If you own a spa or hot tub, you probably already know that it’s very important to keep your spa covered when you aren’t using it. The cover keeps the heat in, which conserves energy and it keeps debris like leaves out, which mean you won’t have to clean your spa as often. From a safety standpoint, keeping your spa covered prevents pets or children from accidentally falling into the water. There are so many advantages to covering your spa, and really only one drawback: hot tub covers are heavy!
Hot tub covers can weigh as much as 30 pounds when they are dry. When you add the moisture collected over time that weight can more than triple! It’s easy to see why how difficult it can be to lift the cover off! That’s where a hot tub cover lifter can come in handy. A cover lifter is exactly as it sounds: It assists you in lifting and bearing the weight of your spa cover.
There is a wide variety of styles available for your spa cover lifter. Some more advanced covers will actually mechanically do the lifting for you. Others will assist you by allowing you to pull or push the lid off safely and easily without causing damage to it. Whether manual or mechanical, most cover lifters will allow you to store the cover off the ground, so it is protected from the elements. Considering how costly a replacement cover is, it’s important to take care of the one you have.
When you set out to go shopping for your hot tub cover lifter, it’s important to measure the amount of clearance between the hot tub and its enclose. It’s a good idea to have about 2 feet of clearance between the hot tub and the fence or enclosure around it. This is because the lifter will need that amount of space to function properly. In some cases, however, the cover lifter will only require a few inches of clearance, so if you have a smaller space, don’t worry. You can still find a cover lifter to suit your needs.
Another important consideration is how the cover lifter stores the cover. In some cases, the cover will be folded in half, which allows for an unobstructed view when you are in the spa. In other cases, the cover will be stored upright, which can serve as a privacy fence and also keep the wind away from those in your tub. When choosing which version you prefer, consider the amount of space you have and whether you need the added privacy, etc.
Covering your hot tub is absolutely imperative when it comes to keeping it clean, efficient, cost-effective and safe. But if you plan to remove your cover frequently, you’re going to need a little help. A hot tub cover lifter can be one of the best investments you’ll make as spa owner.
Article Submitted By Community Writer