Cover Saga

[wmccall]

Dealer support is nice to have.

In the past I have mentioned that I was having problems with the cover becoming waterlogged. I bought a new insert and had the dealer install it. Now the other half is starting to get waterlogged and I decided to replace the cover. (And probably the lifter) The tub is 2 years old and the cover is out of its warranty, but the dealer is selling it to me at his cost.  $200 for a 92x92 5"-3" cover.

[JcDenton]

How long did the cover last you?

Jc

[Chas]

Two years.

[JcDenton]

That's what I thought - but only 2 years? That seems rather quick..?...?

[wmccall]

That's what I thought - but only 2 years? That seems rather quick..?...?

Yes, that does seem too quick.  I attribute that partly to improper installation and improper usage on my part. After a contractor did the install wrong the dealer offered to correct the lifter installation put I declined.

When the new cover arrives I'll correct the installation of the lifter and I have already modified some of my bad habits. The next time I drain the tub (June-July) I will consider changing lifters.

[JcDenton]

Ah - now I remember!

I have always anticipated replacing our cover between 5-7 years. Whether or not it lasts that long - time will tell. Only two years of operation before having to replace had me worried!  

Jc

[Brewman]

On the other hand, my cover is about 2 years old, and seems to be in fine condition.  Our spa is under our deck, so not a lot of snow or rain pounds on it.  Also, we're not using dichlor or ozone which I've heard can affect vinly and other plastics.
Brewman

[Spatech_tuo]

My cover is 6 yrs old and is for a large spa. The vinyl is faded due to sun and sure the inside vinyl is faded due to sanitizer and ozone but that's not an issue. Structurally its holding up great and I expect a couple more years of use, no problem. Covers are often an afterthought in a way. A Manufacturer can save money by including a lesser cover as the customer buys based on the tubs quality and may not even see/inspect the cover in the store and will know what they've got upon delivery. A spa buyer should put a bit of stock into the quality of the cover when shopping (most premium spas have good covers).

[Chas]

Actually, I find Dichlor to be the best at prolonging the life of the cover: you add it and leave the jets running with the cover open for about 10 minutes. That lets the chlorine cloud escape and it doesn't damage the cover.

Floating feeders tend to eat covers alive, and a good ozone system will have some impact as well.

[wmccall]

On the other hand, my cover is about 2 years old, and seems to be in fine condition.  Our spa is under our deck, so not a lot of snow or rain pounds on it.  Also, we're not using dichlor or ozone which I've heard can affect vinly and other plastics.
Brewman

Ours is more exposed and we have had two ice storms this year. At one point I had over an inch of ice on the cover that I may have too aggressive in removing.

[Chris_H]

My cover is 6 yrs old and is for a large spa.

What kind of spa is that?  

[fletch49]

Actually, I find Dichlor to be the best at prolonging the life of the cover: you add it and leave the jets running with the cover open for about 10 minutes. That lets the chlorine cloud escape and it doesn't damage the cover.

Floating feeders tend to eat covers alive, and a good ozone system will have some impact as well.

I'm using a floating feeder with Bromine. Without switching to Dichlor, is there some other method of using bromine without a floating feeder?

[Chas]

I'm using a floating feeder with Bromine. Without switching to Dichlor, is there some other method of using bromine without a floating feeder?

yes  - "Brilliance" from the folks who brought us Baqua spa. Click for more info - Brilliance doesn't contain Chlorine as most other bromine products do.

[Brewman]

I'm currently using Brilliance, which probably explains why my cover is in good shape, despite the floater dispenser.
Brewman