I need to purchase a cover for my swim spa (Tidalfit DTL-8) and want to spend wisely so that even if it cost more upfront, it will be a better value in the long run. Since the DTL-8 is in an "L" configuration, I will need to purchase 2 covers (one for swim part and one for spa part) so this is going to be even more expensive.
I don't want to have to buy a cover every 5-7 years, so I want something that will hopefully last forever (15+ years??).
Doing some quick research on the aluminum ones, I see a few different websites (belitespacovers, aluminumspacovers, and uscovers) that sell them, but the information all looks very similar (if not the exact same), is that because they all made by the some manufacturer and just marketed to different segments? It looks like their warranty is only for 3 years, but how long do they really last if maintained per manufacturer's guidelines? Are they worth the price tag of about 3 times more than a traditional foam cover?
On the Duracore one made by modernspacovers, I spoke with a salesperson on the phone tonight and he said there is nothing within their product that can absorb water and their outer fabric similar to Kevlar, so it will last a very long time. Their company is only 4 years old, but their goal is for it to last 15+ years. He said their warranty is 5 year, not prorated and if there is something wrong with the product, they do not require customer send the product back, they will either walk you through simple repairs or they will send you a new piece.
I am very lost in this process, they all look pretty good and the prices are similar (about $5K for both pieces). I am leaning toward the Duracore product simply because they don't ask you to send the cover back to them and they seem like they pretty customer focused.
Are there other brands or types I should be seriously considering? I'd like to pull the trigger by the end of the week, especially since they all probably have a long backlog or orders.