Homemade cover lifter (pics)

[Spiderman]

Ok, since no one seems to have built their own cover lifter (because most everyone gets one when they buy their tub), I thought I'd show some pics of the one I made for around $23 yesterday.  It turned out pretty good I thought for the materials used.  I didn't get a cover lifter because we bought a Jetsetter and didn't think we needed one.  The dealer also didn't offer to throw one in as part of the deal.  I still don't think we need one, but I can definitely see the advantages.  So I guess this is what you would call a "Sea Monkey" cover lifter.  Right Chris??  

 



It's made out of 1" PVC pipe which I spray painted a silver hammer finish with Krylon Fusion paint.  Worked pretty well.  I also inserted some wooden dowels and conduit in the PVC for extra support.

[TN__HOT_TUB]

looks pretty good

how do you keep a strong wind from blowing it back on to the tub (or your head...ouch)?

Homemade steps?  They wouldn't throw in the steps either?

Having a coverlifter is a must IMHO

[The_real_Clown_Shoes]

How does it mount?

[Spiderman]

how do you keep a strong wind from blowing it back on to the tub (or your head...ouch)?

Homemade steps?  They wouldn't throw in the steps either?

Having a coverlifter is a must IMHO

When open, it leans up against the deck.  

The Jetsetter is only 29" high so you don't need steps; actually I think it's potentially dangerous with steps for adults with the hot tub only being 29" high.  I threw some steps together, however, mainly for my soon to be 4 year daughter.  It helps her get in and out.

[Chas]

I had one like that on my showroom floor many years ago - before HS started making lifts.

I had it set up just like you have, but with the base even farther away from the tub than you do.

It was a bit of work to open the cover, but I had it in our 'mood room' and I wanted to be able to walk around all four sides of the tub with the cover on the lift. It worked great for what I needed - I would open the lid first thing in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays and leave it open all day. Other days of the week I would play it by ear and open as needed.

Good job.

 8-)

[Tatooed_Lady]

might I suggest taking a peek at the following link for the "cover saver"? It looks like your cover when open rests on the seam, and the cover saver helps to support the weight, in turn helping to extend the longevity of the cover...

http://www.rhtubs.com/store/cover-saver.htm

[tanstaafl2]

how do you keep a strong wind from blowing it back on to the tub (or your head...ouch)?

Homemade steps?  They wouldn't throw in the steps either?

Having a coverlifter is a must IMHO

When open, it leans up against the deck.  

The Jetsetter is only 29" high so you don't need steps; actually I think it's potentially dangerous with steps for adults with the hot tub only being 29" high.  I threw some steps together, however, mainly for my soon to be 4 year daughter.  It helps her get in and out.

Looks like if wind every did become an issue blowing the cover back towards the tub you could fix it with a chain or bungee cord hooked to the pipe and the lattice fence.

I'm with the tatooed one, consider the cover saver to help take the weight off the seam. Mine seems to work well.