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

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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...

What Pool Cover Choices Do I Have?

Last time we touched briefly on pool covers, for those of us in cold climates. Today I will go over the different types available.

First you have the solid water bag type cover. These covers have been around forever. These covers just lay over the water surface and are held down by water bags(vinyl bags that you fill with water to weigh down the edges of the cover) These covers, as long as there are no holes in them, keep the water looking good. The condition that you close the pool in is usually the way it looks when you uncover the pool in the spring. These are the dirtiest of all the covers to deal with in the spring.

Next you have the safety covers. these come in several forms, mesch(water passes through tiny holes in the cover) solid safety(water can not pass through)and solid safety with a drain panel(this type is 90% solid with a small square 2' x 2' panel to allow water to drain off the cover) All these type covers use a brass anchor system that has to be drilled into your existing deck and a spring is attached to the strapping of the cover then looped over the brass anchor for support. When installed properly these covers will allow someone to accidentally fall on the cover and they can crawl or stand up and walk off safely.

You will need to have a cover pump for most of these covers. Try not to let water build up on these covers as it will freeze and put undo stress on the cover and it's anchors.  Above ground covers are solid covers but instead of water bags they use a wire and winch system that go around the body of the pool to secure it. If you have a deck surrounding your above ground pool you can order a safety cover and use wooden deck anchors for support. A lot of manufacturers stock the basic shape and size covers, ex: 15x30, 16x32, 20x40 for free form or odd shapes the covers will have to be special ordered.

Until next time....