So you need a new spa cover. Where do you start?

www.rickrobinsonhomes.com

If your spa cover has gotten so heavy that it takes two people and a fork lift to open, then it is time to replace that cover. Where do you start?

Spa covers are made from a Styrofoam core inside with a 2 or 3 mil vapor wrap around the core then reinforced at the fold points. Once the wrap is penetrated, it will then start to absorb moisture from underneath. This is why they get so heavy. It is just easier to replace it then try and dry it out and fix it. Any repair would only be temporary anyway.

They come in several colors to match what ever décor you have and they have upgrades available if you would like it to be thicker or support more weight. Most have a 3" to 2" taper, like the pitch of a roof so that the rain can easily run off the cover and not pool in the center. They typically have a radius corner edge, although there are plenty out there with 90 degree corners or cut corners as well.

When you are ready to order a new spa cover there are some measurements you will need to know to get a proper fit.

• measure the widest width of the spa from outside edge to outside edge of the acrylic. Do not measure the old cover as this could have warped or swollen from age or water absorption.
• measure the longest width from outside edge to outside edge of the acrylic just like before.
• measure the length of the skirt (or flap) material that hangs down from the cover edge, you want to be sure that all acrylic will be covered when in the closed position.

Now very important, if you have a radius corner on your cover you will need to supply this measurement as well. Take two rulers, place the rulers up against the side edge of the cover where the turn of the radius first starts to turn inward, place the other ruler on the opposite side of the same radius corner, note where the two rulers intersect...now measure back from where the radius corner starts to turn  to where the rulers intersect, this number is the arc of the radius. Watch this great video on how to measure a radius corner on a spa.

Lastly you will need to show which way the fold of your cover goes in relation to the topside controls. Does it open front to back? Some models will fold left to right like a book. Once you have all this information it will be easy to place your order for a new cover online and it could you a lot of money.

I hope this helped some of you. Until Next Time...

There is a great new technology being added to the spa industry to replace ozone units, it is called UV-C.

There is a great new technology being added to the spa industry to replace ozone units, it is called UV-C.


I sell Sundance spas and they have just added this UV-C system to all their spas they call it Clear Ray...and I think this is going to be a great system in the spa industry. It uses a light bulb like the old ozone systems of the past, but does not produce any gases that can damage the underside of spa covers and discolor the fittings in your spa. No ozone gases are a good thing...

The system basically works like this:

The spa plumbing is pushing the water through the UV-C devise, the lamp that is inside the UV-C component is a germicidal lamp, this will neutralize the bacteria and stop them from multiplying. This will allow you to use less chemical in the water as you only need a small amount of sanitizer to kill the existing bacteria.

This technology has been around for some time in other industries like water purification for drinking water, the pharmaceutics industry etc. This will make short work of keeping your spa water clean and balanced.

With all the green technologies that are put there I think this system will be a great step towards creating a green chemical free spa.

Until Next Time...

Should you sink that new spa into your deck or not?

Rick the Spa Guy

Should you sink that new spa into your deck or not?


Lately several potential spa customers have told me they plan on sinking their new spa into their deck, while I agree this look is very nice it does present it's own set of important issues.

Photo courtesy of Sundance Spas

1. First and foremost "How will the spa get serviced"? There isn't a spa manufacturer out there that makes a perfect spa. You can expect to need a service call within the first two years of spa ownership, usually it is very simple like a loose fitting that needs tightening or a blown fuse but you will still need to access the front panel and have room to work.
2. Will the spa company that services your spa climb under a deck to do warranty service repairs. They are not required to do so by the contract from the manufacturer, it is the owners responsibility to provide access to the spa for all needed repairs.
3. In the event that your spa has a leak, a service company may need to remove all the panels around the spa to search for where the leak is coming from this will entail that the spa be removed from the deck and refilled and powered up while up on top of the deck so that the leak can be found, all of the expense to remove the spa and re-direct the electric will fall on the homeowner.

With these issues being considered does it still make sense to drop your new spa into the deck? That is a question only you can answer but I will tell you that about 30% of owners that drop the spa into the deck regret it after needing service a couple of times.

Photo Courtesy of Sundance Spas

What's the solution? Have the area within 2 feet of the spa removable, create trap doors that can be lifted out to access the spa cabinetry. A good contractor can do this and make it look like the trap doors are not even there. I feel the expense for this is FAR less than the expense of removing the spa from the deck for service and you only need to do it once. So please plan out your deck ahead of time.


FYI... Six more weeks of winter according to "PHIL" ...


Until Next Time....

Time to get a new start on the new year, with a new Sundance Spa

Rick the Spa Guy

Well it's 2012 and time to get a new start on the new year, with a new Sundance Spa.

The economy seems to be getting a little better and I am hopeful that the new year will bring new opportunities. I have seen an increase in my customers questions regarding spas and swimming pools so I am hopeful that this year will bring about some happier times.


Last year was a very hard one to get through both emotionally and financially as I am sure it was with everyone. I am very happy to have a great family to enjoy my off time with and I am very lucky to have a great wife to stand by me and encourage me in all that I do. I have made a couple of resolutions this year but only to myself, I told myself to loose weight and exercise more. I want to get healthier and enjoy the rest of my life.


OK well enough of the self analysis...LOL


 I hope everyone had a great holiday season and is ready for a great 2012. I have been researching the new spas that are coming out this year and it looks great. I sell Sundance spas for my day job and they are really putting out some nice stuff this year. 

Be on the look out for the new Sundance Aspen, it is the non lounger version of the Maxxus, I can not say too much yet, but it is NICE. Those of you that are in the market for a new spa check out Sundance you will love them. 

2011 Sundance Maxxus

This Maxxus spa is 7' 8" x 9' 2" x 41" tall I believe and seats 5 people, has 3 main pumps, 1 circulation pump, Air Blower, LED lighting, Aroma Therapy, Dual Waterfalls and is super comfortable. An entertainers dream spa.


So start doing your homework and look into getting that new spa for 2012. 


 I will be attending the Pool and Spa Trade Show in Atlantic City, NJ next week so I will have more info then.


Until Next Time...