After making the leap and buying a hot tub, the next item on your customer's shopping list should be a cover. Spa covers boast a slew of benefits, safety and energy conservation foremost among them. However, spa covers also protect the water from debris, rain, snow and other contaminants, and that means fewer chemicals are required for water balance.
In addition to a spa cover, a cover lifter is a great idea for a new spa buyer, especially elderly folks who bought a hot tub to soothe aching joints. (There's no greater buzzkill for a spa owner than struggling to remove the cover.) Luckily, today's cover lifters are sophisticated, with hydraulic shocks, push-button operation and brackets that hide the cover from sight when the spa is in use.
For proof, check out the wide range of spa covers and removal systems on the market:
Merlin Industries
Merlin Industries provides spa owners the luxury of choice with its custom spa covers. Offered in five different grades including Ultra fiberglass reinforced covers and Thermo-light floating spa covers (see photo), all Merlin spa covers are available in 13 different colors of marine-grade vinyl. Each cover is expertly designed and custom crafted for each spa. Every Merlin spa cover features heat seals to lock in heat and help lower operating costs.
merlinindustries.com | (800) 289-1836
Hot Tub Products
The VacuSeal cover/lifter increases spa energy efficiency and improves the ease of operation required by the user. The cover opens internally in one motion, eliminating the need to fold the cover in half first. A unique bottom hinge design coupled with a reverse pneumatic lifter mechanism results in the first system that actually vacuum seals the cover to the hot tub. A patented rear support bar also guarantees the cover will always return to its original position. As an added benefit, it easily converts into a canopy.
hottubproducts.com | (860) 469-2580
Leisure Concepts
The CoverMate Vanish is unique in that it positions the spa cover to the side of the spa, effectively making it vanish from view when the top is removed. It's built with a full-length middle crossbar, powder-coated aluminum tubing and easy-to-install, non-corrosive mountain brackets, and offers foam grips for comfortable handling on even the largest spa. Requires just 25 inches of clearance behind the spa. Made in the U.S.
leisureconcepts.com | (800) 469-2428
Hot Spring
Hot Spring Spas pioneered the first rigid vinyl cover, creating a higher standard for energy efficiency, the company says. Each cover is UL classified for safety, custom fit for a tight seal and built with superior construction, including 24 points of internal reinforcement. A unique hinge seal provides added insulation where the cover hinges — the area most vulnerable to heat loss — and is standard on Highlife Collection covers. Patented cover lifters make spa access quick and easy.
hotspring.com | (800) 999-4688
SpaCovers.com
SpaCovers.com is known for producing hard-to-duplicate covers in all shapes, including speaker hoods, oversized and multi-panel covers, the company says. Production times are fast, next day service is available and all covers are cut with an Autometrix table to make reorders easy.
spacovers.com | (800) 781-8154
Ultralift
The Visionlift is one of a kind. Using a dual shock system, it lifts the cover and places it behind the tub, providing better aesthetics as well as complete backyard visibility, an increased opportunity to socialize with guests and peace of mind while keeping an eye on children or pets. The Visionlift provides a full 360 degree view and its patented sliding brackets make installation a breeze.
ultrapoolandspa.com/visionlift | (800) 387-9789
Strong Spas
Precise attention to detail and a constant desire to improve are the driving forces behind the innovative new Elements Series. Outfitted with Strong Spas' patented DURA-SHIELD HardCover system, the Elements Series boasts stunning, automotive-grade finishes that offer a variety of desirable designer looks. Patented, interior cover lift technology lends a sleek silhouette to the Elements Series, hiding all cover lift assist mechanics from view. DURA-SHIELD provides protection from the top down as it is built directly into the spa and is as easy to open as a car door.
strongspas.com | (800) STRONG-9
Commercial Fabrics
Commercial Fabrics has been producing high quality covers for hot tubs, custom spas and swim spas for more than 25 years. Its covers feature galvanized steel inserts, which provide superior strength to heat-sealed, poly-wrapped foam cores. Each cover is made with heavy-duty, marine-grade vinyl skins in 12 colors, all of which resist mold, mildew and UV damage. Commercial Fabrics has more than 3,000 templates for easy ordering. Online ordering now available.
commercialfabrics.com | (800) 695-9438
Sunstar
Sunstar has been a leader in spa cover innovation, quality, service and safety since 1977, and prides itself on offering products that are recognized for their fine quality and reliability. Sunstar's newest patented design, "N-ergy Fit," are specially designed pillows at the end of the hinge that help conserve heat, making them critical to long-term energy savings.
sunstarcovers.com | (800) 438-8677
Cover Valet
The Swim Spa Cover Caddy is a gas-shock-assisted, under-mount cover lifter designed specifically for tall swim spas. Not only can the Cover Caddy handle larger swim spa covers, but it also drops them down out of view in most cases. The under-mount plate slips beneath the spa and is held securely in place by the weight of the swim spa and requires nothing to be screwed into the cabinet. Works with swim spas up to 55 inches (140 cm) tall as an under-mount. Limitless height restrictions as a cabinet-mount.
