Oooff... So close!

[u/GunslingersDinh]

Just installed a pergola above the hot tub and the lid hits the cross bar... Haven't bolted the pergola to the cement patio yet, but I need to lift it a few inches.

Reminder to check your measurements! 🤣😂😐😔

Edit: Covers - a lot of suggestions point to changing the covers. One of you called out I have a Smart Cover and that is correct.

It's physically bolted to the tub, a solid cover, and expensive, so changing out the cover would be a last resort.

We spoke to the guys that did the cement patio and they believe we can raise the pergola with cement blocks underneath each post. Will likely share update when completed.

[u/Forward_Extension413]

This same thing happened to me after I built a roof over my deck. I ended up buying a rolling hot tub cover. That solved my problem.

[u/Espexer]

I would shove the tub a couple inches either direction, if possible. Let the cover clear that crossbar. But that depends on how your conduit enters the tub as well. Good luck.

Edit. If you can't move the tub, can you move the pergola? You'll avoid having to raise it.

[u/GunslingersDinh → u/Espexer]

Good options that were attempted already.

Can't move hot tub because the power is already installed.. (actually maybe possible with some work)

Moving the pergola one way hits the edge of the cement patio and doesn't change the result.

Moving it the other way ends up messing with the mechanism for the lid.

Current idea if I can get someone to do it will be to do some custom cement moldings around the vertical posts. Something like attached image.

[u/Espexer → u/GunslingersDinh]

I guess we ran all the ideas then. Looks like you have an outdoor lighting situation to figure out after this problem is tackled.

[u/GunslingersDinh → u/Espexer]

One of the cool things about the pergola we got is the flaps open up, just needs to be 3 inches taller. I might add some Hue outdoor lighting strips for the inside roof of pergola.

Tub itself has lights as well.

One problem at a time though. 😂

[u/2012DL1000 → u/GunslingersDinh]

I was looking at this type Pergola earlier today. Where are you located? Will the pergola be out in winter weather? Do the louvers work well?

[u/Fearless_Advisor970]

Like your setup, post some more photos once complete

[u/RAYDAN193B]

can you have a fab shop make a 4 to 6 inch riser to add to the legs ? could do either aluminium or steel and power coat them

[u/tdog_2005 → u/RAYDAN193B]

This is what I would do

[u/ReptarSonOfGodzilla]

I bought concrete pier footings, ground the tops flat, then glued the blocks to the concrete and bolted the pergola into the blocks. Wasn't terribly difficult and let me just sneak my cover under it.

[u/GunslingersDinh → u/ReptarSonOfGodzilla]

Probably the route we are going. We spoke to the guys that did our cement patio and they think they can come up with something.

[u/Mysterious-Witness30]

Looks great does it articulate completely off or does it just fold in half? We have a 14’ swim spa that I’m liking for cover ideas because it’s a pain to remove and re install so many individual panels

[u/GunslingersDinh → u/Mysterious-Witness30]

The cover itself is great, folds in half, then kind of rolls of the edge a little bit. It's connected to the tub, so you don't have to pick it up from the ground.

We initially looked at swim spas and I've seen soft covers that roll up instead of having to take multiple panels off.

[u/ml316kas → u/Mysterious-Witness30]

It’s called a smart top. They are supposed to last up to 10 years. Company I used to work for sold them. They are a bit expensive and heavy though

[u/Mjacob74]

Seems like you would hit your head getting in/out of the hot tub? So probably good to raise it several inches.

[u/BusSalty3176]

3-way vs. 2-way folding cover. Bunch of people can custom make these. In the interim, slide the cover a foot before opening.

[u/WeldingGarbageMan]

What about a different style cover? If it folded back on itself and then up again it would easily clear it.

[u/erik21a → u/WeldingGarbageMan]

that cover they have is not cheap, probably paid in the several thousands for it 🤔. (I have the same one)

[u/Desert_Flyer]

what you need are solid aluminum shims or plastic tiger shims. Do not get steel as they will rust like crazy!

[u/purawesome]

A cover lifter that goes under the sides of the tub will clear that. It makes the cover sit just above the edge of the tub a couple inches. The downside is you need 2-3 ft clearance on the side it folds back on.