Spa Cover Lifters

[joshua45]

Its my understanding that a regular spa lifter puts all the weight of the cover on the "Seam" of the hot tub cover while a spa "Caddy" lifts both halves of the cover equally (the weight of the cover is on the side.

My question is:  Has anyone had the seam rip?  

My concern is that a caddy requires a lot more clearance behind the tub then a 'lifter'.. I'm putting the spa on a deck with a limited amount of space to 'swing' the arm's or cradle of the lifter or caddy.

This is a jacuzzi tub and supposedly they offer a 'prolifter' that only requires 4 inches...

Anyone with any experience with these type lifters?  Any recommendations?

[tanstaafl2]

My lifter is a very basic one that puts the full weight of the cover on the seam and over time that can't be good.

But my cover saver from Doc's resolved that problem!

[galen]

This is a Cover Caddy III.  It does not have a X bar. Its a three piece cover. The first opening is only 12" wide, so you can put chemicals in without flipping over a large section. But once in the tub, you slide the cover onto the caddy and then it swings down. If you are not using the caddy, it can fold away flat against the tub.

[DPS]

Covermate III's take up very little (5 or 6 inches) behind the spa and seem to take good care of the cover.  They do support the cover across the entire "hinge" area, but I have never seen this damage a cover.  I use them when space is at a premium - Gazebo, small deck or patio, etc.

[TN__HOT_TUB]

Your cover must be extra heavy-duty if you need to  use that bulldozer to push the cover on the coverlifter?  

This is a Cover Caddy III.  It does not have a X bar. Its a three piece cover. The first opening is only 12" wide, so you can put chemicals in without flipping over a large section. But once in the tub, you slide the cover onto the caddy and then it swings down. If you are not using the caddy, it can fold away flat against the tub.

[galen]

No, TN, you silly goose.  I move the hot tub in every night!

[TN__HOT_TUB]

ROTFLMAO  

No, TN, you silly goose.  I move the hot tub in every night!

[Vanguard]

If you are getting a Hot Spring, they have their own lifters that mount into cover itself.  They have a metal plate that can be attached to.  Had to be careful with my choice of words there.

Most covers can withstand the bar, but I think it is always best to put as little stress as possible on the seams.

[tony]

You could always build a little base behind the spa that the cover would "sit" on, thus taking any weight off the hinge while the cover is open.

[FlightfulKiwi]

galen,

I will be receiving my Maxxus soon so I have some questions about the Cover Caddy (which I also will have):

1) What is the minimum clearance required in order for the Caddy to opperate? I will have the tub in a soft sided (mosquito netting) gazebo and want to work out how much space I really need for the Caddy to opperate.

2) Is it possible to opperate the Caddy by standing outside of the tub, but to the side of the cover and caddy? I don't want to waste any space at the back of the gazebo if I can help it. I would rather stand on the side and lower/raise the cover from that position.

3) The (small) third portion of the cover: does it sit on top of the other two thirds (thus making a stack three deep) prior to lowering the caddy?

Thanks!

[By the way, as this is my first post - I have to let everyone know how helpful you all have been on this forum. I've lurked for the past 2 months and learnt so much from you all. Give yourselves a big pat on the back!]

[Gomboman]

Yep, that's why I like the CoverCradle®. It doesn't touch the seams.

http://www.hotspring.com/Spa_Showroom_Hot_Tub/accessories_spa_covers.html

[salesdvl]

Josh, To answer your original question... I sold the reg style lifter that goes across the seam for 20 yrs and never had a customer issue with the seam.

[Vinny]

Josh, To answer your original question... I sold the reg style lifter that goes across the seam for 20 yrs and never had a customer issue with the seam.

But you only had 1 customer and he never used the tub!

[galen]

To answer your questions in the order you ask, 1- 36" 2- yes you can but is much easier in the tub. 3"- Yes, but I see no harm in folding it that way.