Hot tub covers are essential for the long life and smooth functioning of the spa. They protect hot tubs from the climatic effects and work as insulators to keep the water warm for a long time. A high-quality hot tub cover weighs around 50-70 pounds. Though everyone wants to sit and immerse in a spa, but no one wants to lift 50-70 pound cover. Therefore, the hot tub cover lifters are available in the market, and you can choose what suits you the most.
The hot tub cover lifters have various advantages. They make things easier for you, and you can enjoy the soaking experience without hurting your back. To let you know the complete details about the hot tub cover lifters, the China Royal Spa has prepared this guide. In this guide, you will get an idea of why the hot tub cover lifters are essential? What are the factors that you must consider before buying the spa. Moreover, we will discuss the types of hot tub cover lifters and the ways to install them.
So, let’s start the discussion about the hot tub cover lifters.
Hot Tub Cover Lifters: The Complete Guide
Before going into the details of multiple types of the hot tub cover lifters and how to install them. It is essential to know, why hot tub cover lifters are essential?
Why are Hot Tub Cover Lifters Important?
China Royal Spa suggests you to get a hot tub cover lifter because it makes the process easier and convenient for you. Moreover, it offers you the following benefits.
It Keeps the Hot Tub Cover in a Good Shape
Hot tub covers are an important part of the hot tub. They are vital for the safety of the hot tub. Moreover, they keep the spa water at an ideal level for a longer time. A high-quality hot tub cover costs you hundreds of dollars. You have to properly take care of it to get a lifetime experience. You have to maintain its shape and the hot tub cover lifters could help you in this regard. With a hot tub cover lifter, you can easily remove the hot tub cover without affecting the shape and quality of the cover.
It Saves Your Back from Injuries and Pain
A good quality hot tub cover weighs around 50-70 pounds. If you remove the cover without the lifter, the weight could cause backache and injuries. However, you can easily save yourself from the pain by just getting a hot tub cover lifter. Spend a few dollars on the lifter and protect your health and money you otherwise spend on doctor’s fees.
The Cleaning and Maintenance Process
Cleaning and maintenance of the hot tub are crucial if you want to get a lifetime experience. However, to clean and maintain the hot tub, you have to remove the hot tub cover that will be tiring. But You can turn this tiring task into an easier one by just getting the cover lifter. The cover lifter removes the cover within minutes without draining your energy.
It Makes the Immersing Experience More Enjoyable
Everyone loves the soaking and hydrotherapy experience of the hot tub. However, everyone equally hates to lift the 50 to 70 pound hot tub cover. You can end this panic by just getting the cover lifter. The cover lifter removes the cover without burdening the users. You can easily pull the cover and enjoy the hydrotherapy whenever you want to.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Hot Tub Cover Lifter
If you want to enjoy the immersing experience without hurting your back, get a cover lifter. However, the Royal Spa suggests that you must consider a few things before buying the spa cover lifter. The China Roya Spa suggests to consider the following factors before buying the hot tub cover lifter.
The Size of Your Hot Tub
Hot tubs are available in numerous sizes, and the covers are also designed accordingly. Therefore, you must consider the size of the hot tub before buying the cover lifter. A small sized cover weighs less than a large one, so look into the size and decide accordingly.
The Shape of the Hot Tub
Apart from the size, you must consider the shape of your hot tub. Circular, rectangular, triangular and square shaped hot tubs are available in the market. For these shapes, the cover lifters are specifically designed. Therefore, you must consider the shape of your spa before buying the cover because lifters work for the specific shapes only.
The Space around Your Hot Tub
China Royal Spa suggests looking into the available space around your hot tub. For example, some lifters need more space to lift the cover while others require less. Therefore, always consider the distance between your hot tub and the obstacles around it and then decide accordingly.
Your Choice About the Cover Lifter Type
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, your choice is important. Multiple types of hot tub cover lifters are available in the market. The China Royal Spa suggests looking into all the available options and getting the one you love the most.
Types of the Hot Tub Cover Lifters
Three types of of cover lifters are most commonly available in the market. Let’s explore their specifications and the ways to install them.
Shelf Cover Lifter
Shelf cover lifters are one of the simplest cover lifters. They have a shelf that mounts on the back of the spa and you can fold the spa cover to put it over the shelf.
The Pros of Shelf Cover Lifter
They are the most cost effective and budget friendly hot tub covers. Even if you have a limited budget, you can get this cover. It is simple and user-friendly.
The Cons of the Shelf Cover Lifter
Though it is cost effective and easier to use, but it does not help you with weight management. It only makes the removing process easier. Moreover, they need a lot of clearance space around the hot tub to work. Therefore, if you have a small area around the hot tub, the shelf cover may not be the best choice for you.
