Best Hot Tub Cover Lifter to Help You Lift the Cover Easily

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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When you buy a hot tub, you need a cover lift to go with it. At first, without the cover lifter, it won't take long to realize how difficult it is to move the heavy spa cover whenever you want to use the tub. Moreover, without the hot tub cover lifter, your enjoyment of the spa will reduce. Now you know that the best hot tub cover lifter is a must-have accessory for an amazing spa experience.

With the right hot tube cover lifter, opening and closing the spa tub is a hassle-free task you can accomplish alone. To make it easy for you to find the best hot tub cover lifter that suits your hot tub and its cover, we have this review to guide you through. Let's begin!

1. Cover Caddy Hot Tub Cover Lifter

Cover Caddy Hot Tub Cover Lifter for Spas – Universal...
  • UNVEIL THE ULTIMATE SPA UPGRADE! Enjoy unobstructed panoramic...
  • RELAX WITH 360-DEGREE UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS! Kick back, relax & soak...
  • UP TO 3 YEARS OF ADDED COVER DURABILITY! Say goodbye to crumpled,...
  • DOESN’T ATTACH TO YOUR SPA’S CABINET! Simple & easy to...
  • TOUGH, LIGHTWEIGHT & TOTALLY CORROSION-RESISTANT! Premium quality...

With the help of Cover Caddy, accessing the hot tub was much easier. This made it convenient for us to soak and relax at anytime that we wanted without having to manually lift the covers. The design of the cover caddy removes large parts of the cover that may limit our field of vision, so we can freely enjoy the space around us while relaxing.

After some initial hitches, installation was easy enough. The initial setup process may be time consuming but if one follows all the steps very closely it is relatively easy. Once installed this product blended well into our yard.  

For durability, the Cover Caddy is made out of aluminum. It can be used in all weather conditions, and won't rust. All in all, if you want a sturdy hot tub cover lifter which is easy to operate, the Cover Caddy is a perfect choice.

Pros:

  • Easy to lift and store the cover with minimal effort.
  • Maintains clear views around the hot tub; no obstructions.
  • Made with durable materials that withstand outdoor conditions.

Cons:

  • Initial assembly might require some patience.
  • Can take up space when not in use.
  • Price point may be higher than basic models.

2. Blue Wave 8ft. Low Mount Spa Cover Lift (NP5022)

Sale
Blue Wave NP5022 Low Mount Spa Cover Lift,Brown
  • Makes lifting your spa cover easy
  • Constructed of high quality powder-coated steel
  • Fits most square & rectangular spas up to 8 ft wide with radius...
  • Won't rust or corrode over time
  • Backed by a 1-year warranty

Blue Wave low mount spa cover lift is simple and effective. It makes lifting your hot tub cover easy and effortless. This low mount spa cover is constructed of high-quality powder-coated steel, making it sturdy for the task at hand. Furthermore, it is designed to suit most rectangular or square spa shapes up to 8 ft. wide with radius corners.

Blue Wave spa cover lift is a rocker lift that provides mechanical assistance with lifting hot tub covers. Once you have installed it properly, it operates great and makes opening and closing your hot tub a hassle-free task even with a single hand. Besides, it lets you adjust how high the hot tub cover stands when open.

Mounting this hot tub cover lifter is easy, although the provided instructions sophisticate the process instead of helping. The steel material makes it resistant to, rust so it won't corrode or rust over time. Besides, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

Pros:

  • It is a corrosion-resistant cover lifter
  • Easy to use and install
  • Comes at an affordable price
  • Well built and good quality cover lifter

Cons:

  • Designed for hot tubs with round corners

3. TOCRETOARE Hot Tub Cover Lifter

TOCRETOARE Hot Tub Cover Lifter, Spa Cover Lift, Hot...
  • Easy Installation - We provide installation videos in our...
  • Widely Applicable - This hot tub cover holder fits for bathtub in...
  • Adjustable Height and Wide - the height and wide of the bracket...
  • Kindly Note - Make sure there is 18 inches of clearance behind...
  • Reliable Service - If there is any operation or quality problem,...

