How To Measure A Hot Tub Cover

Image: How to measure a spa cover radius.

Measuring a Hot Tub Cover

When ordering a new hot tub cover, it is important to get a correctly fitted cover to ensure no heat is lost. 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 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.

Cover Skirt Measurement

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.

And as it is so confusing, see our helpful image above for more details!

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.

Top 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, but this is your responsibility.
• When measuring a corner, smaller is better. Round down if needed.

Order your replacement hot tub cover today here - www.happyhottubs.co.uk.

If you have any other queries about measuring and ordering a new hot tub cover, call the Hot Tub Helpline on 02380 812769 or e-mail us on admin@happyhottubs.co.uk.