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Cover Lifters

Covers may be very cumbersome to handle alone due to their weight and bulk. Many hot tub owners cannot remove and replace the cover alone, and a cover lifter is therefore essential. A cover lifter is a mechanism attached to the spa cabinet and the cover, making it easy to maneuver. These devices allow people to take the spa's cover off or on, often with just one hand. This also helps to extend the life of the cover, which can be an expensive item to replace. Since 1998, cover lifters have become the most predominant add-on feature sold on spas after purchase.

There are a variety of cover lifters available, and we strongly recommend purchasing a cover lifter that has been designed and approved by the manufacturer, not the retailer, in order to avoid problems. There are two types of cover lifters that we have seen and strongly recommend. One holds the cover at a vertical angle when the cover is removed, while the other holds the cover behind the spa when removed. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

The cover lifter that holds the cover at a vertical angle works with a pneumatic arm. While this makes the removal and replacement of the cover very easy, the pneumatic arm may deteriorate over time. Some people do not like having the cover stand at a vertical angle because it can block some of the view from the hot tub, while others consider this a benefit, using the upright cover as a wall for more privacy.

The cover lifter that holds the cover behind the spa works without any use of gas shocks or hydraulics, making it a very durable cover lifter. A little more effort is required in order to remove and replace the cover, but it is still easy to maneuver. If you are older, or do not have a lot of strength, it is not recommended to use this type of cover lifter. While this cover lifter does not block any views from the spa, at least 10" of space is required behind the spa in order to make room for the cover, which can be a problem for those with limited space.

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