Watkins/ Hot Springs Cover Lock

[nlittle]

So, I just got my new tub yesterday and in the process of getting it all set up one of the cover locks broke the 2nd or 3rd time I used it.....
Is this normal?  Do you think they will cover it under warranty?  I guess I will find out this morning when I call.    :-/

[Zep]

re: "cover locks ....Do you think they will cover it under warranty"

In bulk I think those plastic cover locks are like 30 cents a piece...

You may be pushing the limit!

 

[nlittle]

Yeah, I know it...  Just seems like it could wait until I've used it once to break.  Doesn't seem to be another way to close that corner tight now, short of weighing it down.  
We are windy here so I want the cover to be secure...I'm going to call them because they need to bring my filter cover/manual anyway.
Doesn't hurt to try I guess.

[Zep]

nlittle.....I am sure it will not be a problem.

mine have never broke....but they do seem like
they could break pretty easy

ya know actually right now I dont even use
mine and the cover never moves and it
gets pretty windy here in Dallas at times

i keep my front and back gates locked
but I should probably use the cover
locks too....i'm just to lazy!

Here is a real spa cover lock!




STEELCORE'S locking security straps are the best spa cover locks in
the marketplace.

Our hot tub locks will give you peace of mind knowing that your spa or
hot-tub cover is secure from unauthorized use and the weather.

The typical hot tub and spa cover locks are made of plastic with a small
plastic key.
The plastic locking buckle is connected to a small piece of vinyl that is sewn
into the side of the spa cover. With just one yank the plastic buckle can break
or the stitching comes apart. Now your hot tub is open to unauthorized use or
it becomes vulnerable to small children.

STEELCORE'S security straps for spa covers are locking security straps that
will secure the entire spa cover. Even the strongest winds won't blow your
hot tub cover off.

For the best hot tub lock and spa cover locks, your choice should
be STEELCORE.





Why should I replace my existing plastic spa cover locks?
Lack of Strength: Plastic buckles might be strong enough to hold together
backpacks and toys, but not for the serious business of keeping children
safe and preventing unwanted access to the spa.

Easily Defeated: These plastic locking buckles may be opened simply
by striking them or just pulling them apart, this breaks the small plastic tabs
in the buckle or pulls apart the stitching. The lock is easily unlocked without
the key just by inserting any slim object such as a fingernail file or pocket
knife into the key hole and turning opens the lock

They don’t last: The plastic buckles wear out quickly and deteriorate
in the outside elements becoming brittle and consequently fall apart. Even
high winds are known to blow off spa covers that held down and locked
with these buckles.

They are costly and time consuming to repair or replace: Though they
are initially inexpensive to buy you have to take the cover apart removing
the foam from the cover and then transport the vinyl either to where you
purchased the cover or to an upholstery repair shop to have a new plastic
buckle sewn on then reassemble the cover Remember the plastic buckles
break easily so you will be doing this all over again. It is easier safer and
quicker just to switch to Steelcore security spa straps

http://www.steelcore.net/spa.html

[nlittle]

Ummm..WOW Thanks.
I just talked to them and they are going to give me a new tab for the end of the strap. (Didn't realize they are replacable.)  I guess since I just got the spa and I am forgiven this time.  I am sure next time I will have to buy it.     8-)

[Tatooed_Lady]

I understand the security thing, but the pic of that little boy? *LOL* I can't see him being able to lift the cover much less pry or break the locks, even if they're plastic. I know, accidents DO happen, but he looks like he'd have a hard time lifting his pants if they fell, much less a heavy hot tub cover.  

I've used the key locks on our tub a COUPLE times, only over summer when the hubby and I work sun up to sun down....I didn't want my teenage son to hop in it with his friends....no, I didn't feel that the tub was secured against them 100% if they wanted in that badly, however...I also have put 'the fear of mom' into my son, and he knows good and well that the soak he might get wouldn't be worth the whuppin' he'd get once I found the locks broken, or seams ripped out.  

If anyone's truly determined, even those straps with the metal buckles won't be enough to keep them out...sad, but a true fact.
Best of luck.

[PotomacG]

Ummm..WOW Thanks.
I just talked to them and they are going to give me a new tab for the end of the strap. (Didn't realize they are replacable.)  I guess since I just got the spa and I am forgiven this time.  I am sure next time I will have to buy it.     8-)

The straps are sewn together.  First you cut the old tab off (make sure you cut the black plastic tab and not the cover strap.  Next, cut a slot in the new plastic tab (the part that fits under the sewn strap that you don't see) and slide the new one on where you cut it.  

If you looked at the straight (hidden part) of the tab it would look like this after you cut it:

||                  ||
||                  ||
||                  ||
////////    ///////

          ^ Cut out a small angled section so you can slip it over the existing strap.          

[Zep]

re: anyone's truly determined, even those straps with the metal buckles
won't be enough to keep them out...sad, but a true fact.

That can be said about almost any security measure that protects anything.

[drewstar]

I  must have borke my cover locks several times...always forgetting to unsnap the back ones. (I blame Beer and Brother in laws.)). I eventually gave up replacing them (yea, your dealer should be able to give you a few). I now have a full leaght front to back strap on the cover (Courtisey of RH Tubs, and Doc Spa), which allows me to keep the cover snapped down, but no longer have to snap or unsnap the back.

[Brewman]

Yeah, I hate those borken clips.  Drewstar, you sure you haven't been sampling suds prior to posting this?

[drewstar]

Yeah, I hate those borken clips.  Drewstar, you sure you haven't been sampling suds prior to posting this?

I've noticed my spelling has been horrendous lately. - Worse than normal, and I do apologize. Not only does it make me look like I should only be allowed in the shallow end of the pool, it makes reading my posts difficult and frustrating.  Sorry.

I resolve to be a better speller.

And no Brewman, I am not drunk (yet). But it is Thursday....and my weekly night to have a few brews and a burger with my pals, so give me a few hours and I'll be alright.  

[nlittle]

The straps are sewn together.  First you cut the old tab off (make sure you cut the black plastic tab and not the cover strap.  Next, cut a slot in the new plastic tab (the part that fits under the sewn strap that you don't see) and slide the new one on where you cut it.  

If you looked at the straight (hidden part) of the tab it would look like this after you cut it:

||                  ||
||                  ||
||                  ||
////////    ///////

          ^ Cut out a small angled section so you can slip it over the existing strap.          

That is exactly what they did for me.  They had to drop off my manual and filter cover so they were nice enough to do it.  Thanks for the great explanation though.  It will probably help someone else too!