A high-quality hot tub cover doesn’t only prevent the entrance of leaves and dust into the hot tub but also helps in retaining heat, insulating your spa from variable weather conditions, and ensuring easy maintenance. Nevertheless, selecting the best replacement cover can prove to be difficult at times because of various factors such as the need for an accurate fit and sufficient insulation depending on your climate.
The Cover Guy is known for its custom made hot tub covers, cover lifters, swim spa covers, and other spa accessories. They provide various insulation choices along with materials and styles which cater to a variety of hot tubs.
Nevertheless, is The Cover Guy worth it? Could one use another type of replacement hot tub cover which is cheaper? In this review, we’ll be looking at the products, materials used by the company, their prices, guarantees and pros and cons of the brand.
Cover Guy is an online business dealing in hot tub replacement covers and other accessories. The firm was founded in 2004, and the products are available for customers both in North America and UK.
Instead of limiting itself to manufacturing only replacement covers for conventional sizes, the company provides its clients the opportunity to choose a particular model of the hot tub they own or measure the device for a personalized solution. This is especially helpful for those owning old or exotic spas that are hard to fit with any regular cover replacement.
Some of the products in the collection offered by the Cover Guy include: traditional insulated covers, rolling covers, swim spa covers, cover lifters, thermal blankets, cover caps, and some maintenance accessories.
The key selling feature of the brand is its ability to offer customized products. Consumers can order hot tub replacement covers based on desired thickness and material, depending on the climate of a particular location.
Fitting replacement covers well is the key element of protecting your hot tub properly. Loose-fitting covers could create holes on their borders, let out heat, and not protect your hot tub from any debris.
Customers have a chance of choosing between the supported hot tub models and entering individual measurements at The Cover Guy website. Moreover, customers are able to adjust some characteristics of replacement covers, such as the material, color, and strap position.
In case if you want to replace an old cover, which has become worn or even waterlogged, this flexibility will come in handy for you. But you should be very careful while taking all the measurements because there is no refund on the custom products.
There are three types of covers available from The Cover Guy: Standard, Deluxe, and Extreme covers, and thus customers get the chance to choose according to their climate and insulation needs.
The Standard type should be used in warmer or moderate climates, while the Deluxe type gives extra insulation due to its thickness for moderate and colder climates. Finally, the Extreme cover is made for colder climates with snow and ice.
Such an approach allows making the choice easier. There is no need to buy the most thickened cover no matter what the climate is.
Hot tub covers require material which can resist being exposed to sun rays, rain, moisture, and temperature. Cover Guy incorporates marine grade vinyl into their standard cover designs, along with UV inhibitors and mildew inhibitors to provide some protection against the exterior elements.
There is also another alternative to traditional vinyl – WeatherShield fabric. It is said to be more lightweight and resistant to UV rays, water, mildew, tears, and abrasions.
Different materials may result in different characteristics. Therefore, when choosing a hot tub cover, buyers should consider their options of exterior materials and colors.
The conventional designs of the covers include elements like reinforcing folding hinges, handles, as well as four lockable child-safety tie-downs. In addition, aluminum is added to reinforce the cover structure.
This information is crucial as a hot tub cover is expected to be regularly moved and firmly fastened when the spa is not in operation.
Nonetheless, safety straps are not an alternative for constant supervision or proof that the cover is able to carry someone’s weight. Do not let any children, animals, or even grown-ups step onto the cover.
Cover Guy not only deals in replacement covers but also offers other accessories like standard cover lifters, hydraulic cover lifters, cover caps, thermal blankets, and many others.
With the help of a cover lifter, one might find it easy to open and close a very heavy cover, especially those who often use their hot tub. A cover cap can give an extra level of protection to the cover against being exposed outdoors.
They are just accessories and need not be purchased compulsorily as they have an additional price tag on them.
$479.99
This cover is suitable for use in hotter and moderate climatic conditions. It has a 4-inch to 2.5-inch tapered design with a weight of 35 pounds.
The following are some of its major features: heat-sealed 1.5-pound density foam, 30-ounce marine grade vinyl with UV protection, double-stitching, and four child safety locks. An option for purchasing a cover with a denser foam is available as well.
