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Hot Tub Covers and Lifters

Your hot tub purchase should include an insulated cover in the basic sale price. A hot tub cover serves several important functions including:

• Preventing heat loss
• Keeping leaves and other debris from the water
• Preventing weather damage to the top of the spa.
• Keeping children and pets out.

When you're shopping, consider the following features of a cover:

Safety Requirements: Hot tub covers should meet safety requirements for static load (amount of weight the cover can withstand), perimeter deflection (prevention of objects passing between the cover and the side of the hot tub), and other requirements, such as labeling, fastening, and surface drainage. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) sets these standards.

• Be certain that any cover you buy is ASTM approved.

Vinyl: Your hot tub cover should be treated with mildew and UV inhibitors, to withstand constant attack from the elements, and the water inside the tub. The bottom side vinyl must also be constructed to withstand wear from hot tub chemicals.

• Be sure that the vinyl on your cover can withstand wear and tear from weather and spa chemicals.

Foam Core: Hot tub covers are usually priced based on the density of their foam cores. Density generally ranges from 1 lb. to 4 lb. This foam serves as insulation, to keep your hot tub water's heat from escaping when the hot tub is not in use. A good cover will have a tapered foam core that allows for run-off of excess water. The foam should also be lightweight, so you'll have less trouble lifting the cover.

• Look for high-density insulation, weight and provision for water run-off.

Heat Seal Gaskets and Hinges: Hot tub covers fold, and this is often where heat is lost. Your cover should include gaskets that seal the two halves of the cover when it is closed. Your cover should also have reinforced hinges to handle its weight when folded and unfolded.

• Look for good gaskets and hinges.

Locking Hardware: A hot tub cover should meet the ASTM's standards for locking safety. Locks are often modeled after the quick-release buttons found on sports equipment and should lock individually with a key provided.

• Look for ASTM approved locking standards.

Hot Tub Cover Lifting Devices

Well-insulated hot tub covers, by nature of their design, are heavy. Many consumers opt to buy a cover-lifting device to assist with placement and removal of the cover. There are a many kinds of lifting devices. The most common use a metal bar in the fold of the cover, with a handle for leverage. After the cover is folded, the handle is lifted upward, and the cover hangs on the back of the spa. When you're shopping for a cover-lifting device, consider the following:

• How is the device attached to the hot tub? It's best to choose a lifter that uses heavy gauge hardware, rather than chains or small brackets to hold the cover.
• Do you have enough clearance? A lifting device lifts the cover over the top of the spa. If you have a roof overhang or a gazebo, you may not have enough clearance to properly use the device.
• What materials were used to build the lifter? A good hot tub cover lifter should be light and sturdy, with well-treated rust-free materials.
• Does the device offer the assistance you need? Hot tub cover lifters may include gas shocks, or even foot pedals to ease the removal and placement of your cover. Test the lifter in the dealer's showroom. Can you easily remove the cover without assistance? If not, look for another lifter.