How to measure a hot tub cover the right way

If it's time for a new hot tub cover, correct measurements are needed to ensure the perfect fit, even if your hot tub dealer has your model's dimensions on file. In case you've got measuring tape jitters, we'll walk you through the steps so you know how to measure a hot tub cover the right way.

Measure the hot tub

How-to-measure-your-Hot-Tub-Cover-diagram
How-to-measure-your-Hot-Tub-Cover-rounded-edges
  • 1 Measure lip to lip. Regardless of the shape your spa, you should measure from lip to lip, or the outside dimension of the acrylic which is the same as lip to lip. After you have a lip to lip measurement you may add up to 1" on both length and width. This will give you a 1/2" of play all around your spa cover.
  • 2 Measure the skirt. The skirt is the flap that hangs from the bottom of your cover. The skirt protects the spa surface and aids in heat retention, if not measured correctly can cause some problems because if it is too long it will bunch and push your spa cover up. If you have a wood rail as in the picture above measure from the top of the wood rail to the top of your spa acrylic. If anything you want to be a little short rather than long so the skirt does not bunch. If you do not have a wood rail then you want to measure from the top of the spa to the bottom of the spa lip and add 1/2".
  • 3 Measure the radius. This is how you measure a curved edge on your hot tub, and it's the step that makes everyone worried. As the lower diagram on the left shows, the easiest way to measure a radius, which is with a carpenter square. The dimension needed is from the start of the bend to the imaginary point of the square if the tub was actually square. Rule of thumb is smaller is safer than larger. The smaller the radius the more square the corners of the hot tub cover. Your hot tub cover radius will always be an even number. To measure radius "C": extend straight lines indicated in red by laying straight edges against the sides of the hot tub. Measure from point "Y" to point "Z".

How to measure different shapes of hot tubs

  • Square cover. The square hot tub cover is the easiest cover to measure. Just measure your hot tub from lip to lip. The only other dimension you will need is the skirt length.
  • Rectangular cover. Measure for a rectangular hot tub cover the same way as for a square cover, but make sure you request the fold direction you require. Most companies will cut the longest of the two sides in half unless you tell them otherwise.
  • Square or rectangular cover with rounded corners. Follow the square and rectangle spa cover procedure and add the radius measurement.
  • Round cover. The round spa cover is easy to measure as well, since you only need the lip-to-lip measurement. If your old cover is measurable, you can also measure across the seam. The only other measurement needed is the skirt length.
  • Octagonal cover (8 equal-length sides). For the octagon spa cover measure from lip to lip add 1" of play. Also, measure one panel of the octagon from point to point. The only other measurement needed is the skirt length.
  • Ellipse or Special Shapes Most of these covers will require a template provided by you to complete your cover properly. This would include spas with speaker bumps, waterfalls, or cut outs for rails or controls.
  • Be sure to identify strap and handle locations, or any other features of your cover. Identifying strap locations will ensure your straps line up with the receiving end that is screwed to your spa cabinet. Measure the distance from the corner of the cover and mark on the image at the bottom of the form. The same can be done for the handles on the cover if you are concerned about placement. Does your cover attach to a cover lifter, have cut outs for speakers, have reinforced plates? Please let us know.

Download a hot tub cover order sheet!

GET YOUR ORDER FORM

RELATED ARTICLES

Treating Foaming in a hot tub

In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.

Buds-drain-your-hot-tub-regularly

Why You Should Drain Your Hot Tub Regularly (And How To Do It)

Why You Should Drain Your Hot Tub Regularly (And How To Do It) Having a hot tub can be one of the most low maintenance ways to add a little more fun and relaxation to your life. Modern hot tubs can be enjoyed with relatively small amounts of care. In general, we tell homeowners to…

Close up of a corner of a hot tub with a glow of blue lights around the side of the hot tub.

Can Your Hot Tub Do This? Discover the Coolest Hot Tub Tech of 2024!

Can Your Hot Tub Do This? Discover the Coolest Hot Tub Tech of 2024! In 2024, hot tubs aren’t just about soaking in warm water-they’ve become high-tech relaxation hubs with features that enhance your experience like never before. If you haven’t upgraded your tub recently, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore some of the…

Buds Spas showroom

Benefits of In-Person Shopping for Hot Tubs, Pools & Swim Spas

We know that online shopping can be convenient. But at Buds we still believe that hot tubs, swim spas and pools, not to mention their parts and supplies, are best shopped for in person.

So while you might start your shopping journey online, we hope that you’ll take the chance to visit us in store before finally making your purchase.

There are many reasons why we think brick-and-mortar stores like Buds are the smart choice for customers.

