A hot tub cover lifter is an excellent accessory for spa owners who want to reduce the effort required to fold/unfold the hot tub cover. The tub cover can weigh up to 75 pounds, and lifting it yourself is challenging, so using a lifter will also benefit your health.
If you want to upgrade your hot tub, getting a spa cover lifter is a great choice. However, choosing and installing it can be difficult, so we created this all-in-one guide for you.
In this article, we will go over hot tub cover lifters in detail and answer all of your questions:
- What is a hot tub cover lifter?
- How to use it?
- How to install and fix it?
- What types do exist, and which models are the best?
- How to make it manually?
- Is it worth your money?
Let’s find out how to upgrade your hot tub!
Comparison Table
| Model | Characteristics | What makes it the best |
 Uceder Cover Roller Winning category The best shelf cover lifter | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.1 Dimensions: 31" x 5.5" x 4.1" Material: Waterproof Color: Black Max load: 75 lbs Required to drill: Yes Kit: 2 arms with 4 rollers on each User manual: Check manual | The most durable – made of waterproof The most versatile lift – compatible with all types of covers, whether they are rectangular or round The easiest to install – requires no more than 20 minutes for the installation Jump to the detailed review |
 UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift Winning category The best manual pivot cover lifter | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.4 Dimensions: up to 54" x 54" Material: Aluminum Color: Black Cover max-width: 109" Clearance: 16" rear & 5" on the side Required to drill: No User manual: Check manual | The safest for a hot tub – does not require drilling holes for installation The most compact – requires up to 16" clearance behind the hot tub The most solid screws in the kit – reliably reinforce arms Jump to the detailed review |
 MySpaCover Hydraulic Cover Lifter Winning category The best hydraulic lifter | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.1 Dimensions: 26" x 5" Material: Aluminum Color: Black Cover max size: 96" Required to drill: Yes User manual: Check manual | The easiest to use – allows you to lift a cover with one hand The most convenient cover holding – the folded cover stays out of the way and provides extra privacy The most convenient design – when folded, the cover lift takes up to 5" Jump to the detailed review |
What Is a Hot Tub Cover Lifter?
A hot tub cover is one of the indispensable accessories, the purchase of which is difficult to argue. It has two significant benefits:
- Lower energy costs. A hot tub cover allows you to reduce the use of the heater by 40%. It will also lower your electricity bill by 40%.
- Keeps water clean. When the cover is closed, debris will not fall into the water. Therefore, you will reduce the use of hot tub cleaning chemicals.
However, folding and unfolding a cover weighing up to 75 pounds every time can be difficult even for athletes. Also, condensate will accumulate inside the lid, which occurs due to the temperature difference inside and outside the hot tub. Later, the cover foam core will absorb water and become even heavier. If you don’t want to hurt your back or get a muscle strain, you should consider hot tub cover lifters.
Hot tub cover lifters are a functional accessory that allows you to reduce the effort required to fold/unfold the cover. It will be useful for all owners. Moreover, this accessory allows you to fix the cover in almost any position convenient. You can easily clean it without having to remove it from the mounts.
3 Types of Hot Tub Cover Lifters
A cover lift is a helper that will make hot tub maintenance more comfortable. However, despite its simplicity, several types have distinctive features. In total, you can see three main categories of hot tub cover lifts:
- Shelf;
- Manual pivot;
- Hydraulic.
Let’s learn more about their distinctive features.
Shelf Cover Lifter
The shelf cover lifter is not quite a lifter because it does not lift your cover. However, it copes with the main task of this accessory – to simplify the process of folding/unfolding.
The shelf is the cheapest and simplest hot tub cover lifter. It consists of two metal holders with rollers located on their surface. You can fold your cover in half and roll it up on the shelf.
Check the detailed review of the best shelf cover lifter
However, it requires extra space on the side of the hot tub because it stores the cover horizontally. Also, it makes it easier to fold the cover only when it reaches the wheels of the shelf. Therefore, if you need a budget and reliable option, choose it.
Manual Pivot Cover Lifter
The manual pivot cover lifter is a classic take on this accessory. It is a high bracket that looks like a stroller handle. We described the instructions for using it earlier, so we will not dwell on this.
This cover lifter is in the middle price range. The average cost of a manual pivot lifter is $120. It is about 2x the price of a shelf and 2x of a hydraulic. It is essentially a “hanger” for your folding cover. Therefore, in the horizontal plane, it will take up less space than the shelf but will close the view from the side on which it is installed.
Check the detailed review of the best manual pivot cover lifter
Hydraulic Cover Lifter
A hydraulic hot tub cover lifter is the most efficient solution, but it requires a lot of investment. It has the same structure as the manual pivot, but hydraulic pistons are installed inside the brackets. Unlike other lifters, this one allows you to remove the cover with one hand!
