How to Measure for a Replacement Hot Tub Cover
If you are in the market and shopping online for a new hot tub cover, then one of the most important things that you will need to know is how to correctly measure your hot tub to have a custom hot tub cover that fits properly.
We have the following tips to help you correctly measure your hot tub to ensure an ideally fitting hot tub cover.
Always take the measurements from the hot tub first and not the old hot tub cover, as the old cover has probably shrunk and is warped due to its age and wear. If the old hot tub cover still fits, you can use it as a reference for verification purposes. Always measure from outside to outside the widest part of the acrylic shell. Some hot tubs have a flared shell, so it is crucial always to measure the widest part. Remember to measure twice. If the measurements between the hot tub and the old cover differ, then it is always advisable to take the measurements of the hot tub itself, as the hot tub can't lie!
When taking the length and width measurements, always measure in inches and always add a half inch ( .5 ) to each side or one extra inch in total. It is always better to be a little larger than smaller as a larger cover still seals properly, while a hot tub cover too small pulls up on the corners and will not give you a good fit.
Remember, a half inch too long will not make much difference; the cover will still fit; however, a half inch too short in length or width and the hot tub cover will not work correctly.
If your hot tub is square or rectangular with a rounded corner, then this is the most confusing part for people ordering a new hot tub cover online by themselves. The vast majority of hot tubs in the marketplace have a round corner. The easiest way to measure the corner's radius is by using a carpenter square. Hold the carpenter square up to the corner of the hot tub shell. Reading the inside measurement where the straight line of the hot tub shell starts to turn, that is, the radius. We also have a template cut-out guide that you can use to help you.
Determining the fold direction is important, especially if the hot tub is rectangular. It really doesn't matter if the hot tub is square, as you can have the fold either way.
Lastly is the skirt length. The skirt is the amount of material from the bottom of the cover and doesn't include the cover itself. People also call this the cover apron. You should always have enough material to cover the acrylic shell. It is also recommended to add half an inch to an inch. Do not add more than this, as if the skirt length is too long, and then the cover will bunch up at the corners and not give us a good fit. If the skirt touches a rail around the hot tub, then an exact measurement is required.
Following these recommendations will help ensure you are ordering your replacement hot tub cover for a perfect fit every time.