Ontarioarctic Posted August 21, 2013 Report Share Posted August 21, 2013 We have an 8 foot Arctic Summit that is 3 years and 10 months old. For the past year the cover has been very heavy and has gradually gotten to the point where I cannot lift it on my own. The cover is a castcore cedar, that came with the spa when it was brand new in October 2009. The hot tub has had very little use...less than once a week, no big parties, no abuse etc. I am amazed that the cover already needs replacing. There are no visible holes anywhere and no damage. Anybody got any ideas on why the cover already needs replacing? I really need to know what the best cover to buy would be as I don't want to have to replace it every 3 years. Which ones last the longest and at the same time provide the best insulation? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenw00d Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 I'min need of a new cover as well and they all look the same online. Can anyone chime in with good opinions, websites, or links to other threads? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lkpeck1951 Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 I have a 2000 year Tiger River Siberian, and live in Middle Tennessee near Nashville...unfortunately the tree close to the spa died out in the top and of course where did the big limb land...pointed end first in the center of my cover! I've been searching online and am just more confused than anything...any recommendations, positive or negative? I'm looking at a 5-3 cover, 1.5 to 2.0 lb foam, double wrap, full width steam seal, 4" skirt...I've searched for reviews of dealers with mixed results, quality seems to be all over the place as does customer service...so any suggestions will be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonalisaChina Posted October 8, 2013 Report Share Posted October 8, 2013 take this website for reference, maybe there is what you want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loopcity Posted October 9, 2013 Report Share Posted October 9, 2013 Hot tub covers have a foam core that is wrapped in a vapor barrier. This is a plastic of varying thickness that can be sealed in multiple ways. Once this vapor barrier breaks down or fails, the foam absorbs water and becomes heavy. They break down from the chemicals, heat, wear and tear, etc... When looking at a replacement, ask about the vapor barrier. You can get up to 6 mil, though most use 4 mil. Is sealed with tape or heat sealed? Heat sealing by machine is the best way. Most companies offer a "double wrap" option which gives you 2 layers. This way when the first fails, you still have another. This is a highly recommended option that usually costs around $30. Additionally, if you live in a cold environment that experiences snow, consider a heavier density foam. 1.5# to 2# is recommended. You can also get covers that are thicker than the standard 4" to 2" taper. Thicker covers offer increased insulating value, as does heavier density foam. Thickness has more of an impact on efficiency than density. You can also get a floating blanket that rests on the surface of the water. This virtually eliminates evaporation, which is a source of heat loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MileHghSpaGuy Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 Loop nailed it. I recommend using your local dealer. Online companies can be hard to deal with and they are only selling off the "value" meaning they have no reason to try to give you the best quality just lowest priced cover they can. I have seen many examples they have problems with stitching etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MileHghSpaGuy Posted October 10, 2013 Report Share Posted October 10, 2013 Leisure concepts came out with this pretty cool cover called the smart top cover. I am excited to see it in Vegas this year, I have heard dealers are having great luck with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
north_of_boston Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Hmmm, I have the original cover on my Arctic Yukon (7') that came with it --- an Arctic Spa --- it's held up here in coastal New England. Did you get a warranty on the cover? Is it an Arctic cover, or another one? If purchasing a replacement - MAKE SURE IT FITS. This is where dealer support is critical.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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