However, due to structural similarity, hydraulic has the same drawback as a manual one. It is the overlap of the view from the side from which the accessory is installed. You can find hydraulic models that allow you to drop the cover directly to the floor, but be prepared to pay up to 3 times the average price.
Check the detailed review of the best hydraulic cover lifter
3 Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters
When choosing the best cover lifters, users primarily focus on the following criteria:
- Solidity and durability;
- Ease of use;
- Ease of installation;
- Reducing efforts when folding/unfolding a cover.
We ranked the top-rated products from Amazon according to these and other and selected the best three hot tub cover lifters.
Uceder Cover Roller – the Best Shelf Cover Lifter
Uceder Cover Roller
The best shelf cover lift
| Characteristics | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.1 Dimensions: 31″ x 5.5″ x 4.1″ Material: Waterproof Color: Black Max load: 55 lbs Required to drill: Yes Kit: 2 arms with 4 rollers on each User manual: Check manual |
Uceder Cover Roller is the best shelf cover lifter and has twice the quality rating of the next best model, according to our . However, what makes this model the best?
Firstly, Uceder Cover Roller is compatible with all types of covers, unlike manual pivot and hydraulic, as you may have difficulty attaching the round cover to them. As for the shelf cover lifter, you place a cover of any shape on the wheels and make a little effort to remove it.
Secondly, Uceder Cover Roller is the easiest to install since it only takes 20 minutes, which is one and a half times less than Spa Depot Slider Spa Cover No-Lift Remover. Also, when you’re not using the shelf cover lifter, you can fold the arms, so they don’t take up too much space.
Pros
- The most durable – 80% of users note that the construction is durable and can withstand cover weight without problems
- The most versatile lift – users note that it allows you to store covers of any form, unlike other lifters
- The easiest to install – the installation will take 1.5 times less time than for other cover lifters
Cons
- Requires at least 30″ of clearance behind the hot tub, which is up to 2 times more than other models
UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift – the Best Manual Pivot Cover Lifter
UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift
The best manual pivot cover lift
| Characteristics | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.4 Dimensions: up to 54″ x 54″ Material: Aluminum Color: Black Cover max-width: 109″ Clearance: 16″ rear & 5″ on the side Required to drill: No User manual: Check manual |
UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift is the best manual pivot cover lift that scores two points more than #2 Cover Valet Cover Rock-It. However, what makes this model the best?
Firstly, the UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift has the highest versatility score, as 60% of users (20% more than other models) report that they can use it with covers up to 109″, which is 13″ more than MySpaCover Hydraulic Cover Lifter. Moreover, the UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift does not require you to drill holes in your hot tub, as you are installing it under the hot tub.
Secondly, UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift has clear instructions that are available in two languages: English and French. Therefore, you will not face any difficulties during the lifter installation. Also, the manufacturer provides a one-year warranty, unlike other models.
A trick to make it easier to place a lifter:
“Take a board and place it against the back of the hot tub. Then, simply slide the entire guide assembly onto the board.”
Pros
- The safest for a hot tub – you do not need to drill holes because this cover lift is held by the weight of a hot tub
- The most compact – requires 2 times less clearance behind a hot tub, unlike other models
- The most solid screws in the kit – users note that the screws after screwing up reliably hold the construction
Cons
- You cannot install this cover lift for a filled hot tub because you need to lift a tub
MySpaCover Hydraulic Cover Lifter – the Best Hydraulic Lifter
MySpaCover Hydraulic Cover Lifter
The best hydraulic lift
| Characteristics | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4.1 Dimensions: 26″ x 5″ Material: Aluminum Color: Black Cover max size: 96″ Required to drill: Yes User manual: Check manual |
MySpaCover Hydraulic Cover Lifter is the best hydraulic lift as it has twice the score of the #2 SpaEase Hydraulic Hot Tub Cover Lift. However, what makes it the best choice?
First, nearly 100% of users, twice as many as #2, report that the MySpaCover Hydraulic Cover Lifter reduces the load required to lift the cover to the lowest possible. Thus, you can move the lid with one hand.
Secondly, you can install a hydraulic lifter on a full hot tub. You do not need to lift the tub, as you would when installing the UltraLift Under Mount Cover Lift. Just drill holes, follow the instructions, and within a couple of minutes, the lift will be ready for use.
Thirdly, 60% of users note (three times more than other models) that the MySpaCover Hydraulic Cover Lifter conveniently stores a cover. You can set this up a few feet off the ground, and the cover will still provide the privacy you need for comfortable relaxation.
Pros
- The easiest to use – almost 100% of users state that they can put on or off a cover with one hand
- The most convenient cover holding – 60% of users say that lift conveniently stores cover
- The most convenient design – when folded, the cover lift is up to five times smaller than other lifts
Cons
- Accommodates covers up to 96″ which is 13″ smaller than the other model
How to Use a Cover Lifter for Hot Tub
Using the hot tub cover lifter is very simple. It consists of a foldable cover and a bracket. To unfold this accessory, you need only three steps:
- Put the bracket on the cover;
- Lift the part of the lid that is free from the bracket and wrap it with another one to make a “sandwich”;
- Take the “sandwich” at the top and place it perpendicular to your hot tub.
