Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Mr._Bubbles on July 02, 2008, 03:12:43 pm
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This is the one stop Spa Cover thread. I’m sure this has been talked about before, but searching did not bring up any results. Please post you experience and recommendation for aftermarket replacement covers. Are all covers made about the same or is there a big deference between suppliers?
Any spa cover tips or care information would also helpful here, as well. It seems like most people use 303 to clean and protect their cover. What is the average life of a spa cover?
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I thought you wanted to know what kind of thread is used for spa covers. ;D
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Originally, I thought the same thing too!
My cover is 3 years old and it is starting to show signs of wearing - the edges of the hinge are starting to "eat away" - cracking, missing some vinyl and showing the threads underneath. The fingers of the cover lifter may be causing it or it may be from age.
Other than the 303, wipe down the cover every so often with a rag and water with bleach or when you shock with chlorine. I usually use a deck brush with bleach, water and dish soap to scrub the cover down - comes out really clean. I wait until it dries then use the 303 ... I don't do it as often as I should but when I do I'm pleased with the results.
As far as the inside - the ozone may cause problems so using a spa blanket may be a good idea, I am wondering about if it really is worth it as my blanket lasted 2 years. Maybe a cheaper bubble type vs foam might be a better solution.
I've read a lot of good things about Doc's covers and I personally am planning on getting one from him when the time comes. I've used him before for other spa stuff and I have been pleased.
Whatever you do - do NOT buy that spa cap that's on the internet ... small dead air space insulates great but a large air space is an energy hog!
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I thought you wanted to know what kind of thread is used for spa covers. ;D
;D
Anyway, my cover is about 4 years old and still looks good, but it is starting to feel heavy. I think I may need to replace it soon
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It is going to be 112 degrees here in Vegas today. My cover is in the bright sun light most of every day. I bought Doc's spa blanket and now my circ pump does not come on very often because my water is hotter than the setting so it shuts down to protect the pump. I have put about 4 coats of 303 on the top of the cover and it shines so nice. I don't know because of the dry climate down here if my cover will ever get heavy with mold. I think it will burn up in the sunlight before anything else.
Scott :)
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Scott,
Take 2 tennis balls and put them on the sides of the tub and put the cover down on them - ventilate the water.
Stagnant water will go bad quicker I believe.
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Scott,
Take 2 tennis balls and put them on the sides of the tub and put the cover down on them - ventilate the water.
Stagnant water will go bad quicker I believe.
Thanks Vinny. The J-470 runs all the jets every 6 hours for 2 minutes. This along with the circ pump keeps the water moving. So far my water is crystal clear.
Scott :)
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Hey Bubbles,
Check out this thread (http://www.whatsthebest-hottub.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1211645218/0) for replacement cover recommendations. Doc's place is the ONLY way to go IMO... 8-)
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I'll add this info for good measure, since this is a general cover thread...
Lots of tub owners don't know this, so here we go. Whenever you add chlorine, MPS, or powdered bromine, you should leave the lid open and run the jets for at least 10 minutes or so. Let the major chlorine cloud dissipate before you close the lid.
The results, if you don't, will be a heavy cover. The chlorine goes inside the cover and breaks down the vapor barrier. You can't see this happening, but it allows the foam cores to absorb water. You can't believe how heavy these things can get!!
8-)
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Chas gets a gold star.
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Nice pictures of the cover from Doc, it does look like a good cover. The long straps are a great idea. So, if I get an aftermarket cover will I have to put new locks on the spa? I would rather not mess with that.
Oh, that reminds me, Watkins has changed the locks. The new ones brake-away without braking when pulled backwards. I can’t tell you how many I have broken when I forget to unlatch the back stapes. :-[
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Brake -
(http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:kl5AQTA5OvbZ0M:http://www.jaxbrakesatyourplace.com/Brake_caliper-rotor.jpg)
Break -
(http://www.criticalcaretech.org.uk/News/a_broken_bone_rz.gif)
Just for fun. Not trying to pick on anyone...
8-)
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Give me a break(haha), I'm sick. *Goes to grammar check all Chas's posts.*
(http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/4842/spellinglo3.th.jpg) (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spellinglo3.jpg)
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(http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/4842/spellinglo3.th.jpg) (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spellinglo3.jpg)
lol ;D ;D ;D
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Give me a break(haha), I'm sick. *Goes to grammar check all Chas's posts.*
Actually, it's "Chas' posts." And please don't check them - I do a lot of posting late at night. Or is it "nite?"
;D ;D
8-)
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And please don't check them - I do a lot of posting late at night. Or is it "nite?"
I hope you’re not asking me that question. By the way, this is now “The Official Spa Cover & Grammar Check Thread”. ;D
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Nice pictures of the cover from Doc, it does look like a good cover. The long straps are a great idea. So, if I get an aftermarket cover will I have to put new locks on the spa? I would rather not mess with that.
Thanks...I'm still well pleased with it.
You may or may not have to install new clip receivers...depends on what the new one comes with. They are not all universal.
Oh, that reminds me, Watkins has changed the locks. The new ones brake-away without braking when pulled backwards. I can’t tell you how many I have broken when I forget to unlatch the back stapes. :-[
Just get the longer back straps and forgetting to unlock them is a thing of the past... 8-)
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Just get the longer back straps and forgetting to unlock them is a thing of the past... 8-)
That really is a great idea!
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Anyone try this place? http://www.spacoverbuydirect.com
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(http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/5469/dsczd1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/5469/dsczd1.75701c1401.jpg) (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=352&i=dsczd1.jpg)
Now thats a nice cover.
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I'll add this info for good measure, since this is a general cover thread...
Lots of tub owners don't know this, so here we go. Whenever you add chlorine, MPS, or powdered bromine, you should leave the lid open and run the jets for at least 10 minutes or so. Let the major chlorine cloud dissipate before you close the lid.
The results, if you don't, will be a heavy cover. The chlorine goes inside the cover and breaks down the vapor barrier. You can't see this happening, but it allows the foam cores to absorb water. You can't believe how heavy these things can get!!
8-)
Always good info Chas!
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Is that a Bobcat?
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While on the cover topic... there was someone here about 4 years ago (or so) that had finished designing a lifter that did not put the bar across the middle and stress on the middle seam... anyone remember? He may even have been from Alberta if I remember correctly (might be wrong though)???
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Right at the bottom of the page, called the cover saver
http://www.rhtubs.com/store/cover.htm
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So, how many years are you Watkins people getting out of your original cover? Are you replaceing it with an OEM cover form Watkins or going with one of the aftermarket ones. I like the option of getting an aftermarket cover with a double wrapped core. I don’t believe you can get that with a Watkins cover. :-/
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This is the one stop Spa Cover thread. I’m sure this has been talked about before, but searching did not bring up any results. Please post you experience and recommendation for aftermarket replacement covers. Are all covers made about the same or is there a big deference between suppliers?
Any spa cover tips or care information would also helpful here, as well. It seems like most people use 303 to clean and protect their cover. What is the average life of a spa cover?
Where do you get the 303 protectant? Certain brands?
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where do you get a "DOC" cover and what other options are out there to compare his to?
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Doc's site is www.rhtubs.com. You can get covers and 303 Protectant there...along with many other items.