How Long Do Covers Last?

[Alan]

I'm on my 3rd cover in 7 years, the current one is closing in on 2 years. My first was the obvious one from the dealer, who gave me a price break on the replacement, so close to 5 years after getting my tub I finally went the replacement route.  This time I invested in double wrapped foam, a reflective cover and reinforced hinges. Hopefully I can make it to 3-4 years with this one.  I went to the dealer the first time thinking I wanted an exact fit, but the measurement process for an after market cover wasn't as bad as I feared.

 

[avesrun]

Hello all! It's been a few years I believe since I was last on this forum but thankfully my login creds were still good to go.  Found this thread and have questions.  My hot tub cover is approaching 10 yrs of life! I've taken decent care of it with periodic treatments and the tub itself sits under a deck and the underside of the deck has been covered with steel siding so I get very little rain/snow on the cover. The vinyl is still good. I have noticed that it is a little heavier than new but not to where it's a pain to raise /lower. I'm still wondering though whether it's insulating /heat loss capability is sufficient.  Should I replace it solely based on age? Was reading here about keeping cover off for 20 min. Order so after adding chemicals which I HAVE NOT been doing. My other concern is how long will the tub last? Hate to shell out for cover only to have tub somehow fail me.  It's a Jacuzzi J-345. If permissible! I'd really appreciate any recommendations on quality replacement cover. THANKS!

 

[JacuzziJack]

I got 3 years out of mine.  Cover is in fine shape- not faded or worn, but the foam weighs a ton- much heavier than it was new.  
All waterlogged.  I don't even want to think about what that does to the insulating value.  New cover time once I scrape up the bucks.

Really it's a shame in a way that it's so impractical to replace just the foam.  I hate the thought of tossing away all that perfectly good vinyl.

Unzip the back of your H/T cover, remove the foam cores and throw away the old plastic that seals the cores. Put the waterlogged cores in a warm sunny area, let them dry out, then recover with new clear plastic, as heavy duty as you can get, then reinstall. You can seal the plastic over the foam cores maybe even better than new with one of these mini impulse sealers (avail on ebay for a couple bucks): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_48gS3DjQQ

 

[JacuzziJack]

I got 3 years out of mine.  Cover is in fine shape- not faded or worn, but the foam weighs a ton- much heavier than it was new.  
All waterlogged.  I don't even want to think about what that does to the insulating value.  New cover time once I scrape up the bucks.

Really it's a shame in a way that it's so impractical to replace just the foam.  I hate the thought of tossing away all that perfectly good vinyl.

Unzip the back of your h/t cover,  slide out the wet cores, remove the old plastic that covers them and put the cores in a warm dry place where they can dry out. Then, re-cover with new heavy-duty clear plastic. You can seal them up better than new using a mini impulse sealer (avail on ebay for a couple bucks), then reinstall the foam cores and bingo, you're good for a few more years! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_48gS3DjQQ

There are videos on youtube how to recover the cores.

 

[spalover]

I bought a cover from http://hottubcoverdepot.com about five years ago, and followed their advice on caring for it. The thing is, you gotta stay up on cleaning it just like any other part of your house, which means weekly if you're using the tub on a regular basis. I found a good vinyl cleaning/protectant on Amazon - NuVinyl I think it's called. Works great.

 

[Tman122]

Bill, why does this thread show up on top with a new post but there's nothing there? 2007?

 

[scoobywagon02]

I generally see covers last for 3-5 years. As stated before 303 is a great way to pro-long the life of a cover especially if it is exposed to constant sun light. I think changing out inserts is more of a pain in the butt to do personally. If you are in a colder climate you will need to let the vinyl sit in the sun so you can stretch it to length. The expensive part is the inserts and they usually don't warranty just inserts so it may be better to just spend a little more and get a new cover with a warranty. I have had good luck with Sunstar as a vendor for aftermarket covers. You can use a layer of the bubble insulation that you cut to size and let float on the water. That will help to keep heat in and prevent pre-mature saturation of the cover from the inside. If you own a Sundance of Jacuzzi they are now offering a factory option that has Sunbrella material which is "supposed" to be better then vinyl. They also offer and Extreme insulation cover that is just as stated thicker insulation and longer warranty. The jury is still out on the Prolast and Sunstrong covers offered by Sundance/Jacuzzi as they have not been in the field long enough in my opinion.

 

[411rocket]

MODs, I came against something interesting with this thread.
I see posts from 2007, but nothing else.

According to the index the last post was TODAY 16 Oct 2016 @ 03:36:55 PM by scoobywagon02

But I can only see  January 17, 2007, 12:49:02 PM    Post #1 by Bohms,
until  January 17, 2007, 04:46:29 PM    post #14 By Steve.

Until I went to make this post & the new ones show up below in the Topic Summary.

 

[bydefault904]

Does this cover timeline change if the cover is in an enclosed patio or is it more the evaporate from the hot water that ruins it? 