Voila, in just 15 seconds, you have easily prepared your hot tub. To fold the cover, you need to do the same steps in reverse order.
However, if you want to remove the accessory, follow these instructions:
- Close both sides of the cover and raise the bracket;
- Lift the part of the cover closest to the bracket and place it on top of the other to make a “sandwich”;
- Remove the cover from the hot tub.
Maintenance Tips
Cover lifts are made from anti-corrosion materials. Therefore you don’t have to worry about rusting. However, for the accessory to serve you as long as possible, you should perform two simple actions.
- Inspect the levers and mounts. The cover becomes saturated with moisture over time and becomes heavier. Because of this, the structure can become loose so you will need to re-tighten the screws and reconnect the mounts.
- Wipe lift. Small debris and sand constantly fall on its surface. It can penetrate the joints and complicate the operation of the mechanism. To avoid this, wipe your accessory several times a week with a soft cloth and detergent.
Also, hot tub owners are interested in not only maintenance but how to install cover lifts, so we have explained in detail this process below.
Installation Advice
Installing the shelf and cover lifters with is different. Therefore, we decided to create a table and indicate the main stages of their assembly.
| Type | Shelf cover lifter | Manual pivot and hydraulic cover lifters |
| Instruction | 1. Drill four holes (two holes below each other on each side) in the outer part of the hot tub at the distance indicated in the instructions; 2. Install the holders and fix them with screws; 3. Install wheels on rails (if any). | 1. Cover with a hot tub cover and align it with the corners; 2. Drill two holes in the corners; 3. Fasten the slider and pivot arms and place the slider in the bracket; 4. Connect each end of the center bar to the curved support arms; 5. Connect the curved support and articulated arms; 6. Check the instructions and make sure that all connections are securely fastened. |
Save Your Money: DIY Hot Tub Cover Lifter Guide
What if you need a hot tub cover lifter, you don’t want to spend a lot of money, and you know how to make things? It’s time to check out the DIY guide!
Let’s start by listing materials and tools.
| Tools | Materials |
| – Screwdriver; – Drill; – Hacksaw; – Conduit bender (for 3/4″). | – 1″ stainless steel pipe – 10 feet; – 3/4″ stainless steel pipe – 2 pieces of 10 feet each; – 10 X 1″ pan head sheet metal screw – 6 pieces; – 10 X 3/4″ Tek screw – 20 pieces; – 1″ two-hole conduit strap – 3 pieces. – 40″ belt from an old bag – 1 piece. |
Now we have everything we need and can start making the spa cover lifter.
- Lay both 3/4″ stainless steel pipes over the seam of the cover, center them, and mark where the pipe no longer rests on the cover;
- Place both pipes in the bender. The arrow on the tool should point to the line you drew earlier. Bend the pipes 90° on both sides so they look like a “U” with long middle and short ends.
- Attach one of the bent tubes to the base of the hot tub with three two-hole conduit straps. The curved edges of the pipes must point towards the hot tub.
- Lay the second bent pipe over the seam of the hot tub.
- Point the ends of the upper and lower tubes towards each other. Next, measure the maximum distance between them. Now take a 1″ stainless steel pipe and divide it into two pieces of the same length (according to your measurements).
- Insert the ends of the 3/4″ pipe into the pieces of 1″ pipe and screw in 4 Tek screws on each side.
- Cut the 40″ strap into two pieces. This will act as a stop and prevent the cover from falling off. Next, drill one end of both straps into each side of the hot tub. Drill the other end into the 1″ pipe. It is important that the measurements are accurate and that the components on each side are of the same length and are fixed in one place.
Now everything is ready! You can start using your DIY cover lifter.
Summary: Are Hot Tub Cover Lifters Worth It?
Earlier in this article, we told you what a hot tub cover lifter is, how to use it, listed 3 different types, described how to install and care for them, and showed you how to create one manually. Now it’s time to make a verdict and find out whether it is worth buying a hot tub cover lift.
A hot tub cover lifter is not just an accessory that makes folding and unfolding easier. It allows you to extend the life of your cover. It will always be neatly folded so it won’t rub against other surfaces and holes won’t appear.
Therefore, the hot tub cover lifter is definitely worth buying and using!
FAQ
🧐 Can a cover lifter go on any side of a hot tub?
Depending on the type of cover lift, you can install it on the side, back, or bottom of your hot tub.
📏 How much room do you need for a hot tub cover lift?
Most lifts place the cover at the back. Therefore, you will need at least 18″ of free space on that side.
🤔 How does a cover lifter work for a hot tub?
Lift consists of three main parts: a central handle that you use to lower/lift the cover, side handles that connect the center to the base, and a hinge mechanism that can lift the cover in an upright position.
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