replacement headrest, cushion or pillow for your hot tub.

The short version

Ask the manufacturer first. They know the exact part for your model.
If they have gone or dropped the model, go generic. Match shape and size.
Measure the distance between the attachment holes on the back. It is the most important measurement.
Reuse your old fixings where you can, since generic pillows rarely include them.
Don’t sweat the colour. A correct fit matters more than an exact match.

Contents show

Hot tub headrest pillow being measured with a tape measure across the back attachment holes

Contact the manufacturer

Start by contacting the hot tub manufacturer. As the original maker they usually offer a range of accessories and can give the best advice for your model.

Generic replacement headrests

Manufacturers go out of business, or stop supplying accessories for older models. If that’s the case you’ll need a generic headrest or cushion. There are plenty of generic options available (USA), and you can also look on parts4tubs.co.uk (UK). The key is finding one that fits your tub.

Physical similarity

Look for a cushion that closely matches your existing one in shape and size. That helps ensure a proper fit.

Actual dimensions

Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a tape measure to note the length, height and width of your current pillow. The most important measurement is the distance between the attachment holes on the back of the cushion. It has to be precise, because even a small error can mean the new headrest won’t fit.

Fixings

When you remove the old headrest, check whether you can reuse the fixings, because most generic replacements don’t come with new ones. The fixings (the plastic parts and bolts that secure the cushion) can often be separated and reused, which saves sourcing new ones.

If the originals are unusable, make sure the replacement comes with fixings that suit your tub.

Colour

Don’t stress about matching the colour exactly. Generic headrests in specific colours are hard to find, so put the measurements and fit first.

Measuring checklist

Measure	Why
Distance between the attachment holes	Has to match exactly or it will not fix
Length, height and width of the pillow	Makes sure it sits in the same space on the shell
Fixings (plastic parts and bolts)	Reuse them, or buy a pillow that includes compatible ones
Shape (curved, wedge, flat)	Gets you the same comfort and neck support

What if there’s no replacement?

I don’t want to end on a low note, but sometimes there’s simply no replacement for your model. In that case, your only option may be some serious DIY skills to make a custom solution. If your pillows are worn out because the tub is generally past it, see how to restore or repair an old hot tub, or if you’re weighing up a new tub against building one, read pros and cons of building a hot tub. Looking after the tub also helps, so see the guide to hot tub covers for keeping sun and chemicals off the cushions.

I’d also read the pros and cons of hot tub ownership if you’re deciding how much to spend on an older tub. If you’re building rather than buying, my guide on where to start is the place to begin,.

FAQs

Where can I buy a replacement hot tub headrest?

Start with the manufacturer, then look for generic headrests from a spares supplier such as parts4tubs.com (USA) or parts4tubs.co.uk (UK).

How do I measure a hot tub pillow?

Measure the length, height and width, and above all the distance between the attachment holes on the back.

Do hot tub pillows come with fixings?

Generic ones often do not. Reuse the plastic fixings and bolts from your old headrest, or make sure the new one comes with compatible fixings.

Does the colour have to match?

No. Matching colours can be hard, so prioritise the measurements and fit.

What if my hot tub brand has gone out of business?

Use a generic pillow matched by shape, size and hole spacing, or make a custom one if nothing fits.

Got a question about your own setup? Drop it in the comments below. I read them all.

Cheers,
Andi

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Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

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