Check out our top reasons and let us know if you agree!

buds-hot-tub-9

Treating Pseudomonas in a Hot Tub

How to treat Pseudomonas in a Hot Tub What is Pseudomonas? Pseudomonas is a skin infection resulting from exposure to contaminated spa water. Loss of sanitizer level and the temperature of the spa both pose as a breeding ground for this bacterium. Characteristics of Pseudomonas Pseudomonas is most commonly seen as an inflamed skin rash.…

web-hottub-waterfall

Treating Phosphates in a Hot Tub

How to Treat Phosphates in your Hot Tub Phosphates are a naturally occurring mineral in all water, however if they reach high levels they can cause issues in your spa. One issue that can occur is not being able to maintain a sanitizer level as the phosphates consume bromine or chlorine. It can also lead…

2018_buds_blog_15hottubs_7

Treating Biofilm in a Hot Tub

How to Treat Biofilm in your Hot Tub What is Biofilm? Biofilm in hot tubs refers to a complex community of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and form a slimy, protective layer. Biofilm can develop on various surfaces within a hot tub, such as the walls, pipes, and filters. IMPACT Reduced effectiveness of sanitizers: The…

670-Platinum-4

How to Drain your Serenity Hydropool Hot Tub

How to drain your Serenity Hydropool hot tub ** Your spa should be drained approximately every 8-12 weeks depending on the amount of chemicals added and the use it gets. 1 Start by turning off the air controls and ensuring there is water coming out of all the seat jets (move diverters to middle/neutral position,…

2018_buds_blog_15hottubs_14

How to Drain your Self-Clean Hydropool Hot Tub

How to drain your self-clean hydropool hot tub Steps to Draining your Self-Clean Hydropool You will need 2 garden hoses, one for draining and one for filling. Your spa should be drained approximately every 12 weeks depending on the amount of chemicals added and the use it gets. Remember to have your water tested monthly.…

buds-hot-tub-covers

How to Measure Your Hot Tub Cover

How to measure your Hot Tub Cover How to Measure Your Hot Tub Cover This guide will help you measure your spa or hot tub cover so that it will fit perfectly. Even if a covermanufacturer has your spa on file, take the time to measure and be sure. Measuring your Spa Skirt measurement The…

Hot tub winterization guide

how to prepare your hot tub for the winter Winterizing your hot tub properly is extremely important to ensure that all the lines and equipment do not freeze and crack over the winter. Drain spa as per normal procedure. Remove pillows, the skimmer basket and the filter(s) from the canister. Chemically clean your filter(s) with…

WAND CARTRIDGE FILTER CLEANER

Hot Tub Filter Cartridge Cleaning

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR Hot Tub Filter Cartridge When should a filter cartridge be cleaned? For hot tubs, establish a routine cartridge cleaning schedule based on the amount of spa usage. This should include rinsing the cartridge weekly (or more frequently with heavy use), as well as using Rapid Action Filter Cleanse every 4-6 weeks. …

hot-tub-weightloss-header

Helpful tips when maintaining your spa!

HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAINTAINING YOUR SPA! ATTENTION NEW HOT TUB AND SWIM SPA OWNERS: We recommend bringing a water sample to Bud’s Spas & Pools before adding any chemicals and/or before entering your hot tub for the first time. Test Strips Test strips are a great tool to help you maintain…

buds-blog-entertaining-with-hot-tub-2

The Surprising Benefits of Contrast Hydrotherapy

In its most formal application, contrast hydrotherapy involves alternating between immersion in hot and cold water. It’s a practice with growing popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts for its many reported benefits.

Fantom plug-and-play hot tub

What’s the deal with plug-and-play hot tubs?

A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!

hot-tub-weightloss-header

Can Hot Tubs Really Help You Lose Weight?

A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!

buyer beware, 3D rendering, traffic sign

Buyer Beware! Think Twice About Going to A Hot Tub Expo

Beware of the travelling hot tub shows and expos. We review the red flags to be aware of and why you’ll never see Buds at one!

buds_blog_hot_tub_outdoors

The Benefits of a Morning Soak in Your Hot Tub

A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!

buds-hot-tub-8

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hot Tub

If you’re in the market for a new hot tub or an upgrade, this condensed, step-by-step buying guide is for you! We cover everything from seating to special features.

Hydropool Serenity 5900 in backyard

Our Favourite Hot Tubs of 2024

On the hunt for the best hot tub in 2023? Determine your must-haves, research your brands, and narrow them down. We are biased, but Hydropool checks all the boxes!

BACK TO THE BLOG