How to Install the Shelf Cover Lifter?
To install the shelf cover lifter, follow the following steps.
- Measure and identify the places on the spa cabinet.
- Drill these spaces on the cabinet and place the screws in the holes.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guide to place the screws.
- Carefully drill the holes without damaging the cabinet.
- Install the mount brackets in the hot tub.
- Put the shelf arm in the brackets.
- Check if you can fold the bracket arms to support the cover properly.
- If they work correctly, the shelf cover is all set to function correctly.
Manual Pivot Hot Tub Cover Lifter
The manual cover lifter works as a hanger. It has a metal bar that fits across the middle of the spa cover. Every end of the bar is mounted to the spa. To remove the cover, you will fold the cover in half, then lift it up words and push back with the help of the cover lifter. It will hang the cover vertically behind the hot tub.
Pros of the Pivot Hot Tub Cover Lifter
This hot tub cover lifter is easier to use and budget-friendly. It hangs the hot tub cover vertically and therefore needs less clearance area. So, if you have a small clearance area, you can install the pivot hot tub cover.
Cons of the Pivot Hot Tub Cover Lifter
The only drawback of this cover lifter is that it may block the view. Therefore, if you are going to install this lifter, choose the side carefully.
How to Install the Manual Cover Lifter?
China Royal Spa suggests following the following steps to install the manual pivot cover lifter.
- Put the cover on the hot tub.
- Make sure the corners of the hot tub cover are properly aligned.
- Measure, identify and drill the holes for the brackets.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guide to drill holes and place brackets.
- Connect the slider arm to the pivot arm.
- Place the slider arm into the bracket.
- Lay the center bar across the cover.
- Tight all the sections according to the manufacturer’s guide.
- Test if everything is working properly before finishing up the process.
If everything works perfectly, well done! You have perfectly installed the cover lifter.
The Hydraulic Cover Lifter
This is the third yet most advanced type of the spa cover lifter. This is one of the most user friendly hot tub covers lifter that carries all the weight of the cover. It makes the process easier for you.
It works on the pattern of the manual pivot cover lifter. The brackets are installed and arms are attached to let it function properly. You fold the cover and then move it back. However, during the process, the hydraulic arms bear all the weight of the spa cover.
The Pros of the Hydraulic Cover Lifter
It is the most user friendly cover lifter. The hydraulic cover lifter bears all the weight of the cover and makes the process easier for you. Moreover, it could bring the cover to the ground level and therefore, it can preserve the amazing view around the hot tub.
The Cons of the Hydraulic Cover Lifter
The only drawback of the hydraulic cover lifter is that it is not budget friendly. It costs you more than the other cover lifters. Therefore, if you have a small budget, the hydraulic spa cover lifter may not be your best choice.
How to Install the Hydraulic Cover Lifter?
To install the hydraulic cover lifter, follow the following steps.
- Identify, measure and mark the areas to install the brackets.
- If you get a hydraulic cover lifter that does not require drilling, install the base and frame.
- Lay the center pole across the cover.
- Attach the support arms with the pivot arms.
- Install the hydraulic arms by following the manufacturer’s guide.
- Test if the lifter is working properly.
The installation of the hydraulic cover lifter is a bit complex and technical than the other lifters. Therefore, China Royal Spa suggests you hire a professional because he will rightly install the cover.
The Easiest Hot Tub Cover Lifter
We have discussed three types of hot tub cover lifters. Many users may have this question in mind that what is the easiest hot tub cover lifter. All the hot tub cover lifters worked on the similar patterns and made with the similar material. However, if you still want to get the easiest one, China Royal Spa suggests getting one that does not need draining the hot tub for the installation. Moreover, the easiest cover lifter is the one that removes the cover easily without involving your effort. If you want to easily remove the spa cover and preserve the views on all sides of the spa, get the hydraulic spa cover lifter. It is an automatic spa cover lifter that works with the hydraulic arms and slide the cover below the spa to save the views.
However, if you have a small budget yet want a cover lifter, you must go for the shelf cover lifter. It will make the process easy and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on the purchasing cost.
How to Maintain the Cover Lifters?
No matter which cover lifter you are going to install, you have to properly maintain it to enjoy a lifetime experience. Therefore, China Royal Spa suggests you to do the following things to keep the hot tub cover clean and functional for a long time.
Maintain the Cover Lifter Components
Check the Cover Lifter Arms
China Royal Spa suggests to check the arms of the hot tub. Whenever you use the spa, check the arm if they are bending under the hot tub cover weight. Moreover, if you have a shelf cover lifter, you have to check the arms quite often.
