When measuring your spa for a new spa cover, there is one important thing to
remember: IT HAS TO BE LARGE ENOUGH TO FIT! When in doubt remember, a slightly oversized
cover will fit fine, a slightly undersized cover will not!
Covers can be made in one of two styles. The most popular style is to cover only the
acrylic shell (measurement A in the below diagram, Fig. 1). The second style is to have
the cover extend far enough out to also cover the exposed top rail (measurement B in the
below diagram).
There is no difference in spa cover performance either way. It is simply your
preference.
Figure #1
A - Outside dimension of the acrylic shell (standard cover size).
B - Outside dimension of the wood cabinet.
C - Width of wood lip (top rail) of the cabinet (not present on all
spas).
Figure #2
It's important to measure from the widest part of your spa (see diagram above,
Fig. 2). While a cover that's a bit too small will insulate properly, the skirt will have
to stretch outwards making the overall appearance unattractive.
Figure #3
It's important that the skirt is neither too long nor too short. Too short and the
outer lip of your spa will be exposed. If the spa has a top rail (see Fig. 3 above), a
skirt that's too long can push the cover up preventing it from sealing and insulating
correctly.
Figure #4
Some covers have rounded corners. The diagram above (Fig. 4) shows a rounded
corner with imaginary dotted red lines. The length of the red line represents the
measurement of the radius corner. The lines start where the cover begins to curve, and end
where they cross. Be sure to measure all corners and that they are ALL the same size! IMPORTANT:
If in doubt, a slightly smaller radius will slightly
over hang the spa while a larger radius will not cover your spa completely.
Figure #5
Some covers have cut-corners. The diagram above (Fig. 5) shows a cut corner with
the length of the red line representing the measurement of the cut-corner. Be sure to
measure all corners and that they are ALL the same size (some covers have different cuts)!
IMPORTANT: If in doubt, a slightly smaller cut-corner
will cause the cover to slightly over hang your spa while a larger cut will not cover your
spa completely.
Figure #6
When measuring an octagon spa, it is extremely important to get dimensions on all
sides of the tub.
The example above (Fig. 6) shows an octagon (eight sides). Its length & width
measurements (9 & 10), and the side measurements (1-8), are ALL EQUAL. If they are not
equal, it is not a true octagon, but more than likely a cover with cut corners.
More measuring tips:
- Measure your spa and not your old cover. With age, some lesser
quality covers can shrink.
- Make sure the measurements are big enough. It is okay for the cover to be big. It
still does its job. However, a cover too small will never do the job it is supposed to.
- Measure all sides of the spa.
- Measure the overall length and width of the spa.
- Always specify hinge direction.
