Hot tub cover lifters make solo soaks possible
You might not have thought about the challenge of removing a cover during the excitement of installing a new hot tub. Fortunately, several types of hot tub cover lifters are available to save your back and make it possible to enjoy the hot tub, even when you are alone.
| Lifter Type | Largest Benefit |
|---|---|
| Manual | Low cost |
| Hydraulic | Requires little human effort |
| Cover shelf | Aesthetically pleasing |
| Undermount | No drilling required |
| Side mount | Completely removes the cover from the surface |
| Low mount | Provides an unobstructed view |
There are three primary types of hot tub cover lifters: manual, hydraulic, and cover shelves. The cover size, hot tub configuration, and tub clearance all contribute to determining the best type of hot tub cover for your home.
Manual lifters have a metal bar in the middle of the hot tub cover, at the fold line. It is mounted on brackets that pivot. When you want to use the hot tub, you fold the cover back at the fold line. This puts the cover over the metal bar. Then you lift and push it back so it rests on the metal lifter and is off the hot tub.
Before choosing a manual hot tub cover lifter, measure the area around the hot tub to ensure you have enough space for the cover to sit. Manual lifters can position the cover as low or high as you want. Some people prefer to use the cover as a sort of privacy screen, placing the brackets higher on the tub; however, you can install them lower on the tub if you prefer to look out while relaxing in the hot tub.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Options for installation depend on the type of view you want | Needs adequate clearance around the hot tub, depending on how you install it |
| Most economical option | Requires physical strength to fold the cover against the lifter |
| Fits most hot tubs, no matter the shape or size |
Best for: Hot tub owners on a budget
The hydraulic hot tub cover lifter provides an automatic lift and requires much less physical strength. Hydraulic pistons lift the hot tub cover for you, taking on its weight. It works similarly to the manual pivot lifter with brackets installed on the hot tub’s cabinet and an arm that lays across the middle of the cover.
Like the manual lifter, you fold the cover back but simply guide it, as opposed to handling its weight. Instead, the hydraulic arms carry the weight. You can choose how it gets installed, whether with a view obstruction for privacy or lower on the tub, bringing the cover down to ground level for a 360-degree view from the tub.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes lifting a heavy hot tub cover much easier | The costliest type of hot tub cover lifter |
| Options for installation depend on the level of privacy you want | Hydraulic components can break and require maintenance |
| Most hydraulic hot tub cover lifters are adjustable and can fit most covers |
Best for: Hot tub owners who like to soak alone
A cover shelf lifter is not a lifter per se, but a shelf you can slide the cover into while using the hot tub. Like the manual hot tub cover lifter, you must fold the cover in half, then slide it onto the cover shelf. This provides an unobstructed view around your hot tub while in use.
This option is nice when you like to enjoy the hot tub solo because you do not have to lift the cover; you can simply slide it. Some cover shelves use rollers, making removing the hot tub cover even easier.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides attractive storage for the cover while using the hot tub | Takes up a lot of space, so you must have adequate clearance around the hot tub |
| The addition of rollers makes it easier to remove the cover. | It can be cumbersome if you have a large cover. |
| Some options allow the shelf to fold down when not in use. |
Best for: Hot tub owners worried about aesthetics
When choosing the best type of hot tub cover lifter, it is important to consider how it operates, as well as its aesthetic appeal. Here are three additional types of hot tub cover lifters by style.
Undermount hot tub cover lifters are often favored because they do not require you to drill into the tub's housing. The bracket metal plate sits under the hot tub, or you can bolt it to your deck. The downside is that you must choose this option before filling your hot tub since it goes underneath the tub.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Does not require additional space around the hot tub | Does not work with all hot tub sizes and shapes |
| Easy to install | Requires an empty tub for installation |
| Works with manual or hydraulic lifters |
Best for: Hot tubs that have not yet been installed or filled
The side mount sits on the top and sides of your hot tub. Your tub must be able to support the size and weight of the cover for this type of mount, and depending on how high you install it on the sides, it could obstruct your view while using the hot tub.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works well for DIY hot tub cover lifters | Can obstruct the view from the tub if installed too high |
| Allows you to remove cover fully from the tub for optimal use | Requires a lot of clearance around the side of the tub |
| Is preferred for single-person cover removal |
Best for: Hot tubs with a lot of clearance
The low mount hot tub cover lifter sits at the bottom of the hot tub. When you lift the cover off the tub, it sits on the ground, allowing better views from the tub while in use. Unlike the undermount, you must drill the lifter into the sides of the hot tub, which is a downside for some hot tub owners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a clear (or almost clear) view from your hot tub | May require extensive clearance around the top to store the cover |
| Works well with square or rectangular hot tubs | Does not work for all hot tub shapes and sizes |
| Easy to install |
Best for: Hot tub owners looking for an unobstructed view
When choosing the best hot tub cover lifter, there are certain factors to consider, including:
Available space around the hot tub: Pay close attention to the space you have between your hot tub and any obstacles, measuring the distance to determine the best type of hot tub cover lifter.
Hot tub shape and size: Some hot tub cover lifters only work with specific shapes or sizes. They also have specific size restrictions. Know your tub and cover’s specifications before purchasing a lifter.
Type of mount: Not all mounts work with all types of hot tubs. For example, if your tub is filled, you probably do not want an undermount, and if you want an unobstructed view from the tub, you may not want a side mount.
Given the already high hot tub cost, with an average of $6,000, you might wonder if hot tub cover lifters are worth the extra investment. For most homeowners, the answer is yes; a hot tub cover lifter can prolong the hot tub's life.
The easier it is for one person to remove the hot tub cover, the more likely they are to maintain the water and use the hot tub. This helps make the investment in the hot tub worth it and allows you to use it even when you are alone, despite the cover's 50- to 75-pound weight.
If you are unsure which hot tub cover lifter works best for your hot tub, contact a hot tub installer near you to get professional advice and installation.