Overall, our experience with the TOCRETOARE Hot Tub Cover Lifter has been mostly positive. Installation was quite simple; at least we did not have to hammer on our new hot tub. Another advantage of this product is that it can be adjusted to accommodate the different heights of various tub models.

The stability is fairly good, although we saw slight vibrations during its operation. It is not the most robust structure that we have come across, but it sufficient. The assembly instructions were quite confusing, however, taking our time was helpful.

In as much as functionality is concerned, this lift has made it easier for us to cover and uncover our spa area. We approve it for anybody who wants to avoid damage from drilling into their tub. Also their fast customer support is quite useful in case of problems.

Pros:

  • Simple installation process with no drilling required
  • Adjustable height fits various tub sizes
  • Reliable customer service for issues

Cons:

  • Some parts feel slightly flimsy
  • Assembly instructions could be clearer
  • Stability issues when lifting

4. Starmist Hot Tub Cover Lift Bar

Sale
Hot Tub Cover Lift Bar,Two Sides Spa Cover...
  • Quick and easy installation: The hot tub cover lift bar...
  • Strong and durable construction: Crafted for longevity, this hot...
  • Fits most hot tubs and spas: Designed for rectangular hot tubs,...
  • User-friendly design: Featuring sponge padding at rotation...
  • Enhanced safety features: Prioritizing user safety, this hot tub...

The Starmist Hot Tub Cover Lift Bar has made a huge difference in the way we deal with hot tub maintenance. Regarding the installation process, it was a breeze because the pack came with the mounting equipment and guidelines. It was designed to fit right under the tub without any form of drilling hence making the setup very easy for any layman.

It also shows brilliant build quality. It has a firm yet light texture and we have seen that the anti-rust treatments hold well and makes for a long-lasting product. The extra padding that is provided at the rotating junctions ensures a firm hold of the cover during operation, so we are never troubled by cover slippage.

This lift bar is very universal, and it will be suitable for most rectangular hot tubs with dimensions within this range. It works seamlessly even in confined spaces. Although it does need a bit of space to work efficiently, most people will love how it fits into their hot tub system.

Pros:

  • Effortless installation with no drilling needed
  • Sturdy construction designed to last
  • Fits a wide range of hot tub sizes

Cons:

  • Requires a bit of space for installation
  • May not suit certain hot tub shapes
  • Limited adjustability for unique setups

5. Dogetgd Spa Cover Lift

Dogetgd Spa Cover Lift Top Mount Spa & Hot Tub Cover...
  • Sturdy And Durable - Our spa cover lifter is made of...
  • Stable Structure - With upgraded triangular structure, the...
  • Easy to Install - Installs in minutes, no drilling required, not...
  • Fits Most Spa Hot Tubs - Fits most 96" spas with a maximum corner...
  • Excellent Service - From prompt responses to any queries to...

Upon testing the Dogetgd Spa Cover Lift, we could hardly believe that the device is so well-made. The High Tensile Steel and the Zinc Richer Coating give confidence, this lifter will not corrode over time or get destroyed by rusting. We love products that stand the test of time and this was actually one of the best.

This was followed by installation which only took about 5 minutes. We understood the instructions and appreciated the no-drill element of it. Nonetheless, it’s important to highlight that this particular lifter is unable to accommodate round hot tubs, thus considerably restricting the sphere of its applicability.

Have tried other models like the scissor design that I noticed greatly improves stability in a triangular design. During operation it was rather safe, with no feelings of oscillation or fluctuation of the equipment. Inclusive, the Dogetgd Spa Cover Lift is versatile with enhanced sturdiness and functionality that makes it useful for hot tub usage.

Pros:

  • Sturdy, anti-corrosion materials ensure longevity.
  • Enhanced stability makes operation smoother.
  • Quick installation process means no drilling required.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for round spas.
  • May not fit smaller, two-person models.
  • Initial setup can be tricky for some users.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Hot Tub Cover Lifter

1. The size of the hot tub

The cover lifters are made with particular tub sizes in mind. Also, most lifters will work on hot tubs that are between 76 inches and 96 inches wide. Some are adjustable to suit the tub's height and cover thickness. Therefore, before you buy, you will need to measure your hot tub and cover dimensions, as these dimensions are vital in choosing a lift size that will work and fit well.

