Issue with Hot Springs Spa Cover

[jeff925]

I have a Hot spring spa I bought in Feb 2007. I use it 1-2 times a week. last night when i went to use it the cover was heavy. Water had seeped in and was actually sloshing around in the underside of the cover on both halves.

I called my Hot Springs dealer and they said the warranty on the cover had run out. and the life of a cover is 2-3 years. they said I needed to buy a new one for $399.

That seems like a pretty low life expextancey? I thought HS stand behind thier products more. Should I contact HS directly?

[Peteyboy]

I don't think you will get anywhere with the manufacturer - but it's worth a try.

Usually when a cover takes on water we find the water is actually inside the plastic encasing the styrofoam inserts. Most times it because a customer has let the pH get low and the acid water compromises the plastic so that the styrofoam can wick up the water.

I would look for any holes in the cover. You can take out the inserts (the cover has zippers) and let them dry in the sun - then inspect the plastic to see if it is compromised - if so seal it with shipping tape.

Good Luck

[Spatech_tuo]

I have a Hot spring spa I bought in Feb 2007. I use it 1-2 times a week. last night when i went to use it the cover was heavy. Water had seeped in and was actually sloshing around in the underside of the cover on both halves.

I called my Hot Springs dealer and they said the warranty on the cover had run out. and the life of a cover is 2-3 years. they said I needed to buy a new one for $399.

That seems like a pretty low life expextancey? I thought HS stand behind thier products more. Should I contact HS directly?

Some companies are better about honoring their warranty and Watkins is certainly one of them. This however is asking them to honor beyond their warranty but its worth a try because usually covers last longer than 2½ years as yours has. Sometimes people ask how long a cover will last but its tough to say exactly so I often respond "2-6 years but most last 4 or 5". If the vinyl is in good shape you can also look to replace just the cores and reuse the vinyl so ask the dealer what that would cost.

[ejf The Spa Guy]

i would agree with spatech t.u.o on this. also a lot of manufacturers refer you to the cover manufacturers its out of there hands, you may want to followup with the company that makes theres. it may be sunstar, they are apretty good company, if it is cal covers pretty tough to get done,  hope this helps

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

They make their own covers.

[Vanguard]

i would agree with spatech t.u.o on this. also a lot of manufacturers refer you to the cover manufacturers its out of there hands, you may want to followup with the company that makes theres. it may be sunstar, they are apretty good company, if it is cal covers pretty tough to get done,  hope this helps

Dr. Spa is correct, Watkins makes their own covers. 

[Bonibelle]

Just a suggestion because I think this has helped my cover survive..My cover is almost 4 years old and in excellent condition. I clean the top and apply the 303 regularly and I use a spa blanket. The spa blanket protects the underside of the cover from chemical deteriation as well as adding some insulating value.  Some people think the spa blanket is a pain to use, but I think it has helped my cover stay in great condition. The spa blanket doesn't have a real long life so replacing it may become a bit expensive, but I am happy NOT to have the hassel of replacing my cover yet...and looking at it right now, I probably will get many more years out of it.... ..

Oh and I guess I should admit, I am not good about leaving the cover off when shocking. .and that really contributes to the destruction of your cover..the spa blanket buffers all that chemical contact...

Doc carries the spa blanket.

[Shaamus]

From what you describe, it sounds like the water is trapped between the vinyl and the outer plastic barrier.  If this is the case, just completely remove the cover standing it up on its end and allow the water to drain out.  Typically if you hear the water splashing around it's not a big deal.  Just let it drain.

[kervis]

I don't think you will get anywhere with the manufacturer - but it's worth a try.

Usually when a cover takes on water we find the water is actually inside the plastic encasing the styrofoam inserts. Most times it because a customer has let the pH get low and the acid water compromises the plastic so that the styrofoam can wick up the water.

I would look for any holes in the cover. You can take out the inserts (the cover has zippers) and let them dry in the sun - then inspect the plastic to see if it is compromised - if so seal it with shipping tape.

Good Luck

Thanks for sharing this DIY tip--thanks! 

[Peteyboy]

My pleasure - make sure you take the time to seal the plastic VERY well - you don't want to do it twice.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

It wont really matter much as the packing tape will begin to fail in about a year.

[Peteyboy]

Good point Doc - packing tape isn't the best - any other ideas on tape?

And I think it was suggested that you can replace just the inserts.

[ejf The Spa Guy]

thanks dr. spa learn something new everyday... appreciate it...

[Bonibelle]

_{spa blanket}

[Gary]

If it is out of warranty it is out of warranty, expected life of the part is irrelevant.

A consumers agrees to the terms of the warranty when they purchase the product.