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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.
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.