2. The shape of the hot tub

Hot tubs come in different shapes from oval, square, round, heart, rectangular, triangular to octagonal. Some cover lifters are compatible with straight-sided tub; others work only on round covers, while some are multipurpose and suit different shapes. Have the shape of your hot tub at the back of your mind while shopping for the cover lifter so that you can choose one that is compatible.

3. Attached lifts Vs. Detached lifts

The attached lifters are permanently installed into the hot tub and require hole drilling on the tub to mount them. Conversely, detached lifters rest underneath the tub, and the weight of the hot tub keeps them in place.

Additionally, the best hot tub lifter for you will depend on how your hot tub is installed. Whether your hot tub is installed stand-alone, on a deck, or in-ground will determine the ideal attachment method. There are side mount, back mount, bottom mount, and under-mount lifters.

4. Ease of operation of the best hot tub cover lifter

Cover lifters use a fulcrum or lever principle to help in the movement of the tub cover. Even the easiest cover rollers make it simple to open and close your tub without hassle. Nonetheless, the ease of use will differ depending on the assist mechanism a lifter provides.

A hydraulic cover lift provides an effortless experience. You fold the hot tub cover back and guide it up and back as the hydraulic arms handle the weight of the cover, making opening and closing your hot tub an easy one-hand task.

Manual pivot cover lifters have a long, metal bar that runs across the middle of the hot tub cover. They require you first to fold the tub cover in half, lift it upwards and push back. A great manual pivot ensures opening and closing a hot tub cover an easy one-hand task.

5. The thickness of the hot tub cover

Hot tub cover lifts are made to be compatible with a particular range of hot tub cover thicknesses. Therefore, ensure you double-check that the tub cover lifter you want to buy will suit the thickness of your tub cover. Some cover lifters are also adjustable and can fit a wide variety of cover thicknesses.

Hot tub covers and hot tubs come in every shape and size. Moreover, where and the surface your hot tub is placed all must be factored in when making a buying decision.

6. Folded cover position and cover storage position

Various cover lifters place the folded tub cover in different positions. Some lifters keep the hot tub cover in an upright position to offer some privacy, while others keep it completely out of the way. Ensure the folded tub cover position you prefer will fit the space you have around your hot tub. Furthermore, it is crucial to go for the cover lifter that does not place the cover in contact with the ground to scuff the floor or get dirty easily.

7. Clearance space

It is important to keep in mind the space you have around your hot tub when looking for the hot tub cover lifters. Cover lifters need space for the hot tub cover to open properly and stay off the tub. Some cover lifts need very little space, while others need as much as four feet. Furthermore, most covers lifters also require side clearance to accommodate swinging pistons and arms. Therefore, make sure you check this specification to get a cover lifter that will suit the space you have.

8. Installation requirements

Check out the installation requirements of the hot tub cover lifter you are considering to ensure you are comfortable with them. The best cover lifter is easy to install and assemble. Some tub lifters require you to drill holes into the tub cabinet, some require the use of brackets, while some recommend emptying your hot tub so you can easily slide the lifter underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hot Tub Cover Lifter

1. How do the cover lifters help?

Cover lifters help in making the opening and closing of the hot tub easier. A hot tub cover weighs about 50-70 pounds, and a good cover lifter makes it feel almost weightless and lifting it a hassle-free task for one person. The covers also help by extending the life of your cover since they reduce the need to handle the cover personally.

2. Why purchase a hot tub lifter?

A hot tub cover lifter is a must-have for your hot tub experiences to be amazing and good as they should be, and if you want, increase your cover's lifespan and protect your back from injuries. The lifter opens the hot tub cover easily and replaces it without hassle. Once you purchase and start using a hot tub cover lifter, you will wonder how you survived without one.

3. What are the benefits of hot tub covers lifter?

Hot tub covers are huge and heavy and can be awkward and hard to handle. You can either choose to wrestle with the cover while opening and closing or get another person to help. However, with a hot tub cover lifter, lifting, replacing, and moving your spa cover will be fast, easy, and without hassle, and they prevent dropping and dragging of the covers. Furthermore, using your hot tub will be more enjoyable and you will also enjoy more years of service from the cover.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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