Best Hot Tub Cover Lifters for Easy Winter Soaks
A wet, snow covered spa cover can weigh twice what it did in July. A good cover lifter turns that wrestling match into a one person job that takes a few seconds.
We compared the lifts that actually show up on backyard hot tubs, from budget bar lifts to hydraulic models that tuck almost out of sight. Each one works with standard square or rounded corner covers.
Measure your clearance before you buy. Some lifts need space behind the tub to fold the cover down, and that matters on a tight deck or against a fence.
Best Overall: Leisure Concepts CoverMate III
The CoverMate III is the lift most spa dealers recommend, and it earns that spot. Gas shocks do the heavy lifting, so you slide the cover halfway, push up, and it rolls back on its own.
It needs only about 18 inches of clearance behind the tub, which is a big deal on decks that sit close to a house wall. The cover stands upright and also blocks wind while you soak.
Installation takes an afternoon with a drill. Mount the brackets to the cabinet or a solid deck surface so it stays steady in winter wind.
Leisure Concepts CoverMate III Hot Tub Cover Lift
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700+ reviews
A gas shock assisted cover lift that opens with one hand and needs only about 18 inches of rear clearance.
Shop on Amazon →Best Low Profile Lift: CoverMate Vanish
If you hate the look of a lift bar sticking up above the tub, the CoverMate Vanish hides most of its hardware below the cover line. The hydraulic arms swing the cover down behind the spa, nearly out of view.
It fits tubs that sit in the open on a patio where you want a clean look. You will need more clearance behind the spa than with the CoverMate III, so check the spec sheet against your space.
Once it is set up, it is one of the smoothest lifts to use with cold, wet gloves on.
CoverMate Vanish Hydraulic Spa Cover Lift
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300+ reviews
A hydraulic, low profile lift that folds the cover down behind the spa for a clean look.
Shop on Amazon →Best for Tight or Odd Spaces: CoverMate Freestyle
The CoverMate Freestyle does not mount to the tub at all. It sits on its own weighted base next to the spa, which makes it a great choice for in ground tubs, wood surrounds, or rentals where you cannot drill into the cabinet.
You slide the cover onto the arm, and it swings to the side like a door. That keeps the space behind the tub free.
It takes a bit of floor space beside the spa, so plan a spot that will not block your steps or handrail.
CoverMate Freestyle Hot Tub Cover Lift
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400+ reviews
A freestanding cover lift that swings the cover aside without drilling into the spa cabinet.
Shop on Amazon →Quick Tips for Hot Tub Cover Lifts in Winter
- Clear snow first. Brush heavy snow off before lifting. Even a shock assisted lift struggles with a foot of wet snow on top.
- Measure clearance. Check how much open space you have behind and beside the tub before you pick a model.
- Replace a heavy cover. If your cover feels waterlogged, a lift will only help so much. A new cover is lighter and holds heat better.
- Check bolts each fall. Freeze and thaw cycles loosen hardware. Snug the mounting bolts before winter starts.
- Use the cover as a windbreak. Most lifts leave the cover standing upright, so set the tub up with that side facing the prevailing wind.
Best Budget Lift: CoverMate Easy
The CoverMate Easy is a simple bar lift without shocks. You fold the cover in half over the bar and roll it back, which is still far easier than dragging it onto the deck.
It is a good fit for smaller tubs or lighter covers. On a big eight foot spa with a waterlogged cover, the extra help from a shock assisted lift is worth the upgrade.
Because there are fewer parts, there is less to wear out after years of freeze and thaw.
CoverMate Easy Spa Cover Lift
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1,000+ reviews
A simple, affordable bar style cover lift that works well on smaller tubs and lighter covers.
Shop on Amazon →Best Under Mount Design: Cover Valet
Cover Valet uses an under mount design with a pair of gas assisted arms that lift the cover up and back. The hardware mounts under the cabinet lip, so very little shows when the cover is closed.
It handles larger covers well and is a favorite with owners of bigger acrylic spas. The cover ends up standing behind the tub, which doubles as a privacy screen.
Plan for roughly 24 inches of rear clearance, and check that your cabinet has a solid frame to mount into.
Cover Valet Spa Cover Lift
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250+ reviews
An under mount, gas assisted spa cover lift that keeps most hardware hidden when the cover is closed.
Shop on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance does a hot tub cover lifter need?
It depends on the design. The CoverMate III needs about 18 inches behind the spa, while hydraulic or under mount lifts like the Vanish and Cover Valet usually need around 24 inches or more.
Can one person use a hot tub cover lift?
Yes. Shock and hydraulic assisted lifts are designed so one adult can open and close the cover. Bar lifts without shocks work for one person on smaller tubs.
Will a cover lift damage my spa cabinet?
Most lifts mount with screws into the cabinet frame, which leaves small holes. If you cannot drill, a freestanding lift like the CoverMate Freestyle avoids the cabinet entirely.
Do cover lifts work in snow and freezing weather?
They do, but clear heavy snow from the cover first. Gas shocks can feel a little stiffer in deep cold, which is normal.