Do you think you need a new spa cover?

Rick the Spa guy

If you need a crane to open your spa cover, I think you're ready for a new one. Here are a few tips that you should know. Spa covers have a life of about 3 to5 years.

One of the first things you should look for is the taper of the cover. This is where the cover looks like the roof of a house to allow rain to run off the cover and not pool in the middle. Most replacement covers out there offer a 3" to 2" taper. This is good because it will do what it's designed to do. A 4" to 3" taper is better but usually offered at an additional cost.


The next thing should be the density of the foam core inside the vinyl. I recommend a 2 lb Density foam core. Also you want steam stoppers, these will prevent the steam from escaping and lowering the water level prematurely. Most times you will have a good selection of colors to choose from, if you want to match your house color or patio set. In most cases if you purchase one on-line, you will have to supply the spa dimensions to the company. This should be done with the cover off the spa.(Always measure the spa itself NEVER the old cover. The old cover has probably taken on water and swelled up, if you use those measurements the new cover will not fit correctly.


If your spa has Radius corners you will need to supply that dimension as well. This is easy to figure out. Get 2 rulers lay each ruler against the outside edge of the acrylic where the radius just starts to make it's turn, extend both rulers outward until they intersect each other. Now measure out from where the radius first starts to bend, to where the rulers intersect. This measurement is the radius. Be sure to measure all corners to be sure they are the same.


Rule of thumb: When unsure, a slightly smaller radius is better than a bigger one.


The last thing I want to mention is that after you have purchased your new spa cover you should be cleaning the vinyl about every 6 months and using a spa cover cleaner and protection, this will recoat the UV protection and help shield the vinyl from the suns rays. A cover lifter will also improve the life of your new cover and make it a lot easier for you to open and close.


Oh yeah, and if you want the straps to line up on the new cover to the old locks you will need to give them those dimensions as well, It sounds worse than it is...Its easy... Hope this helps .......


Until next time.......