Who will find it useful? This cover is perfect for homeowners living in relatively milder climates and interested in custom replacements without paying for extra insulation thickness.
Potential limitation: Its major drawback is that it is not suitable for usage in the most severe snow and ice conditions of the company.
$1,499.99
The Custom Rolling Swim Spa Cover is intended for individuals with a swim spa who wish to gain easier access without having to move the bulky standard cover. This cover can be rolled by just one individual within a minute, as per the manufacturer's claim.
This cover uses WeatherShield fabric, high density insulation, galvanized steel support channels, and EPS foam bars. The cover is custom-made to fit any compatible swim spa size and is designed to endure a static load of 275 pounds.
For whom this product may be useful? For those people who have a swim spa and make regular use of it while looking for an easy-to-handle custom-fit cover.
Potential limitation: The main cons of this product are its premium initial price of $1,499.99, the extra charge of the rolling cradle, and the requirement of clearing off the snow in harsh winters.
$399.99
Custom Cold Tub Cover is intended for cold plunge owners, requiring a custom-made cover for protection of their tub. There are two major varieties of the product: Deluxe version suitable for interior use, and Extreme version for exterior applications.
This cover includes selection of traditional vinyl and WeatherShield fabric, various insulation profiles, and Energy Shield and higher-density foam upgrades. Moreover, customers are able to select the color of the cover.
What kind of customers may be interested in it? It is recommended to people having a cold plunge tub, those in need of a custom-made solution for protecting their tub from dirt or outdoor conditions and those requiring different insulation choices.
Potential limitation: The main disadvantages of the item are the price of $399.99 for the Deluxe version and $449.99 for the Extreme version, necessity in precise measurement, and extra charge for the upgrades.
Quality of a hot tub cover is not limited to the appearance of its outer layer. Properties of the foam material, state of the vapor barrier, hinges strength, sewing, and cover’s fit on the spa all contribute to the performance.
According to The Cover Guy, its foam is protected from absorbing water through coating and wrapping. It is a significant design element since foam absorbs water, making the cover heavier and lowering its insulation properties.
Reinforced hinges and marine grade vinyl are used in traditional covers by The Cover Guy. Alternative material of the WeatherShield cover is supposed to provide a light and flexible outer layer which is resistant to outdoor conditions.
However, all the above mentioned specifications should be considered product’s characteristics and not as evidence of the fact that the cover will stay perfect forever. Weathering, maintenance, installation, and handling all influence life time of the cover.
A good-fitting hot tub cover with proper insulation reduces heat losses in the hot tub. In effect, by reducing heat losses from the hot tub, the use of the heater to achieve the required temperature may be reduced.
The various cover thicknesses provided by The Cover Guy give the buyers the option to select the appropriate type of insulation for their area. The Extreme cover is meant for cold areas while the Standard cover is meant for areas with mild weather.
Nevertheless, the energy saving realized depends on various aspects including the outside temperature, hot tub insulation, temperature of water, number of times the hot tub is used, and the quality of the cover among others. Energy saving information provided by the company cannot be applied universally across all homes.
The Cover Guy offers custom covers as long-term solutions instead of a simple accessory for the hot tub.
The beginning prices for the Custom Covers include $479.99 for Standard, $529.99 for Deluxe, and $579.99 for Extreme models. The difference between the prices of Standard and Deluxe covers is relatively insignificant, whereas the price for the Extreme model is $50 higher than the price of the Deluxe cover.
This means that you do not need to look for the most affordable option; instead, you should choose the cover depending on the insulation level that will match the environment where the hot tub is located.
There are certain cheap generic covers available on the market, which could be appropriate for your hot tub only if all dimensions, shapes, insulation levels, and attachment points are the same.
Take into account that the advertised base price does not include certain options, accessories, and delivery fees applicable in your area.
The Cover Guy seems to be a reputable specialist retailer rather than a faceless web store. Their official website features information about product specifications, ordering process, shipping, customer service, and warranty policy in writing.
Moreover, the company claims that they have been functioning since 2004 and produce their covers in North America. The published list of products and customization process offer useful data to those consumers who have to purchase a cover for a certain spa model.
