What's A Good Place To Buy A Cover From?

[E. Olson]

I bought a house with an existing hot tub, and the cover is in bad shape. I'd like to get a new one, but I was wondering what peoples' opinions were as far as where to buy from and features to look for. Do you prefer local shops, or can online be a good choice?

By the way, I do not live in that cold a climate (New Orleans, LA).

Hot tub is 425-gallon octagonal.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[castletonia]

I bought a house with an existing hot tub, and the cover is in bad shape. I'd like to get a new one, but I was wondering what peoples' opinions were as far as where to buy from and features to look for. Do you prefer local shops, or can online be a good choice?

By the way, I do not live in that cold a climate (New Orleans, LA).

Hot tub is 425-gallon octagonal.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I prefer the Sunstar brand. The company I work for has been dealing with them for almost 14 years and have had great luck with them.

[Roger]

I bought a house with an existing hot tub, and the cover is in bad shape. I'd like to get a new one, but I was wondering what peoples' opinions were as far as where to buy from and features to look for. Do you prefer local shops, or can online be a good choice?

By the way, I do not live in that cold a climate (New Orleans, LA).

Hot tub is 425-gallon octagonal.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I like the covers at RH Tubs dot com

[topmahof]

whatever you do pick a mfg. that's not that far away coz you will have to pay a lot in shipping. covers have to come by common carrier. hottubparts.com carry prestige covers and they are based in florida and their shipping is very reasonable and they have quality covers and about 10 different colors. you can order online and their covers are of good quality

[hot_water]

whatever you do pick a mfg. that's not that far away coz you will have to pay a lot in shipping. covers have to come by common carrier. hottubparts.com carry prestige covers and they are based in florida and their shipping is very reasonable and they have quality covers and about 10 different colors. you can order online and their covers are of good quality

I agree. I have a prestige that came with my spa and it seems to be a pretty nice cover.

[Dr. Spa]

whatever you do pick a mfg. that's not that far away coz you will have to pay a lot in shipping.

Not true at all. there's a LOT of very good quality covers of which their COMPETITIVE price INCLUDES the shipping.

carry prestige covers and they are based in florida and their shipping is very reasonable and they have quality covers

These are mediocre covers at best...till you get to their more expensive ones, which are more than other's of the same or better quality.

[Dr. Spa]

I agree. I have a prestige that came with my spa and it seems to be a pretty nice cover.

What seems to be nicer about it than other brands of covers? How do the specs and quality of it seem to compare to other covers? What other covers are you comparing it to?

[E. Olson]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I'm really intrigued by RH Tubs in that I can enter my specs on their website. They also offer free shipping.

Are there any second (third? fourth?) opinions on them?

Also, are there certain features I should be looking for? Again, I live in the south, so I don't think I need to look for the highest rated insulation, but I still want a quality cover.

[topmahof]

I agree. I have a prestige that came with my spa and it seems to be a pretty nice cover.

What seems to be nicer about it than other brands of covers? How do the specs and quality of it seem to compare to other covers? What other covers are you comparing it to?

compared to nordic stock covers, strong stock covers, great lakes stock covers, prestige is a fairly decent cover. we were dealers for all those mfgs. we're now dealers for nordic, laspas, strong, and i've seen a lot of covers. unless you get into the higher priced ones, prestige is fairly decent.

[E. Olson]

Well, I'm thinking strongly about ordering from RH Tubs. If anyone wants to raise any red flags of warning, make it soon, because I plan to order it on Thursday or Friday.

[topmahof]

Well, I'm thinking strongly about ordering from RH Tubs. If anyone wants to raise any red flags of warning, make it soon, because I plan to order it on Thursday or Friday.

i went on the site and looked at them, they seem like a pretty good cover.

[Roger]

Well, I'm thinking strongly about ordering from RH Tubs. If anyone wants to raise any red flags of warning, make it soon, because I plan to order it on Thursday or Friday.

i went on the site and looked at them, they seem like a pretty good cover.

I am up to about a dozen or more of these covers for various customers. Plus have reccommended them to dozens more. I have only had one issue which was resolved right away. Very solid well built covers.

[Don R]

Bought a RH cover last spring. Very happy with the cover fits great I live in the North East and got the thicker cover it has much less snow melt on the cover before I clear it than the old one that I had. Which I guess means less heat loss. Very satisfied.

[Cavalier]

Bought a RH cover last spring. Very happy with the cover fits great I live in the North East and got the thicker cover it has much less snow melt on the cover before I clear it than the old one that I had. Which I guess means less heat loss. Very satisfied.

Here is my new cover story.

Ref RH Tubs

The order was placed on line but be carefull. I admit to not paying close enough attention.

The skirt under my cover needs to be 3 1/2" and I got 3" Putting the corect size into the form is tricky.

Global Logistics ships the cover. The shipping container is only banded cardboard. Easily damaged in transit.

8/6 shipped, 8/31 received damaged cardboard wrapped cover.

