Hot Tub Covers – Is a Hot Tub Cover Different Than a Spa Cover?
There is nothing like relaxing in a spa or hot tub after a long, grueling day. You know your spa or hot tub needs to be covered for safety reasons, but is a hot tub cover different than a spa cover? Using the right cover will keep your hot tub or spa safe and running efficiently.
The right hot tub or spa cover can save you money; in fact, it can actually pay for itself within 6 months. The covers are designed to be durable, strong and are made of the best materials. They have also been designed with the high temperatures of your hot tub or spa in mind to and are made to withstand those temperatures.
What If I Don’t Have A Spa Cover Lifter?
Without a hot tub cover lifter, you’d fold the cover back and then slide it off the hot tub. Hot tub cover stands are available to keep the hot tub cover off the ground, but if you’re doing this task by yourself, at least one edge of the cover will rest against the ground as you do it. More than likely, a corner is going to bang against the ground and possibly get damaged. Getting the cover back onto the hot tub is a task that’s not easy for one person, mostly because of the unwieldy nature of a large cover and lack of proper leverage. Over time, some covers may get heavier from moisture build-up, making a hot tub cover lifter even more of an advantage.
Standard hot tub cover lifters
Standard hot tub cover lifters are more traditional and cost-effective than hydraulic cover lifters. They don’t use hydraulics or pistons, but are very durable and a great choice for people who don’t have any unique specifications.
This type of lifter requires at least 14” or more behind the spa for proper installation and operation. Although they do their job well, you have to be careful not to push the cover too hard when opening, as the cover might rock back on you and damage the cover lifter or tub at the stop point, or where it rests while open. Also, you don’t have the assistance of the hydraulics when replacing the cover onto the tub.
When it comes to making removing and replacing covers easier, standard cover lifters can’t compare to their hydraulic counterparts. However, standard models such as the Cover Handler are easy to install, feature very durable, all-metal components, and offer excellent value for the investment.
Hydraulic Cover Lifters
One of the biggest benefits of owning a hydraulic cover lift is that it makes the chore of removing, storing, and replacing the covers easy for 1 person without having to seek help. They also help extend the life of your cover by minimizing dropping or storing it on the ground, which could otherwise rip and scuff the vinyl.
Most hydraulic lifters require comparably little clearance from any nearby walls, fences, or other objects, and safely hold your cover in place while you use your hot tub.
These products run on “piston power” to help you move your cover. You just need to gently move the cover in an upward direction, and pistons instantly take the burden away! Replacing the cover back on the tub is just as easy – just tug the cover so the pistons lower the cover back into place.
Another type of these lifters operates more like baskets that cradle your cover. They’re supported by the bottom of your tub so any extra weight won’t cause any damage. Many users feel that this functionality makes this type of lifter preferable to other models that simply “hang” the cover-up. Typically, you need 36” for proper installation and operation of these basket cover lifters.
Hydraulic cover lifters have a variety of options to fit every size and configuration of hot tub, so you’re sure to find the one that’s right for you. After that, your days of struggling with your hot tub covers will be behind you, and you can then look forward to using your hot tub more, instead of dreading how heavy your cover will be on any given day.
If you want to get the most out of your spa experience, the answer is a resounding YES!
The only decision you really need to make is which cover lifter is the best for your hot tub and backyard configurations. The best idea is to ask your local hot tub professional for their advice. They’ll ask the right questions in order to gather enough information to help you make an informed decision.
Once your new spa cover lifter is installed, you’ll be ready once again for that well-deserved relaxing massage!
