Wondering what is a hot tub cover lifter?
If you have been shopping around for the best hot tub, you might have heard a lot about hot tub cover lifters.
For those unfamiliar, a cover lifter is one of the essential hot tub accessories. It is a lifting device or tool that is designed to make folding and unfolding the hot tub covers stress-free.
A hot tub cover lifter is also called an easy lift spa cover. Almost all spa tubs are compatible with cover lifters. This accessory fits onto the side or underneath of your hot tub and connects to the spa cover. They work with covers that fold in the middle.
To find out more about hot tub cover lifters, keep reading below.
Types of Hot Tub Cover Lifters
There are different types of cover lifters. Some are manual (standard) while others are hydraulic. Some folding arms are also available that offer shelf-style to manage the cover.
When it’s time to purchase a new spa cover lifter or upgrade one, you’ll have to decide between these types of the cover lifter.
Let’s find the details of these types.
1. Manual Pivot Hot Tub Cover Lifter:
It is the most common or traditional style of a cover lifter.
This pivot style lifter includes two brackets that you need to screw into the right and left sides of the top lip of your tub.
A long metal bar goes over the middle half of the cover. This system lets the cover fold in half over the bar. Then, you need to lift the cover a few inches and push it back to hang it vertically.
It is a cost-effective solution. Manual cover lifters are very durable and offer the best value for the investment.
The standard cover lifter can be upright/ top-mount or low-profile/under-mount design.
Top-mount: The folded cover stands straight up on the back end of the tub. So, it provides you with an added privacy while you’re in the spa. It also works as a windbreaker.
Low-profile design: Standard hot tub cover lifters are also available in the low profile design. This style of cover lifter works the same way as the side mount cover lifters, except it holds the cover much lower to the ground.
If you don’t like the style of cover sitting above the top lip of the hot tub, a low-profile style can be best for you. However, as it holds the cover at the ground level, a low-profile lifter can be a little challenging to handle.
2. Hydraulic Hot Tub Cover Lifter
A hydraulically assisted cover lifter makes the chore of handling spa cover easier for a solo soak. Most of the lifter of this category requires comparatively less clearance from any nearby objects.
This type works almost the same way as a manual cover lifter except this variation includes “pistons” or gas springs and shocks. incorporated into the top bars. The piston assists you in lifting and lowering the hot tub cover with one hand.
What you have to do is fold the cover, gently push the cover in the upward direction. The pistons will take the weight away! No force is needed.
It is useful for handling bulky sizes covers. Also, people who have physical limitations can benefit most from a hydraulic lifter.
3. Shelf Style Cover Lifters
This style features foldable shelf arms that you can mount to the back or any side of your hot tub.
Technically, these are not lifters. But they provide you with an easier way to handle your hot tub cover. Rather than lifting your spa cover, the shelf system lets you fold and slide it off the tub and onto the arms of the shelf.
What you have to do is extend the shelf arms and then slide the spa cover on them.
It is a very cost-effective solution but, they take up more space for clearance.
This is a good choice if you have the necessary clearance around the tub and, lifting the weight of your spa cover isn’t a problem for you.
4. Automated Hot Tub Cover Lifter
There are some smart spa cover lifters. This type uses a motor to lift and replace the cover.
With the turn of a switch, an automated lifter lifts the cover off the surface of your hot tub and turns it into a temporary gazebo. Thus, it provides you with elements and at the same time gives you the view you like.
However, it’s a premium choice with a high price tag.
Cover lifters are available in a variety of options to fit every configuration and size of the hot tub.
This hot tub accessory is also available in a wide array of styles.
How to Install a Hot Tub Cover Lifter
When it comes to installation, you have to options you have different options to mount.
Deck- mounting: This option includes two support arms that you need to drill the deck and screw into both sides of the tub. Deck mounting is possible only for rectangle and square-shaped hot tubs.
Underneath or free-style mounting: This is a great option if you want to avoid drill holes in your spa deck. This style is easy to install.
These models come with two metal plates that you need to place underneath the base of the tub. They use the weight of the hot tub for support.
If you’re planning for your hot tub installation, be sure you have enough clearance for the cover lifter.
Installing a cover lifter is a DIY project. If you are a skilled handyman, easy lift spa cover installation might be easy for you. However, you must have all the necessary tools for installation at hand.
Read the manufacturer installation instructions carefully.
In general, it requires drilling a hole into your hot tub to install the lifter. If you have any doubt, contact the hot tub manufacturer or dealer.
If you have a very high-end hot tub with a high price tag, it’s a good idea to call a professional for installation.
How Much Room Do You Need For A Hot Tub Cover Lifter?
It depends on the type and style of the lifter and the size of your cover lifter. Some lifters hold the cover vertically at one end of the tub. This style of lifters may require approximately 18 inches of clearance behind the hot tub for operation.
Gliding style lifters require a minimum 14-inch of clearance on the back end of the tub.
Shelf-style lifter requires a maximum of 4 feet of clearance.
Upright cover lifters that lift the spa cover directly above the tub require only 7-inch of clearance to open and hold in place. It’s a great space-saving solution.
You Might Ask Yourself, “Do I Need A Hot Tub Cover Lifter?”
An easy-lift spa cover is a must-have for any spa tub owner. It is an excellent investment with your hot tub. Adding a spa cover lifter offers you several benefits.
Cover lifter makes covering and uncovering your spa stress-free for enjoying a solo soak. It also helps to prolong the life of your hot tub and its cover.
In my opinion, your hot tub installation remains incomplete until you add a cover lifter.
Outfit your hot tub cover with the best cover lifter and have the perfect beginning and ending to each use of your spa.
Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS)
Patrick Martinez is a pool and hot tub professional. He is a Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist (CMS). He has a strong understanding of patio, spa, pool safety, maintenance, and water chemistry. (See Full Bio)