covervalet.com | (800) 730-7727
Spa Slip
Spa Slip is a decorative, protective slipcover that attaches to your insulating hard cover, giving it a second skin designed to extend its life. Spa Slip is an instant upgrade and transforms an eyesore into an attractive centerpiece of the backyard, the company says.
spaslip.com | (303) 441-5651
End 2 End Swim Spa Covers
End 2 End's swim spa cover is designed to quickly and easily roll in both directions — either to the pool side for daily swimming or the spa side for nightly relaxation — by a single person. The one-piece cover system creates a complete seal on top of the swim spa to lock in heat and conserve energy. Custom made with high quality materials, each swim spa cover is built to last. Compatible with any swim spa model or inground pool. The cover is in accordance with ASTM F 1346-91.
end2endswimspacovers.com | (775) 583-8880
Roberts Hot Tubs
Many customers looking for an alternative to traditional vinyl covers are turning to the look of a Roberts Hot Tubs natural wood Roll Cover. Roll Covers are easy to install and have a more consistent look with most backyard designs. Roll Covers can be made with virtually any wood, are compatible with just about every acrylic hot tub and can be fitted to many swim spa models.
rhtubs.com | (800) 735-5290
AccuLok Covers
Designed to fit more than 60 brands, AccuLok hot tub covers offer a 400-percent-improved water vapor barrier over traditional covers. With a plastic-sealed foam core and four times the water protection, an AccuLok cover resists water gain to stay lightweight. The 7-inch seamless heat shield surrounds the spa to minimize heat loss and save on energy costs, even at the centerfold. With tie-down locking straps, AccuLok is ASTM safety certified and backed by an industry leading seven-year warranty, the company says.
acculokhottubcovers.com | (888) 666-4011
Be-Lite Aluminum Spa Covers
The Be-Lite Aluminum Spa Cover is made to withstand the harshest elements and the toughest pets, making it a true safety cover, the company says. Covers are UL listed, meet ASTM safety standards and won't absorb water or buckle under heavy loads. Each cover is custom made with a variety of colors available.
be-lite.com | (707) 864-8919
Core Covers
Core Covers' new and innovative Weather Shield Fabric is the first major improvement to industry standard spa covers in 30 years, the company says. Weather Shield is 300 percent stronger, 25 percent lighter (for the entire cover) and boasts improved UV resistance by 40 percent. Core Covers offers a complete cover program with a dealer-only online ordering system with integrated spa model database and order tracking. Core Covers offers all densities, tapers, upgrade options and 15 fabric options.
corecovers.com | (800) 763-7450
Spacessories
The new, redesigned COVER MAX+ lift, made of high-grade, rust-proof aluminum with a black powdercoat finish, features double-wall thickness in the pivot arm areas for additional strength and easy cover removal. The new COVER MAX+ includes the unique uni-bracket feature, which allows for two choices in mounting locations, either under-spa mount or bottom-spa mount. The COVER MAX+ also includes chain assists for heavy cover support. Fits spas up to 8 feet. Limited lifetime warranty.
888spalift.com | (888) SPA-LIFT
The Cover Company
The Cover Company's hot tub covers are available in eight colors. Featuring double-stitched, marine-grade vinyl, each foam core is reinforced with a galvanized steel channel. Covers are custom made to your specifications and offer a variety of upgrades and options. Quick ship times and competitive prices are available.
coverlon.com | (908) 707-1122
Smartop
The new Smartop EAS Lift & Assist system is designed to make opening the front half of a Smartop spa cover finger-tip-easy and feather light. The patent-pending design utilizes a series of hydraulic shocks that allow the cover to be opened and closed gently and easily. Made of rust-free, heavy duty, powder-coated aluminum, the system is a durable, inexpensive option that comes standard with all new Smartop cover orders — and can also be retrofitted in-field to all previously manufactured Smartop covers.
smartopspacover.com | (800) 469-2428
Auto Spa Cover
The ASC-2 Auto Spa Cover System utilizes a remote control for opening and closing the cover, making it easy for homeowners to use their cover, the company says. Specifically designed for those who have trouble lifting heavy spa covers, the ASC-2 opens automatically with the touch of a button.
autospacover.com | (805) 226-5030
Caldera Spas
When it comes to a hot tub, energy efficiency translates directly to lower operating costs. Caldera custom-builds its covers to the exact measurements of its spas, ensuring a tight seal between the bar top and cover for optimum energy efficiency and cost-savings. All covers are UL listed in compliance with ASTM standards.
calderaspas.com | (800) 669-1881
Byron Originals
Ultralift from Byron Originals is your single-SKU solution that offers patented slide mounting brackets and top, side or deck mount versatility to fit nearly any size spa, including swim spas. Optional items include hydraulic assist and under-mount plate.
stepnstow.com | (800) 745-1472
Great Northern Hot Tubs
Great Northern's Roll-Up Covers are unique — they are the only rolling covers with full-size, vertical grain and hand-finished cedar slats permanently welded to UV-resistant, flexible, high-R-value insulating foam that is waterproof and vapor proof, so it doesn't waterlog. Solid covers are often too cumbersome for one person to move, but Great Northern's covers can be easily rolled to the side by one person. All covers meet ASTM strength standards. All shapes and sizes can be custom made.
gnht.com | (763) 566-3623