Check the Strains and Clean Them
The hot tub cover, often gets waterlogged and it could cause excessive strains over the spa cover lifters. Therefore, you must check the strains and clean them. Moreover, it would be best to replace the water logged hot tub cover; otherwise, it will damage the cover lifter.
Scheduled Maintenance
When you do scheduled maintenance of the hot tub after three to four months. Thoroughly drain the hot tub and carefully inspect all the components and parts of the cover. If there are some issues, repair them before refilling the hot tub.
Cleaning the Hot Tub Cover Lifter
Apart from maintenance, cleaning the hot tub cover lifter is equally essential. China Royal Spa suggests to clean the cover lifter after every three to four days. It is recommended to always use to use a high-quality cleaning product. However, you can use the household products as well. Apply the cleaning products with the help of a soft cloth, rub them softly over the cover and wash with clean water.
Some FAQs About the Hot Tub Cover Lifters
How Does a Cover Lifter Work on the Hot Tub?
Many users ask this question that how does a cover lifter going to work on the hot tub. The simple answer is that it works on the cover the same way as the hanger works for the pair of slacks. You slide the hot tub cover over the lifter and slide it away to remove the cover. The lifter then vertically hang the cover near the spa side.
Are Hot Tub Cover Lifters Universal?
Multiple hot tub brands manufacture various models of the hot tub. The hot tubs are available in numerous sizes and shapes. For every shape and size, there is a specific hot tub cover. Similarly, for every shape, size and design, there is a specific hot tub cover lifter. Therefore, you must consider the design, shape and size of the hot tub and cover before getting the spa cover lifter. China Royal Spa suggests to get the one that is specifically designed for your hot tub model. Otherwise, it won’t work properly.
Are Hot Tub Cover Lifters Worth It?
Many users ask this question before buying the hot tub cover lifter that if they worth money? The answer is absolutely yes, the hot tub cover lifters totally worth your time and money. They make the process of removing the hot tub over easy and you can remove the cover without hurting your back.
How Much Space Does a Hot Tub Cover Lifter Need?
Different hot tub covers need different space around the hot tub. However, an average hot tub cover lifter needs 12 to 18 inches area around the hot tub.
Can a Cover Lifter Go on Any Side of the Hot Tub?
Many hot tub users think that they can only install the cover lifter at the backside of the hot tub. However, this is not the case the hot tub cover lifter can be installed on any side of the spa. You can install it at the bottom, back or at the sides of the spa.
What Does the Hot Tub Cover Lifter Do?
The hot tub cover lifter helps you in removing the hot tub cover easily and conveniently. You don’t have to use a lot of your energy and efforts to remove the cover before using the spa. It saves you from backache and injuries.
How Does the Spa Cover Lifter Work?
The spa cover lifters are easy to use and work in a simple way. To remove the spa cover with the help of the lifter, fold the cover on the back of the bar, push it up word, and the cover lifter will lift the cover from the hot tub.
How Long Does a Hot Tub Cover Lifter Last?
On average, a hot tub cover lifter lasts for 5 to 7 years. However, with care and maintenance, it can last longer than this. If you don’t clean and maintain it properly, it can last less than 5 to 7 years.
How Easy are the Hot Tub Lifters to Install?
The hot tub lifters are easy to install. This is because they don’t require so much energy and time for installation. On average, you can install a hot tub cover lifter for 15 minutes.
What Equipments Do You Need to Install the Hot Tub Cover Lifter?
The process of the cover lifter installation is easy. It does not involve the complex equipments. You only need screws, screwdriver, drill and the rubber mallet to install the hot tub cover.
Do You Have to Drain the Spa to Install the Hot Tub Cover Lifter?
Many new users ask this question. Well, it depends on the nature of the spa cover lifter. For example, some lifters can be installed only if the spa is empty. At the same time, others can be installed with a water filled hot tub. So, there are no hard and fast rules to install the hot tub cover lifter.
How Much Does a Hot Tub Cover Lifter Cost?
A hot tub cover lifter costs you between $100 to $200. However, the price could be more or less depending on the size and type of the hot tub cover lifter. The hydraulic cover lifter costs you more than the shelf cover lifter. To know the exact cost of the hot tub cover lifter, contact the local dealer.
What are the Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters?
Following are the best hot tub cover lifters.
- The slider spa cover roller
- Blue wave low mount cover lifter
- The smart spa cover classic bottom mount spa cover lifter
- Smart spa cover max bottom mount cover lifter
- Cover caddy spa cover lifter
- Carefree stuff spa escort easy cover lift
- The cover guy hot tub cover lifter
- Ultralift under mount spa cover lifter
- Hot tub cover lifter by a cover caption
- The cover rock-it