juno

I've got an Arctic Spa Ocean hot tub/swim spa with Leisure Concepts Covermate III lifters. These are hydraulic-assist lifters that we purchased from the dealer when we purchased our hot tub this past summer. The main reason for their purchase is a disability issue in the family. Our first problem we had with them is that the hydraulics put enough upward force on the cover skins, that it was causing them to rip (see pic1). The solution from the dealer/manufacturer was to install a bracket that hooks from the lifter to under the cover, bypassing any stress on the skins (see pic 2). However, these brackets cause a small gap between the cover sections and don't sit completely flat against the tub (see pic 3). Now that it has gotten cold out, I can see steam escaping from the brackets and there is some ice build-up in the area from the escaping moisture (see pic 4). Does anyone else have these lifters and have a better solution? Right now the dealer is basically giving up and offering regular (non-hydraulic) cover lifters as a replacement. We hope to avoid having to switch to non-assisted lifters, but we are not sure what else to do. Currently we are stuffing foam (cut up pool noodle) pieces into the gaps, hoping to create something of a seal. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I am an new/first time hot tub owner myself (delivered this past summer) and live in Canada too. We chose Arctic Spa based on recommendations from neighbors and friends who have all owned multiple brands over the years. We went with a large tub/swim spa (Ocean Legend) which is approx. 6000 litres, so efficiency was important. We have time of use hydro billing, so the power management features are very nice and I can track my daily costs. It hasn't been too cold yet (a few -10C nights) but the temperature holds very well. We are very happy with it. We have a few friends with Sundance tubs as well and they seem very happy with them, but they have given me anecdotal evidence that they are not quite as efficient. Based on what they have told me, I am paying just slightly more to heat my tub, although it is twice the size.