Most people ignore a hot tub cover lifter when purchasing a hot tub but later on, it becomes evident that this is an essential component that should be included in the set.
This is because handling the tub cover manually is very tiring since the piece is usually large and heavy.
While there are different types of these cover lifters, all are designed to make the task of covering and uncovering the spa effortless so that you can do it alone.
That said, you still need to pick the best hot tub cover lifter and here is a close up look at 10 of the best ones in the market.
In this post:
- How To Choose the Best Hot Tub Cover Lifter?
- 10 Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters Reviewed
- 1. Blue Wave NP5022 (Best Budget)
- 2. Cover Valet NP509 (Best Overall)
- 3. Lovatic SpaEase 200 (Best for Square or Rectangle Hot Tubs)
- 4. The Cover Guy Hydraulic (Best Hydraulic)
- 5. Cover Valet CV400 (Lightest)
- 6. Smart Spa CoverClassic (Wide Jacuzzi)
- 7. Leisure Concepts CoverMate (Ergonomically Designed)
- 8. Cover Valet 7910 (Compact)
- 9. Cover Valet CRX (Good Choice)
- 10. Blue Wave NP5041 (Universal Fitting)
- Conclusion
How To Choose the Best Hot Tub Cover Lifter?
Before choosing your hot tub cover lifter you should know following things:
1. Types of Hot Tub Cover Lifters
– Shelf
This is the most affordable type of cover lifter and basically consists of a fixed shelf at the rear or side of the tub.
The problems associated with this design include requiring a large clearance space and it does not really do the weight lifting for you because you have to fold the cover on your own then roll it over to the shelf.
A slightly modified version features rollers, which simplify the process of pushing the cover over the shelf. However, due to this manual pushing, this type is ideal for lightweight spa covers and is rarely used due to these reasons.
– Manual Pivot
A pivot tub cover lifter does a little bit of weight lifting for you but you still have to apply a little manual force to lift up the cover so that you can fold it in two before pushing it back.
On the bright side, this type has quite a universal design that can be used in differently-shaped or sized spas, and multiple options are available for mounting either at the rear, side or bottom.
Even though described as manual, pivot lifters are easier to use than shelf lifters, and can actually be used by a single person.
– Hydraulic
Hydraulic spa cover lifters are top of the line and they eliminate all the manual lifting work. You will still have to fold the cover but once done, simply guide it up then to the back.
Most of them are mounted on the upper deck of the tub’s cabinet, which means they require very little clearance space at the back or sides and can be fixed on in-ground spas. Additionally, they can also be used in differently-shaped spas.
The only issue is that this type is quite expensive but the convenience offered is worth the money.
2. Size and Shape
Not all hot tubs are in the same size and consequently, not all tub cover lifters come in the same size.
Most of these lifters are designed to handle spas with widths ranging from 6-8 feet, and for the best fitting, it is important to get your unit’s dimensions first before buying the lifter.
Another thing to consider is the height of your spa because cover lifters (especially the manual pivot type) are usually designed for a certain height range.
As for the shape, with the different spa shapes available in the market, not all spa cover lifters have a universal fitting design that can be used on all. Therefore, it is important to consider the shape of your tub so as to buy a good fit.
3. Clearance Space
This is also an important factor to consider because the spa cover lifter should fit into the space that you have slotted your hot tub.
If the tub is surrounded by lots of space, then this is not a big issue. However, if it is fixed in a constricted area, then you need to measure the space all around because some lifters might require up to 4 feet of clearance.
Basically, this space is important because it enables the lifter to open the cover properly and store it at the back, as well as close it properly with the arms swinging on the sides so as to cover the entire surface.
4. Attachment Method
There are 3 main attachment methods and these are on the deck, side or back. For deck mounting, drilling is required and though this slightly complicates the installation process, it leads to a sturdier installation.
For side mount lifters, some require drilling to the tub’s cabinet while others have a wide base that is simply slid under the tub, which is easier to install.
Back mount lifters are fitted at the back and most of them have a base platform that is slid under the spa’s cabinet for easy installation.
NB: For above ground tubs, any of these attachment methods can be used but for in-ground units, only the deck-mounted lifters can be used.
10 Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Blue Wave NP5022 (Cheapest) |
|
 | 2. Cover Valet NP509 (Best for Spas) |
|
 | 3. Lovatic SpaEase 200 (Best for Square or Rectangle Hot Tubs) |
|
 | 4. The Cover Guy Hydraulic (Best Hydraulic) |
|
 | 5. Cover Valet CV400 (Lightest Spa Design) |
|
 | 6. Smart Spa CoverClassic (Wide Jacuzzi) |
|
 | 7. Leisure Concepts CoverMate (Ergonomically Designed) |
|
 | 8. Cover Valet 7910 (Compact) |
|
 | 9. Cover Valet CRX (Good) |
|
 | 10. Blue Wave NP5041 (Universal Fitting) |
|
1. Blue Wave NP5022 (Best Budget)
Photo: Blue Wave
- Dimensions: 69 x 102 x 1 inches
- Weight: 19.7 pounds
If you are on a tight budget, you can still get a good hot tub cover lifter such as this one from Blue Wave and despite its low cost, the unit is still well built, having a high-quality powder-coated steel construction that will not rust or corrode easily.