Legitimacy and the suitability of the product remain two different issues anyway. Even buying a customized product from a reputable company, the consumers should verify the measurements, warranty and the return policy conditions first.
Verdict on legitimacy: The provided business information and policies can be considered as sufficient evidence of the company’s legitimacy. Consumers have to check the terms of their own order anyway rather than rely only on marketing promises.
The feedback from customers can provide insight into how the product functions outside its technical features, such as how well it fits, delivered, built and supported.
The product page of this brand at the time of research had an estimated rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on over 600 reviews. This means that the product under consideration has been highly rated by users.
However, you need to focus your attention on the reviews and look for the feedback that touches upon how well the cover fits according to submitted measurements, delivery, hinges quality and the exterior of the cover, and how the issues have been managed.
High average rating is a good sign; however, you cannot consider it a guarantee of your experience. Useful reviews would describe a similar hot tub model and climate conditions.
The Cover Guy produces tailor-made covers upon request. According to its stated shipping policy, the production of these covers could take up to ten business days following finalization of the order. The average estimate of production and shipping of covers takes about three to four weeks for the United States, four to five weeks for Canada, and five to six weeks for the United Kingdom. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The custom covers for the hot tub, swim spa, and cold tub are final sale items and thus not normally returnable simply due to buyer’s remorse. It is important, therefore, that buyers make sure to take the necessary measurements carefully prior to checkout.
The Cover Guy offers a privacy policy that explains the treatment of personal information when users visit the site, register, subscribe to marketing emails, and buy products. In common with all other online stores, information provided at the time of checkout may be required for payment processing, delivery of the purchased item, and customer support.
Cover Guy would be worth taking into consideration in case you need a custom made cover, have the option of choosing different insulation options, or reside in a location where having a suitable cover becomes necessary for protecting your hot tub from damage.
In moderate weather conditions, you might find the Standard model useful while in changing conditions, Deluxe model would be more suitable due to its thick design. As far as colder locations with considerable amount of snowfall go, the Extreme model would be a better choice to consider.
The Cover Guy is a company that is known for the selling of replacement hot tub covers and various spa accessories. They offer specifications, support, shipping information, and warranty policy in writing.
The minimum prices of hot tub covers of The Cover Guy are stated as follows: Standard - $479.99, Deluxe - $529.99, Extreme - $579.99.
The most suitable for cold to harsh climate is the Extreme cover which has a 6-inch-to-4-inch tapered design. Customers from regions with lots of snow should compare the specifications with local weather conditions.
Yes. The company offers warranty period of three years on manufacturing defects for current traditional foam and rolling hot tub covers.
Depending on the country, custom covers can ship within approximately three to four weeks in the United States, four to five weeks in Canada, and five to six weeks in the United Kingdom. Delivery time frames can differ depending on individual circumstances.
The Cover Guy provides covers that cannot be returned or refunded once custom manufactured for hot tubs, swim spas, and cold tubs. Only certain products are eligible for refunds according to the return policy of the company.
The Cover Guy makes covers for many well-known hot tub brands with specific models available for customization and also custom size and shape options.
The covers have been constructed in a way that can withstand exposure to the elements. In addition to this, the company employs the use of foam treatments to make sure that there is minimal water absorption. Nonetheless, its stated policy considers the materials of the covers (vinyl and WeatherShield fabric) as only water-resistant, but not waterproof.
An effective hot tub cover will definitely be able to assist in reducing the amount of heat loss and thus the amount of energy used in keeping the water at the required temperatures.
This company might be worth considering for those who are looking for custom fitting, appropriate insulation and guaranteed replacement with warranty.
This company makes its hot tub covers available as a practical way to get a specially fitted cover, as well as insulation, suitable for one’s local climate. The three cover types that this company has allow for easier comparison of parameters such as thickness, weight, and applicable weather conditions, without dealing with another product line.
The major strengths include the customization offered by the company, the variety of material used, reinforced design, and the warranty of three years for manufacturing defects of currently available models. The major weakness of the company includes the cost, delivery period, and the rules regarding returns of custom-made products.
In general, The Cover Guy deserves to be on the list when one needs a customized cover for one’s hot tub. It all depends on picking up the right model, getting the necessary measurements, and knowing the details prior to ordering.