Spas and hot tubs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from compact two-seaters to large 12-seater models. If you are looking to get a protective cover fitted to your spa, it is vital to get the measurements just right to make sure you get a good seal and to keep out insects, pests and rodents.
Spa covers
Spa covers serve several important functions in responsible spa care, including maintaining cleanliness and hygiene as well as providing a safety function.
A well-fitted spa cover aids in:
- Keeping out dirt, debris and organic matter when the spa is not in use.
- Insulating the spa and stopping heat from escaping, reducing energy consumption.
- Ensuring, wild animals, pets and children do not fall into the spa when unattended.
A well-fitted pool cover also reduces water loss via evaporation due to outside temperature variation and sun exposure.
How to correctly measure your spa for a cover
To accurately measure up your spa to have a custom cover fitted, you will need some basic tools. Things you will need include:
- Measuring tape
- A carpenters set-square
- Pencil and paper
To make the job a little easier, and to guarantee accurate measurements, it is also worth employing the aid of a helper.
If your spa has square corners, then you may get away with just needing a tape measure. However, many spas baths on the market have rounded edges. A carpenter’s square will make this job easier by giving you a square point from which to measure across.
You will want to make absolutely sure your measurements are as accurate as possible. Custom spa covers can be expensive, and you don’t want to waste your money or face the embarrassment of an incorrectly measured spa or hot tub cover.
A good tip before we cover the method of measuring your spa cover is that you are better off measuring a little oversize than a little under size. This will ensure the cover will fit, even if your measurements are slightly out.
Taking your spa cover measurements
Measuring your spa or hot tub for a cover isn’t hard, but you do want to take your time and get your measurements as close as possible to ensure a snug fit.
If your cover ends up too big, then you could lose heat and water retention, as well as leave an opening for dirt and pests. Measure it too small, and the cover won’t be usable at all.
1. Measuring your hot tub
You will want to measure your spa from the outer edge of the fiber-glass or acrylic surface, including any external flares or lips that may obstruct your new cover.
If your spa or hot tub has rounded corners, as many do, then it may be worth adding a half-inch extra on both length and width measurements to guarantee the fit isn’t too tight.
This is where a helper comes in handy to ensure your tape is kept in the right place; you don’t want your tape slipping and throwing off your accuracy from point to point.
2. Measure the corner radius
For spas with a square edge, then this process will be as simple as measuring the outside edge of your spa, giving you your radius measurement.
If your spa has rounded corners, your set square will help you find where the square corners would be. Place your set-square on the outer edge of your spa’s corner.
The inside point of your set-square is where the corner would be if not for the rounded edges. If you can get your helper a second set square to use. This makes life easier when you Measure a Hot Tub Cover
3. Skirting measurement
Most spa covers have a skirting or flap that hangs from the bottom of the cover. The skirting provides added protection from dirt and debris during strong winds and weather, as well as an added barrier from pests like insects, and rodents.
The standard length of spa cover skirting is three-inches below the outside edge of the cover; however, this may vary depending on how your spa has been installed. For example, if your spa is set into decking, the skirting may have to be customized to provide a snug fit.
4.Measuring obstacles and cut-outs
You may need to measure for some custom alterations to make way for things like air and function controls. Some spas may also have some entertainment features like in-built speakers that will need to be accounted for.
If you are getting your cover made professionally, or having someone else measure a hot tub cover it may be worth taking pictures of your spa to accompany your measurements to give the fabricator a good idea of where the obstacles are and help to make more sense of your planes.
This will only add to your spa covers accuracy and ensure you get the best possible fit form your investment, maximizing the protection and safety of your hot tub or spa bath.
If you are replacing an existing spa cover, then your job is even easier. Copy the measurements of your old cover verbatim, and provide some photos to the manufacturer. This will make their job simple, as they can make a carbon copy of the previous cover.
Need some more advice on correctly measuring up your spa for a custom cover? The team here at Ezy-Spa are here to offer you friendly advice on all your spa and hot tub maintenance enquirers.