Hot Tub Forum
Brand Specific Forums => Jacuzzi Hot Tubs => Topic started by: spasearcher on May 10, 2010, 11:37:27 am
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My Jacuzzi J480 is being delivered/set up this Friday and as part of my package they included a Covermate III but I've seen them set up and I don't like how they keep the cover raised high above the back of the tub :(. I'd much rather have a system that brings the cover down LOWER behind the tub (yet off the ground/thinking of the winter months) and had a look at alternatives and the only thing I could find was the "cover catch" from Leisure Concepts and the Rock-It by Cover Valet (not even sure if these are compatible with 400-series?). Can high winds blow the cover back on to the tub (ie. covermate III) ? I know the practical reasons for having the lifter but I can't help but feel that the "opened look" takes away from the beautiful design of the 480? Need advice/other options ???
FYI - If I don't opt for ANY lifter option (before the install on Friday), the dealer has already offered a $300 credit...
Thanks!
Jeff
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The 400 series may be tricky for covers and lifters so I'm talking in general when I say look at the Covermate II, it does sit low. The CM-III is a good lifter IMO except that you either love or hate how high it sits and you seem to maybe think the latter. It has a way to lock it in the up postition when opened so the wind doesnot knock it down onto your head, have tehm show you when its installed though it'll be obvious.
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The Covermate 3's instructions specifically say;
"CAUTION! Do not use the Covermate in high wind condition (greater than 10 m.p.h). Injury from the spa cover being blown over and impacting the spa user can occur."
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Ya I read that somewhere too re: high wind....we'll see what the guys say when they come with the tub on Friday....
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Jeff -
As a proud 480 owner, let me first say congrats on the purchase! As for the CM-III...we own it, we love it. That being said, you may not need the same level of privacy or wind protection that we enjoy. Living in upstate NY, I've soaked through many a winter storm with the cover raised without issue. There is a locking mechanism as was described before, however in 3 years, I don't recall ever engaging it. My only challenge with this lifter is that the cover ends up "rubbing" my deck railing. It's clearly my error when originally positioning the tub, however I wish I had the ability to raise the height of the cover once open.
Also - Our deck faces south and the sun has done a tremendous job of destroying the vinyl. Perhaps one of the site's dealers can recommend a "sealer" to get me through 1-2 more seasons... I was using 303, however feel that it may have accelerated the deterioration.
Hopefully the attached pic will come through. Enjoy your new tub!
Regards,
Kevin
(http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll169/chelseapaws/DSC03678.jpg)
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Pretty sure the covermate 4 is the only option that will work with the raised back. Make sure if you go with it that it is a covermate 4 not CM 3. The CM 3 has plastic side brackets and the CM 4 has metal.
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Jim,
Is the CV 4 made specifically for the Jacuzzi brand spas. I have never seen that, nor can I find it anywhere. I would much prefer the metal brackets vs the plastic. The CM 3 just isnt as good as it used to be with the plastic side brackets they now use.
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Pretty sure the covermate 4 is the only option that will work with the raised back. Make sure if you go with it that it is a covermate 4 not CM 3. The CM 3 has plastic side brackets and the CM 4 has metal.
Never heard it referred to as the Covermate 4 before, but there are specific Covermate 3 models for each of those Jacuzzi 400 series tubs that are only available at Jacuzzi dealers. Jacuzzi Jim would know as it's a Jacuzzi-only model.
We've sold the Covermate Catch but it is very simple. Not exactly in the same league as the Covermate 3. With that tub you're going to be locked into the specially designed lift just like that specially designed cover.
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Thanks for the picture, Kevin - looks great!
The tub will be going in our backyard which has a northern exposure and we tend to get sun back there after 12pm, so we'll see how the vinyl holds up. Our colour combo is Opal and Roasted Chestnut. I'm really "on the fence" right now re: the CM 3. I'm from Canada so I'll definitely be out in the tub during the winter months so obviously want to the cover off the ground, and it can get windy sometimes so I can see how the cover (lifted) might help in that sitch. I'm fighting over looks vs. functionality ::). I was talking with my Jacuzzi dealer about it today and he even admits that he doesn't like showcasing the cover lifter because he feels it takes away from the look of the tub LOL :o Ideally I wish there was a system out there that lifts the cover over and down behind the tub, but it looks like I'm stuck because of the uniqueness of the tub design???