On a 96" square tub this is a 48" x 98" x 8" package. You are requested to inspect the product before accepting delivery. So are you or your SO going to lay this out in the yard, cut straps and unwrap to check for damages?

Anywy the damage was clearly evident as the cover must have falled onto a 2" x 2" L and pierced with fork truck forks.

So refused cover and ordered up a replacement.

Taz Kurtz the shipping claims manager was very accommodating and we proceeded to move in a positive direction. 8/31

Replacement cover shipping 10/23 per notice from Taz Kurtz - Global Logistics

Replacement has shipped 11/1 per notice from RH tubs

So the replacement cover arrived

11/03 package and cover was unopened and foam

>insulation was visable. There were 2 holes through

>the cardboard shipper. Delivery denied.

Do you think we have a problem here?

Theresa from RH tubs was a pleasure to deal with throughout this order.

Wow another damaged cover!! I will get right on this and we should be able

to even maybe get the remake out this week on Thursday. I will do what I

can I'm my power to get it out ASAP. Once again I am sorry this happened

again, Thank you, Theresa

Global Logistics again 11/8 shipping

Hi John, I am sorry to hear that the 3rd cover has arrived also damaged. I will request a sign off for the delivery and try to get in a vinyl skin replacement order. I will contact Global Logistics and do what ever possible to rectify this situation. You may go ahead and use the cover for now and I will work on getting a replacement vinyl in the works. I will update you when I get the paperwork necessary for the claim and procedures. Thanks Theresa

3rd Cover Damaged

At 08:43 AM 11/30/2007, you wrote:

Theresa,

The cover arrived with a small tear in the gray vinyl cover but does not appear to to have ripped the balck vapor barrier.

My wife signed for it "conditionally" to be reviewed with manufacturer.

The tear is 1/4" x 1/4". It is located on the inside corner where the 2 covers are joined.

Since it is on the bottom and not visable do you advise we keep and use the cover.

If so can you send a repair kit for this?

This is the 3rd cove and this is getting tiresome.

Regards,

John

Theresa response

Hi John, I have received the information I need to send the remake order in. Would a remake vinyl skin be acceptable? I need to know if we are remaking the entire cover or just the vinyl skin? Please advise. thanks Theresa

At that point I just gave up. I blame myself for dealing with a cover manufacture 3000 miles away.

So at this time I am using a replacement cover with vinyl patches.

Lesson learned, RH tubs tried very hard, they have a good cover but unfortunate crosscountry shipper.

[E. Olson]

Cavalier: Wow. I may still go with RH, but they really need to fire their shipping company. Plus, I really dread the awkwardness of making the delivery driver (who's got a day of work to get on with) wait while I open the package and thoroughly inspect everything before signing for it.

[Cavalier]

Cavalier: Wow. I may still go with RH, but they really need to fire their shipping company. Plus, I really dread the awkwardness of making the delivery driver (who's got a day of work to get on with) wait while I open the package and thoroughly inspect everything before signing for it.

Read this cut and pasted disclaimer - ordering spa cover on-line.

Important delivery Information......................

Once you sign for, and accept delivery of your cover you can not make any damage claim!! Before signing for, and accepting delivery of your new spa cover from the shipping company, please carefully examine the box containing your cover. Your signature accepting delivery of the cover is a contractual agreement that you are accepting the cover as is, and you are releasing all other parties of responsibility for any damage that may have occurred during shipping.

We have taken some extraordinary measures to assure that your new spa cover is delivered to you in pristine condition. The cover itself is wrapped in a 4 mil plastic, then put into a heavy cardboard box and padded with Styrofoam. The box is then sealed and again wrapped with 4 mil plastic. Although it is extremely rare, it is still possible for the shipping company to damage a cover during shipment.

Please note; while it is extremely rare, it is possible for the shipping company to damage a cover during shipment. Please carefully inspect the package for damage before signing for delivery. It is not unusual for the outer plastic wrap or even the cardboard box to sustain some damage during shipping. The packaging is designed to protect your new spa cover and to act as a "sacrificial material", if need be. Tears and rips in the outer plastic, and small tears in the cardboard are to be expected and normal. Large holes or punctures in the cardboard however are not normal (though not necessarily an indication of damage to the cover). If you notice any damage (holes in the plastic or cardboard box, or crush marks) ask to open the box and inspect the cover BEFORE SIGNING FOR IT (even if the box appears is good condition, inspecting the cover before signing isn't a bad idea, if the driver allows). Although rare, some drivers may not allow inspection of the cover. If this is the case, simply write, "packaging damaged, conditional upon inspection" on the delivery paper work and accept the cover. Additionally, the responsibility of the delivery company is to deliver your new cover to your home as outlined above. They will not deliver your cover to your backyard, assist you in unpacking it or remove your old cover.

