Whether you are a new hot tub owner or a long time spa user it won't take long to see the benefits of a proper hot tub cover lifter. Proper selection of a hot tub cover lifter can literally save you a fortune in the long run. It is simply a matter of doing your homework.
Often times when purchasing a hot tub we are inundated with all the costs and expenses of owning one. Besides the initial purchase of the spa itself, there is the electrical hook up and service charge of an electrician, there is the start-up and maintenance chemicals and of course the added electricity expenses of heating and running the spa.
So investing an additional 0-0 can be a "wait till later" expense. Many ask - why bother with a cover lifter? For one thing removing a spa cover is not an easy task, especially if the spa is rather large. Some tubs can measure 6 to 10 feet across so the cover can be heavy and awkward to handle. A cover lifter makes it easier to open and close the tub even when someone is alone. So besides assisting with leverage to raise and lower the spa cover, most lifters will also hold the cover in place in the open position. This takes the stress off the seams and prevents the cover from resting on the ground where they can get damaged from small rocks and debris.
Remember these spa covers are made from foam and are sealed by a plastic vapour wrap to prevent them from becoming water logged, but the slightest puncture or tear in the wrap will drastically shorten the life of your spa cover which can range from 0-0 to replace. Generally spa covers last 3 to 5 years and possibly longer. But covers that are removed without cover lifters tend to tear at the seams prematurely, are dropped more often and get pierced from being laid down on the rough ground. This means they get water logged and lose all insulation value. Which means you could potentially be doubling or even tripling your operating costs and in new covers for your spa.
Which cover lifter to use? Well that depends on whether you have space limitations beside or behind the tub when the cover will rest in its open position. Most cover lifters require a minimum of 24 inches to allow for arc and space to rest the thickness of the cover. There are some styles that are made for low clearance areas but do tend to cost more and may hold the cover rather high as opposed to most that cradle the cover lower.
Styles also vary by installation. Some cover lifters will screw into the side paneling of the tub but often spa owners dislike drilling holes in the cabinets and in the event of high winds and covers that get too heavy over time, can actually damage the paneling. Others allow for "under mounting" where two metal plates are slipped under the tub (when empty) and hold the arms so there is no need to drill into your tub. These tend to be more solid and hold more weight. Alternatives also include deck mounting where the arms are fixed to the deck (provided your tubs sits on a deck).
Now some spa users are looking for privacy and so lifters that hold the cover vertically are perfect. While others already have the privacy in their area setup and prefer not to have the cover looming up high while their in the tub enjoying a soak. This is where cover sliders come in handy, they slide the cover off to the side laying flat, although they do require a great deal more room to open. Lastly if budget is of no concern and you're not looking to star gaze - there are hydraulic cover raisers that act as a cover and then raise on hydraulic posts and transforms into a small roof overhead looking like a gazebo.
Any tub owners we know that start with a cover lifter are extremely pleased with the ease of use and ultimately the cost savings and never want to look back. After all having a hot tub is about enjoyment, relaxation and feeling good so make your life easier and invest in a cover lifter of your own.