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As far as I know you can order the covermate 4 direct from Leisure concepts doesn't matter if your a Jacuzzi dealer or not how would they know anyway.
Funny all this came up, I just got an e-mail from Leisure concepts today about a new metal plate that is suppose to help with the stability of the plastic mount. Also looks like they may be changing the type of plastic used. Ever since they changed to the plastic bracket we very rarely sell that lift anymore. Junk I tell you! Junk.
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What about the Covermate 2 for my J-480 I heard it's the lowest profile will it work/compatible???
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What about the Covermate 2 for my J-480 I heard it's the lowest profile will it work/compatible???
Don't think it will work, it might if you mount it to a small deck/bench built behind the spa, never tried it but it may work?
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If the CM 2 doesn't work I'm thinking of foregoing the lifter (for now) as I'm sure I can manage the cover by myself (maybe I'll change my tune come winter). For those of you that have the 400-series do you have a lifter? I just can't get past how it looks "towering" over the tub! I'm sure some company will come out with a solution.... Jim you think the CM lifters are junk? ???
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Sounds like they've changed materials since '07. ??? Our lifter is all metal and worth it's weight in gold come winter! Jeff, I encourage you to continue your search during the summer months, however once the snow flies - be prepared. Even after brushing a fresh foot of snow off, the water/ice remaining on the cover will hinder any attempts to remove w/o a lifter. (unless you routinely soak with a partner to assist) ;D
Removing the cover is the easy part, it's the replacement of the cover in the blowing snow that's a trick!
Keep us posted of your findings... I may be in the market for a new solution in a few years.
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If we don't go with the lifter, the dealer has offered the spa umbrella (that attaches to the tub) as an option instead? Do any of you have this umbrella? - I think its from Leisure Concepts as well? I was looking a stand-alone umbrella for $150 at Home Depot instead - is that a better option? Then I'll have a $300 credit at the dealer... ???
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Sounds like they've changed materials since '07. ??? Our lifter is all metal and worth it's weight in gold come winter! Jeff, I encourage you to continue your search during the summer months, however once the snow flies - be prepared. Even after brushing a fresh foot of snow off, the water/ice remaining on the cover will hinder any attempts to remove w/o a lifter. (unless you routinely soak with a partner to assist) ;D
Removing the cover is the easy part, it's the replacement of the cover in the blowing snow that's a trick!
Keep us posted of your findings... I may be in the market for a new solution in a few years.
I would have to agree. I would highly recommend going with the cover lifter. It is much easier to take on and off with one installed. Plus, it saves wear and tear on your cover as well, vs throwing them on and off. I personally cant imagine using a bigger spa without the cover lifter, but that's just me!
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I personally cant imagine using a bigger spa without the cover lifter, but that's just me!
Actually thats you and 99 44/100 % of spa owners who own a large spa. Then again I wouldn't go without one even if I had a 3 person spa!!
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Sounds like they've changed materials since '07. ???
Yup...Most of their lifters now have plastic, rather than metal mounting brackets.
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Hmmm looks like the majority of you are recommending the lifter. They are bringing it with them (install) on Friday so we'll see how I feel about it then....not too pleased about the plastic fittings >:(
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As far as I know you can order the covermate 4 direct from Leisure concepts doesn't matter if your a Jacuzzi dealer or not how would they know anyway.
When they first came out, I asked if we could buy them. We were told that the special Covermate 3's were Jacuzzi dealers only per an agreement with Jacuzzi. I thought it was weird since we stock the Sundance Covermate 1, but I wasn't too worried about it. We don't move a ton of the manufacturer specific Covermate 1's that we do stock. Leisure Concepts has some lifts that are made for a particular spa manufacturer that they don't cross market to the general dealer channel. Off the top of my head, I think the Clearwater, Marquis and Thermospas Covermate 1 variations are protected as well as the Covermate 3's that are designed for the various Jacuzzi 400 tubs. I really don't have a problem with it. But it does allow dealers to charge whatever the (restricted) market will bear for a product that is literally the only cover lift that will work with that spa.
