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When it comes to cover lifters there are a few different choices depending on your needs and style of your setup. Whatever your needs it is always recommended to buy a quality cover lifter that will last for years. Lower end cover lifters tend to need replacing ever couple of years, they are not made to last and will bend and in many cases have tendency of rusting very quickly.
Here are the most common types of cover lifters available:
Standard Cover Lifter
The standard cover lifter is the most commonly used cover lifter used on spas. It attaches to the sides of the spa and sits across the top on the spa in the center when the cover fold is located. It is simple to use, and in most cases, depending on manufacturer, simple to install. This type of cover lifter holds the cover up in the air behind the spa. For some this is appreciated since it offers privacy, for others it may be considered an inconvenience for blocking the view on one side of the spa. If it is an inconvenience, another type of cover lifter might be better. When shopping for a cover standard lifter it is important to shop for a quality lifter to last you years to come.
Undermount Cover Lifter
The undermount cover lifter is essentially the same as the standard cover lifter, though rather than attaching to the side of the spa it's attached to plates that slide partially under the spa. Costumers who choose this style of cover lifter often do so because they're choosing to have their cover open a none conventional way. Most spas are designed that the cover opens opposite the keypad towards the back of the spa. Most manufacturers design the cabinets in front to be easily opened to access electronics, pumps and other important components. On many spas attaching a cover lifter to front cabinet panel would inhibit opening the panel and in many cases the lifter would lack support since there won't be structural supports located in the front where the lifter supports would need to be installed. Opting for the undermount cover lifter often avoids this issue.
Hydraulic Cover Lifter
The Hydraulic cover lifter is very similar to that standard but with added help opening up the cover. It has two hydraulic shocks, one on each side, to aide you in opening your cover. Many customers opt to upgrade to a hydraulic cover lifter at the time of purchase of their new spa. As a spa cover ages it tends to take on water, causing it to become heavier. The hydraulic lifter is proven to be very useful once a cover has begun to take on a little extra weight by doing some of the heavy lifting with you. It's also a great option for those with reduced mobility. As with the standard cover lifter this type of cover lifter holds the cover up in the air behind the spa. For some this is appreciated since its offers privacy, for others it may be considered an inconvenience for blocking the view on one side of the spa. As with the standard cover lifter, when shopping for hydraulic lifter, shop for quality and longevity over low price at time of purchase.
Basket Cover Lifter
The basket style cover lifter attaches to one side of the spa and holds the cover in a "basket". The advantage to this style of cover lifter is that it only attaches to one side of the spa and drops the cover down to the ground, reducing to amount of view obstructed by the cover. The disadvantage to this type of cover lifter is that many spa manufactures do not add extra support behind the panels where this cover lifter is installed and will often lead to damaged skirts after several years of use and when the cover has begun to take on water and extra weight. It is a less popular option when it comes to cover lifters.
Roller Cover Lifter
The roller cover lifter, doesn't actually lift the cover but allows you to fold in half and then roll across is less common option but can be the only option for some customers. For customer with a spa under a balcony or pergola sometimes a cover lifter that lifts the cover up simply won't work due to height restrictions. If height is an issue but the depth behind or beside the spa isn't this style of lifter can be your best choice. It's designed to attach to one side of the spa with two uprights. Because it has two uprights you can easily align each with the structure supports of the spa behind the cabinets of the spa, ensuring it is well attached and does not wear on the cabinets over time. The disadvantages of this style of cover lifter is that you must detach the cover locks clips at the back of the spa, and in some cases the plastic rollers become brittle over time.
Boomerang Cover Lifter
The Boomerang, previous version was named the vision lift, was designed with a view in mind. This cover lifter drops your cover down behind the spa with hydraulic assistance. It's a popular choice among those looking to have a view all around their spa or who don't want a "wall" or shade created by their cover. It fits beautifully into most yards, giving the spa install a much more open feel. It's important to note that depending on size of cover when folded in half and height on spa the cover may sit a couple inches higher than the spa, like seen in the photo above. The disadvantage of this cover lifter is space. It requires slightly more space behind it when opening coming to it's seated position than the standard or hydraulic lifter. For those with very limited space it may not work with their installation.
There are several options available to you for your cover lifter, when shopping for your spa and planning for for installation talk to your sales representative about what's the best option for you. As with all products there are different qualities. It's recommended to purchase a quality product, often with higher price tag, to save you money and headaches int he long run. Shop for quality and value over a low price.
For our standard, hydraulic, undermount and boomerang cover lifters sold with our new spas, we always use UltraLift. A Canadian manufacturer of high quality lifters that are constantly raising the bar on what a quality cover lifter should be. Available in store, with or without the purchase of a spa.
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