This is the easiest lifter I have used. It requires very little effort. I have arm and shoulder issues and was concerned I would not find a lifter that worked for me. I love it.

Easy to install and super easy to open and close the cover.

CUSTOMERS LOVE IT!

If you are going to use the top of the line covers (heaviest) this is not for you. After 6 months one of the shocks broke and now after 2 years both arms are broken.

The problem is that the side arms are not long enough to slide into the support bracket for a stable fit. I am going to find a dowel or similar support to slide into the hollow ""pipes"" of the side support arms to make them strong enough to support the cover in the lifted position. The Covermate III I had previously snapped at this point. My cover is one of the larger ones so the absence of sturdy support arms needs to be addressed IMHO. I would only recommend this if the buyer is willing to modify it as mentioned.

After researching numerous spa cover lifters, we are pleased that we chose the Cover Mate III. It was fairly easy to assemble and install (replaced an existing lifter), and it opens and closes with ease. The plastic cover at the hinge area helps to protect against rust. The towel hooks are an added bonus. Highly recommend and would buy again. Shipped quickly too!

This bracket handles my 8 person spa top perfectly. I don't use it on windy days but it works fine with a light breeze.

Didn't even last two years before the plastic on one of the brackets bent and allowed the strut to disconnect. The previous cover lift (Cover Valet) lasted over 10 years.

With carefully planning, the installation went well inside 6-inch space. The only failure was the lack of adhesive on the release warning decal.

This product looks sleek and nice. Within a week of installing, started having issues with lift mechanism which ripped our cover. Now both support brackets are bent and useless.