If by chance you find any damage to the actual cover prior to signing for it, do not, DO NOT ACCEPT DELIVERY! Our extensive quality control assures we inspected your cover at least 3 times before shipping it out to you and it was shipped in perfect condition. The independent shipping company is responsible for and insured against any damage. Your signature of acceptance on the delivery receipt is a contractual agreement releasing the shipping company and us of all responsibility. If you discover damage AFTER signing for the cover, CALL THE SHIPPING COMPANY AT ONCE, DO NOT DELAY (be sure to tell them the damage was "concealed damage").

While the rate of damaged covers is less that 1/2 of 1%, following the above instructions would get a replacement cover to you in just a few days. Accepting a damaged cover, then filing a claim could prolong the process for weeks.

Please do not discard you old cover before receiving and inspecting your new cover. If you have any questions or concerns regarding you order please feel free to contact us. The best method for communications is by calling us at (800) 735-5290, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm PST. You can also email us at though we prefer the personal touch allowed via phone.

* Some delivery companies may not allow you to open the box to inspect the cover. If this is the case, accept delivery and when signing the delivery receipt also write conditional upon inspection. Also note any noticeable damage to the box on delivery receipt you sign. Then immediately inspect the cover. If any problems are found please call us ASAP and then report the problem IMMEDIATELY to the shipping company

[Dr. Spa]

John, am I correct that your "new cover story" is from 2007? I'm not sure why you "gave up". I don't see any reason that we couldn't still send you a new vinyl skin for the cover (let me know and I can have Teresa dig up all the old info and get this in production for you).

We haven't used Global Logistics for shipping in about a year.

Generally you don't need to fully inspect the cover before the driver leaves. Typically all you need to do is inspect the box. If there's no obvious damage to the box, you should be good to go. If there's minimal damage to the box just note on the delivery receipt ("Packaging damaged, conditional upon inspection of contents"). In most cases, if the packaging is obviously damaged, the driver is more than happy to wait while you open the box and inspect the cover (they have a responsibility for the shipment arriving in good condition). If there's major damage to the box you can typically look through any hole to inspect the cover...even after signing for the delivery, you have 48 hours to still be able to report any damage that may have been overlooked at the time of delivery

Current damage rates are well under the acceptable industry standard ("industry standard" is the percentage of all shipments, every kind and type, nation wide). A majority of damage is from forklifts. Best we've been able to figure out, somewhere someone stands the cover up, then forklifts some other shipment down next to it. The forks are sticking out from under the shipment, they drive too far forward, and pierce the box. Even if we went with a plywood box, the plywood would need to be at least 3/4" thick to make any kind of difference :-) (and even then, it wouldn't prevent all damages). 3/4" plywood, labor to make the box, additional shipping costs for weight, figure on an additional $200 in costs. $25,000 in packaging to prevent 1 cover from being damaged doesn't seem to be too cost effective from my perspective . And, what are you going to do with the box? Most people don't have the ability to dispose of something like this

Our current packaging consists of 240 pound double walled cardboard (I think this is twice the thickness of what we were using a year ago). This is almost 3/8" thick. The sides overlap making the edge of the "box" nearly 3/4" thick. The "box" is then banded with 5 bands, 2 lengthwise and 3 width-wise. This is quite a bit more than, "only banded cardboard". I don't believe anyone else uses this heavy a packaging for their covers.

[Dr. Spa]

John, is that cut and pasted disclaimer also from 2007? It reads quite a bit differently now.

[Cavalier]

John, is that cut and pasted disclaimer also from 2007? It reads quite a bit differently now.

Yes it is 2007.

I do not have a problem with your company, actually Theresa did all she could I just could not put up with more time spen on that project as 3 times may be a fluke but honestly put yourself in my position. Awaiting delivery dates and receiving holes in cardboard and vinyl.

I'm glad you have upgraded both shippers and containers.

Thank you for a response and your kind offer. If you can send a cover that arrives undamaged I would gladly accept a replacement cover. I do have all of the email correspondence saved from Theresa.

Regards,

John

[Dr. Spa]

From how I read this, all you need is a replacement vinyl outer covering. This we could ship via USP with little chance of damage, and no one would need to be there to accept delivery.

[E. Olson]

Well, I finally placed an order from Roberts. I checked, double-checked, and triple-checked... and yet I haven't been this nervous about a purchase in ages!

[Roger]

Well, I finally placed an order from Roberts. I checked, double-checked, and triple-checked... and yet I haven't been this nervous about a purchase in ages!

I was the same way for the first few. Is it going to fit, is it going to look ok? is it going to be damaged? Muh-huh-huh-haaa only the cover ferry knows.

[E. Olson]

One thing that I think Roberts Hot Tubs should do is advise you on over-measurement on the spec page of the order process. In other words, we know that it's always a good idea to go a little larger than the actual hot tub size. I've seen other websites that advise you to measure the hot tub and then add 1" for a slight over-fit (1/2" all around). However, with Roberts, I could make the decision myself to go 1" larger, but then I don't know if they would make the same choice based on their experience. I wouldn't want to end up with a cover that's 2" too big!.

So I just put a comment in their comments field (which is a great idea) and told them my measuring method.