The lifter also has a low-profile design that can fit most square or rectangular shaped hot tubs that are up to 8 feet in width with rounded corners while requiring very little clearance space.
Other features include a pivoting arm design and foam grips for comfortable handling when lifting or lowering the cover.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High-quality powder-coated steel construction
- Low profile design that requires very little clearance space
- Foam grips for comfortable use
Cons:
- Designed only for square or rectangular shaped hot tubs
2. Cover Valet NP509 (Best Overall)
Photo: Cover Valet
- Dimensions: 28 x 12 x 40 inches
- Weight: 22 pounds
Cover Valet’s NP509 stands out as one of the best spa cover lifters because of a number of reasons. For starters, it has a hydraulic lift system that drastically reduces the effort required when handling the tub cover.
This system basically comprises of powerful gas springs, which take the heavy lifting out of this process, making it a lot easier than you would imagine.
The lifter also has a unique under mount cabinet design that enables it to be installed and used on different spa shapes and sizes, ranging from square to rectangular, round and octagonal units.
Other benefits arising from this design include an easy installation and removal process since it is not screwed into the tub cabinet and the provision of a convenient cover storage space at the side of your spa.
Combined, these features make it the top-rated hot tub cover lifter in this review. Other features include a high-grade powder coated aluminum construction and an adjustable height (30-40 inches).
However, the unit requires a 36-inch clearance space and is quite heavy but once installed, you don’t have to move it.
Pros:
- Powerful gas spring hydraulic system
- Unique under mount cabinet design
- Easy to install
- High-grade powder coated aluminum construction
- Adjustable 30-40-inch height to suit different spa heights
Cons:
- Quite heavy
- Requires a big clearance space
3. Lovatic SpaEase 200 (Best for Square or Rectangle Hot Tubs)
Photo: Lovatic
- Dimensions: 42.8 x 17.6 x 3.8 inches
- Weight: 23.7 pounds
If you own a square or rectangular spa, then this SpaEase 200 tub cover lifter should be on your radar. It is designed to fit such spas that are up to 96 inches wide, with a corner radius that does not exceed 10 inches.
Though the installation process is a bit challenging, requiring you to drill then fasten the unit to the tub’s cabinet, once installed, it attaches itself strongly to the hot tub and requires only 10-12 inches of clearance space at the back and 6 inches on the sides.
For the actual lifting, a hydraulic system is used and it consists of dual pistons that feature Reverse Pneumatic Technology (RPT). Basically, the pistons help you in raising the cover and once it reaches halfway, RPT completes the job.
However, the structure is quite heavy, but it has a steel and aluminum construction that is very sturdy.
Pros:
- Designed to fit large square or rectangular spas that are up to 96 inches in width
- Requires a small clearance space
- Hydraulic RPT lifting system with dual pistons
- Strong steel and aluminum construction
Cons:
- Heavy
- Only suitable for square or rectangular tubs
4. The Cover Guy Hydraulic (Best Hydraulic)
Photo: The Cover Guy
- Dimensions: 48 x 35 x 1.9 inches
- Weight: 21.7 pounds
The Cover Guy’s hydraulic lift system is quite strong due to its rust and corrosion-resistant gas springs, which are very durable. These springs are then held together by a large diameter powder-coated aircraft aluminum tubing, which eliminates twisting and torquing.
This whole structure is very easy to assemble and it comes with step-by-step instructions to help you if you get stuck.
With a high side or top mount installation method plus a compact design, the lifter requires very little clearance space, and can also be used for in-ground spas that are sunk into your deck or floor.
Other features include a universal fitting size for square or rectangular tubs that are up to 96 x 96 inches in size, with curved corners that do not exceed a radius of 16 inches.
Pros:
- Rust and corrosion resistant gas springs
- Large diameter powder-coated aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Easy to assemble
- Requires very little clearance space
- Universal fitting size for tubs up to 96 x 96 inches in size
Cons:
- Suitable only for square or rectangular hot tubs
- Requires assembly before use
5. Cover Valet CV400 (Lightest)
Photo: Cover Valet
- Dimensions: 37 x 4 x 18 inches
- Weight: 11.7 pounds
Although weight does not really matter once a spa cover lifter is installed, it does matter during the installation process, with a lightweight design such as this CV400 being much easier to handle when setting it up.
Apart from this, the unit is equipped with a premium cover removal system that incorporates the use of gas shock pneumatic pistons, which drastically reduce the effort required to raise or lower heavy covers.
The lifter mounts to the upper edge of the tub’s cabinet and with this design, it requires a very little clearance space of 4-6 inches, covering square or rectangular spas that are up to 8 feet in width, be they in or above ground.
A locking safety feature is included in the design for holding the cover until you lower it while a powder-coated heavy-duty zinc construction with stainless-steel hardware makes it very tough and durable.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Gas shock pneumatic hydraulic pistons
- Requires very little clearance space
- Locking feature for safety purposes
- Heavy duty zinc construction with stainless steel hardware
Cons:
- Only suitable for square or rectangular spas
6. Smart Spa CoverClassic (Wide Jacuzzi)
Photo: Smart Spa
- Dimensions: 99 x 96 x 99 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
Though built for square or rectangular tubs only, this CoverClassic has a wide, low-profile design that extends 99, 96 and 99 inches in height, width, and depth respectively, which means it can be used on large tubs that are up to 96 inches wide.