 

[jagrnaught]

I've been through 3 covers in 10 years, about to get my 4th.  I found a cover that has solid technology, and was ready to pay the heavy premium to get it (http://www.supercover.ca/rhinotek-hot-tub-covers-rhinotek-spa-covers) however I own a Jacuzzi J-480 which cannot have a custom cover made that fits properly (due to the constant curve of the case plus the high waterfall).  If I had any other Hot Tub, I think I would go with this cover as my next one.

 

[JacuzziJack]

Well then, for those who bought new covers, who did you guys buy your replacement cover from and how long did it hold up?

 

[BullFrogSpasMN]

Well then, for those who bought new covers, who did you guys buy your replacement cover from and how long did it hold up?

If we are talking about a 'standard spa cover' and nothing specialty like aluminum, walk on style, etc. then there all the same...build it up with a good 5" x 3" thickness, 2# foam, hinge seal, and make sure it has a vapor barrier wrap and it'll perform just like every other cover on the market and will last 3-5 years at most if the spa is outside and exposed to the elements.

 

[lets]

If we are talking about a 'standard spa cover' and nothing specialty like aluminum, walk on style, etc. then there all the same...build it up with a good 5" x 3" thickness, 2# foam, hinge seal, and make sure it has a vapor barrier wrap and it'll perform just like every other cover on the market and will last 3-5 years at most if the spa is outside and exposed to the elements.

Are you serious??????

There are different thicknesses and methods for sealing the vapor barrier, which makes for drastic differences in lifespan.

Different vinyls are of different weights (thickness), with different UV and pigment ratings (higher ratings = longer lifespans)

I'm probably going to replace my cover in the spring....it's 10 years old, and still in usable condition. The vinyl's not cracked or brittle and the foam hasn't absorbed any water. The hings is just slightly starting to crack at the edges and the vinyl is fading a bit....mostly though, I want a new color...never did like the color I have.

 

[BullFrogSpasMN]

If we are talking about a 'standard spa cover' and nothing specialty like aluminum, walk on style, etc. then there all the same...build it up with a good 5" x 3" thickness, 2# foam, hinge seal, and make sure it has a vapor barrier wrap and it'll perform just like every other cover on the market and will last 3-5 years at most if the spa is outside and exposed to the elements.

Are you serious??????

There are different thicknesses and methods for sealing the vapor barrier, which makes for drastic differences in lifespan.

Different vinyls are of different weights (thickness), with different UV and pigment ratings (higher ratings = longer lifespans)

I'm probably going to replace my cover in the spring....it's 10 years old, and still in usable condition. The vinyl's not cracked or brittle and the foam hasn't absorbed any water. The hings is just slightly starting to crack at the edges and the vinyl is fading a bit....mostly though, I want a new color...never did like the color I have.

I'm sorry but I just don't see in a state that gets harsh winters assuming the cover is fully exposed to the elements. Sure I've seen them go longer than 5 years but at that point the damn thing weighs 100 pounds and isn't usable or is so heavy it can either pull the lifter out from the cabinet or I've seen them so heavy they get slammed and actually crack a shell. If you are truly building one that doesn't get over $600+ retail and it can last outside for 7-10 years we have 4 stores, PM me, I'll bring one in and if close to advertised I'll buy everyone of our aftermarket covers from you guys

 

[lets]

Not from me

I sold my share of my business almost 3 years ago and retired.

But seriously. If you just get double wrapped foam cores their life will be extended 50%. 6mil plastic, properly heat sealed will do even batter (double wrapped). The vapor barrier is broken down by the chemicals off-gassing, and eventually becomes porous...then steam penetrates through and the foam starts absorbing water (not only does it get heavier, but it also looses insulating ability). Double wrapping it, vastly reduces the chemical damage to the inside layer greatly increasing it's lifespan.

 

[Tman122]

This is a case where some manufacturers skimp on covers a lot and some a little less. Doc's aftermarket covers always surpassed the factory quality. That is IF you asked for the upgrades. I always did. I have customers with 10 year old RH tubs covers.

 

[BullFrogSpasMN]

This is a case where some manufacturers skimp on covers a lot and some a little less. Doc's aftermarket covers always surpassed the factory quality. That is IF you asked for the upgrades. I always did. I have customers with 10 year old RH tubs covers.

wow, I may have to give them a call and bring one in to try...as Doc knows a major problem is showing value in spending more on that quality you mentioned, everyone wants an "internet cover" shipped to their front door for $300 and expect us to match that price and quality which as we all know doesn't exist in a $300 cover

 

[Tman122]

This is a case where some manufacturers skimp on covers a lot and some a little less. Doc's aftermarket covers always surpassed the factory quality. That is IF you asked for the upgrades. I always did. I have customers with 10 year old RH tubs covers.

wow, I may have to give them a call and bring one in to try...as Doc knows a major problem is showing value in spending more on that quality you mentioned, everyone wants an "internet cover" shipped to their front door for $300 and expect us to match that price and quality which as we all know doesn't exist in a $300 cover

I always tell people that I can get them a new cover. But it will be closer to 400. They say they can get one online for 300. I tell them to go ahead and get one online then. But it's not the same cover. And I guarantee the fit. Sunstar makes a decent cover also. But again you have to upgrade.