Covermate *2* will need new cover

[wmccall]

Looking at this model, do you have to drain the tub to install this under the tub?   I think after nearly two years my cover has put on too much wieght.  My lifter looks like a covermate 1 and the cover is too heavy for it now.

I've heard some people have sucess buying new foam, others haven't comments?

[hottubber]

Under normal conditions, a cover should last about 5 years. Putting a new lift on an overweight spa cover doesn't solve any problems. If you are thinkg about new inserts, make sure you get them from the dealer that you had purchased the spa cover from. The inserts will not fit if you don't. Also, make sure you bring the cover inside to a warmer climate to install new inserts. You will need as much flexibility in the marine vinyl as possible to install inserts. And be prepared to scream when putting them in... Your fingers will hurt because you have to pull the cover jacket over the corners of the foam insert.
Best of luck

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

One of the things people don't realize is that over time the vinyl shrinks slightly, compressing the foam. The cover actually gets ever so slightly smaller. Trying too insert original sized foam cores may be next to impossible. It can help to "dust" the new cores with talcum powder to make them a bit more slippery.

[wmccall]

THanks, looking again, I think its the covermate 2 that has the under mount, not the 3, so that would require an empty tub I assume.

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Yup, gotta empty and slightly lift the spa to slide the brackets under.

[wmccall]

Yup, gotta empty and slightly lift the spa to slide the brackets under.

Just the weight to hold it in place? Any screws drilled into the tub?

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

No screws...... that's the whole idea... just a few thousand pounds of water holding it in place.

[wmccall]

Great, I'll probably buy it from you, I'm still exploring cover options (I know you sell those too)