How to Measure a Hot Tub Cover
When ordering a new hot tub cover, it is important to get a cover that fits well to maximise 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.
Measuring Your Hot Tub's Size
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.
Measuring Skirt Length
The skirt that overhangs your acrylic or cabinet is important to prevent heat loss around the edges. The length of your existing cover skirt is usually recommended or a skirt of around 4’’ 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.
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 picture below illustrates how to measure your radius and if you need further assistance please view our helpful tutorial video also shown below. Or give us a call on 02380 812769 to talk through.
How to Measure Certain Shaped Covers
Square - Easy. Measure one length, you won’t have a radius and will only need a skirt length to complete your order. Be careful, most hot tub covers are not totally square and without a radius, double check to prevent errors.
Rectangle - Measure both lengths and specify which length needs to be the folding length. By default, we will assume that the cover folds along the long side.
Square with Radius - Follow the instructions of a square cover and measure the radius.
Rectangle with Radius - Follow the instructions of a square cover and measure the radius.
Round - Measure the diameter of the hot tub cover and this will be sufficient.
Octagonal - Measure the length and also measure the length of each section on the octagon.
Happy Tips
- Remember you can make your own carpenters square using a ruler, cardboard and scissors!
- Specify your hot tub model and make when ordering your cover. We have over 1000 models in our file and can compare with previous orders to ensure your measurements are totally accurate.
- Remember that your old and worn cover will not be totally accurate to fit your hot tub. Measure your hot tub and your existing cover and compare the difference, draw conclusions from both.
- Many people send us length and width measurements that are 1 inch out, these hot tubs are most probably square but the cover wear has led to a slight change in size, assume the cover is square if the measurements are this close.
- When measuring a cover size, bigger is generally better because if you are too snug the skirt may fold under the cover or it may struggle to sit around the acrylic on the hot tub.
- When measuring a corner, smaller is better! Round down if needed.
Once you have measured you can compare your measurements with our selection of Stock Covers ready for Next Day Delivery - CLICK HERE
Or if you have no luck finding a stock cover to fit your hot tub, see our Custom Cover options - CLICK HERE
