Let’s get to work in measuring your hot tub cover so we can go about choosing the correct replacement. Some of the tools you will need to complete this are:
1) Measuring tape
2) Notepad and writing utensil (or smartphone)
3) Steel square (carpenter’s square) (for hot tub’s with rounded-off corners)
When ordering a new hot tub cover, it is important to get a cover that fits well to maximize energy efficiency. This not only ensures that your hot tub stays at the set temperature but will save you lots of money. Below is a guide on how to measure your cover correctly.
If you are happy with the fit of your existing cover, by all means measure your existing cover but remember this will probably have expanded over time by soaking up water.
When measuring your spa, always remember to measure from one lip to the other. The lip may be the edge of the acrylic or the wooden cabinet depending on your model. It is recommended to add around 0.5’’-1’’ to both the length and width to allow for easy removal, as too tight a fit will make it difficult to remove the cover.
- Square cover. The square hot tub cover is the easiest cover to measure. Just measure your hot tub from lip to lip. The only other dimension you will need is the skirt length.
- Rectangular cover. Measure for a rectangular hot tub cover the same way as for a square cover, but make sure you request the fold direction you require. Most companies will cut the longest of the two sides in half unless you tell them otherwise.
- Square or rectangular cover with rounded corners. Follow the square and rectangle spa cover procedure and add the radius measurement.
- Ellipse or Special Shapes Most of these covers will require a template provided by you to complete your cover properly. This would include spas with speaker bumps, waterfalls, or cut outs for rails or controls.
- Round cover. The round spa cover is easy to measure as well, since you only need the lip-to-lip measurement. If your old cover is measurable, you can also measure across the seam. The only other measurement needed is the skirt length.
- Octagonal cover (8 equal-length sides). For the octagon spa cover measure from lip to lip add 1″ of play. Also, measure one panel of the octagon from point to point. The only other measurement needed is the skirt length.
Measuring the Radius of Your Hot Tub Cover
The what? The radius! Commonly frustrating for most hot tub owners when they first order a new cover. Getting this right is again vital to prevent heat loss through the corner of the cover.
The easiest way to measure is using a carpenter’s square, however you can easily make of one of these using strong cardboard. The radius length is from the start of the bend to the imaginary point of the corner if the cover was square. The smaller the radius, the more square the corner of the hot tub cover.
The pictures and video below illustrate how to measure the radius.
Measuring Skirt Length
The length of your existing cover skirt is usually recommended or a skirt of around 4″ to 6 ’’ is normal. If you have a wooden ledge around the acrylic, too long a skirt could lead to problems with the cover fit, ensure that this is considered when measuring the cover.
The pictures and video are to illustrate how to measure your radius and if you need further assistance please contact us at 866-268-3770 .
DISCLAIMER: Low Cost Spa Covers is not responsible for errors in measurements. Please verify your dimensions before submitting your order. All covers are custom made to your specifications and are non refundable and non-returnable. All Sales are Final.