You're right that most non-Jacuzzi dealers could probably get away with getting one from them (I should say 4 since they only sell case quantity). Unfortunately we've bought from them for a long time buying a couple hundred at a time. They know who we are, that we're not a Jacuzzi dealer, and they won't sell them to us.
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I'd much rather have a system that brings the cover down LOWER behind the tub (yet off the ground/thinking of the winter months) and had a look at alternatives and the only thing I could find was the "cover catch" from Leisure Concepts and the Rock-It by Cover Valet (not even sure if these are compatible with 400-series?).
Did you take a look at the Cover Caddy by Cover Valet? I think that it might do the trick but you'd have to ask the dealers regarding quality.
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Yep - found Cover Valet online a few days ago and mentioned it to my Jacuzzi dealer they knew about that system and are checking it out. Electrical is being installed today tub delivered tomorrow....I just might end up with a $300 credit if we don't go with a lifter. That a lot of chemical supplies for the tub methinks LOL ;D
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I just might end up with a $300 credit if we don't go with a lifter. That a lot of chemical supplies for the tub methinks LOL ;D
..and a lot of trouble to have to lift that cover off/on that big spa every time. It'll seem fine at first and you'l talk yourself into it not being needed but after a month it'll get old.
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You're probably right, but I can't help but think that there is a company out there that will come up with a better "low profile" lifter option? No? >:(
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Unlikely :-). There's such little demand (low volume) it's hardly worth the effort, R&D and tooling for it.
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Electrical work was finished today, J-480 being delivered tomorrow morning to be set-up and wired-in. I'll post a picture once completed ;D
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After just ONE day of having the tub, we're getting the CM 3 lifter after all. The cover is just too bulky to manage (I can do it myself, but its a pain). Plus we get some wind in our backyard so it may help with that too.
You all probably knew I'd get one, right?! ;D
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After just ONE day of having the tub, we're getting the CM 3 lifter after all. The cover is just too bulky to manage (I can do it myself, but its a pain). Plus we get some wind in our backyard so it may help with that too.
You all probably knew I'd get one, right?! ;D
I picked 4 days in the pool we started to see how long you'd try to hold out. Couldn't you hold out 3 more days? ;D
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HEY! I had 3 days. Careful with the wind. The instructions with the Covermete 3 specifically say not to use it in winds above 10 MPH. ALSO, there's a new "kit" that consists of some metal plates to be added to the plastic brackets, to strengthen them. Make SURE it's included.
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You guys are funny! ;D Good advice re: kit to strengthen the supports - I'll let my Jacuzzi guys know that I want it. Isn't there a way to tether/tie down the cover in higher winds? 10 mph isn't much? BTW, since I got the demo model (only 1 month old) they had an "older" cover for it which I have now, so they've ordered a bunch of new covers and I'm getting one of the new ones when they come in and I get to keep the older one, so I'll have a spare cover for later (I've got room to store it) ;D
Going in for my first night-time soak, currently 8 C outside. (sorry I don't know what that is in Farenheit I'm a Cancuck!)
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HEY! I had 3 days. Careful with the wind. The instructions with the Covermete 3 specifically say not to use it in winds above 10 MPH. ALSO, there's a new "kit" that consists of some metal plates to be added to the plastic brackets, to strengthen them. Make SURE it's included.
Doc,
Not sure if he's going to have the issue with the normal Covermate 3. I think those J-480 CM3's have all metal brackets.
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I think that's right - the dealer told me that they are metal, not plastic. BTW the J-480 is awesome we're really enjoying it ;D
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With the covermate 4 it should be metal brkts mounted to the sides and there should also be these metal plates kind of a filler psc that fits between the bracket and the spa skirt itself. Supposedly it helps stabilize the lifter brackets?
In regards to the wind the lift does/should have a lock mechanism to keep it from coming down on your head when windy? And you should be alright with any wind below 15 to 20 least from my own experience in the Pac NW.