Additionally, since it has a low-profile design, the lifter blends easily on most tubs and requires only 18 inches of clearance space behind the spa and 3 inches on the sides.
Instead of a hydraulic lift system, the unit features a pivot lift assist, which is not as good as the previous but still simplifies the task of covering and uncovering to some extent.
Other features include a sturdy powder-coated aluminum construction plus a lightweight structure that weighs only 12 pounds. On the downside, the lifter is not built for sunken hot tubs.
Pros:
- Wide, low profile design
- Requires a small clearance space
- Pivot lift assist
- Sturdy powder coated aluminum construction
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Not compatible with inground hot tubs
- Designed only for square or rectangular spas
7. Leisure Concepts CoverMate (Ergonomically Designed)
Photo: Leisure Concepts
- Dimensions: 44 x 21 x 5 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
This CoverMate hot tub cover has an ergonomic design that comprises of foam grips on each side for comfortable handling. In addition to this, it comes with TowelMate, which is an accessory that can be used to hang up to 3 towels within close reach.
With a powder coated aluminum construction, the lifter is very strong, durable and lightweight, and features non-corrosive mounting brackets plus nylon straps, which look much better as compared to chain straps.
The unit requires 18 inches of clearance at the back and 4-5 inches on the sides, which is quite large and is designed to fit spas that range from 6-8 feet (96 inches) in width. On the downside, it is quite expensive but you get an ergonomic design with a towel hanging accessory.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design with foam grips
- Comes with TowelMate for hanging up to 3 towels within close reach
- Sturdy and lightweight powder coated aluminum construction
- Non-corrosive mounting brackets and nylon straps
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only suitable for square or rectangular spas
8. Cover Valet 7910 (Compact)
Photo: Cover Valet
- Dimensions: 32 x 8 x 3 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
With a compact construction advantage, Cover Valet’s 250 is designed to fit on most hot tubs including in-ground units or those that are against a wall because the required clearance is very minimal. However, the tub should not exceed 7.5 feet (90 inches) in size.
That said, the lifter weighs 15 pounds despite its small size, but this is due to a powder coated aluminum construction with stainless steel hardware that is very durable.
Additionally, dual gas springs are included for simple hydraulic opening and closing while a built-in locking feature holds the cover safely open until you decide to bring it down.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Can be used on in ground or above ground tubs
- Powder coated aluminum construction with stainless steel hardware
- Dual gas springs for easy use
- Built-in locking feature
Cons:
- No accessory included
9. Cover Valet CRX (Good Choice)
Photo: Cover Valet
- Weight: 17 pounds
Cover Valet’s CRX hot tub cover lifter features the unique under mount installation design and though it requires 18 inches of clearance space at the back of your spa, it is very easy to install (requires no drilling) and no side clearance is required.
On top of this, the under mount design means that the lifter can be used on tubs of all shapes, be it rectangular, square, round or octagonal. However, the unit cannot be used on inground spas.
Other features include a single gas shock that assists in raising and lowering of the cover, an adjustable height range of 24-38 inches and a high-grade powder coated aluminum construction.
Pros:
- Unique undermount installation design
- Easy to install
- Can be used on differently-shaped spas
- Easy to use gas shock hydraulic lift system
- Adjustable height range to cater for spas of different heights
Cons:
- Requires a large clearance space at the back
- Cannot be used on in-ground spas
10. Blue Wave NP5041 (Universal Fitting)
Photo: Blue Wave
- Dimensions: 96 x 5 x 38 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
One major advantage that the NP5041 has is a universal fitting design, in which it can be used on square, rectangular, oval, octagon and most round spas. Additionally, it can be adjusted both height-wise and width-wise so as to cover a wide range of spas.
However, the lifter requires quite a lot of clearing space (21-23 inches on the back and 5 inches on the sides) and this makes it difficult to use on in-ground hot tubs.
On the bright side, heavy duty springs are included for assisting in cover lifting or lowering while a side under mount installation design simplifies the installation process since no drilling is required, and this ensures it does not damage the spa cabinet.
Other features include a strong, durable and corrosion-resistant powder-coated metal construction that is easy to assemble, and a universal-fitting size for spas ranging from 6-8 inches in width.
Pros:
- Can be used on differently-shaped hot tubs
- Adjustable height-wise and width-wise
- Heavy-duty springs help in raising or lowering the cover
- Side under mount design makes it easy to install
- Strong and corrosion-resistant powder-coated metal construction
Cons:
- Requires a lot of clearance
- Not suitable for in-ground pools
Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a lot of things to consider before buying a hot tub cover lifter, and the selection can be very difficult especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Since hot tub maintenance is important and a tub cover lifter is a crucial component in this process.
You should get the most ideal kit and after going through the review above, so you should be in a better position to pick the best hot tub cover lifter that fits your spa.