rmcderm313 Posted August 31, 2023 Report Share Posted August 31, 2023 Hi All, I've started having trouble with my cover lift. I'm pretty sure it's a Covermate III (picture attached if someone can confirm that). It came on a ThermoSpa tub made in 2009 which I've had for about 3 years. It had been working well for me despite visible damage to the brackets. I assumed it had been blown back by wind at some point. Recently when I tilt the back part of the cover back, the far bracket is bending way too far back and now as a result the bracket has cracked. I'm ordering the bracket kit to replace the brackets. Here is my key question. I took out the 'inserts' from inside the cover. They appear to be 4X8 pieces of hard styrofoam with a metal bracket attached on the sides where the 2 pieces meet. Then these are wrapped in heavy plastic. However, one is significantly heavier than the other. Is that supposed to be the case? Or should they be equal weight? I do see some condensation inside the plastic so I'm wondering if somehow one is water-logged. I didn't think styrofoam could get waterlogged but I guess it's possible. Does anyone have any insight into what might be going on here? If water has made one of these panels too heavy, I'm sure replacing the brackets will only be a temporary solution so I'm hoping someone who knows about cover construction can provide some advice. Thanks for any help! Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Penguin Posted August 31, 2023 Report Share Posted August 31, 2023 Yes they can and do get waterlogged. My first Arctic spa had a metal cabinet, it was replaced under warranty with a spa that has a cedar cabinet, and they moved the lifter over to it. After the cover got waterlogged, a house guest was a bit too strong for his own good and the lifter damaged the cabinet. I got a new cover and it was fine for a while. The design of the Arctic Yukon really limits the options for mounting a lifter, but I finally found one that will work and it screws into a totally different area. It's been on my list since Dec. but I finally removed the old one, and am repairing/re-staining the cabinet. Maybe I'll get it installed before the snow flies. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmcderm313 Posted August 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2023 @The_Penguin Thanks for the quick response. Yeah it makes sense I guess. I'm going to try and dry out the heavy panel and see if I can seal it back up for now. Maybe if I'm careful with the replacement brackets I can get by for a while. I wonder if they sell the panels separate from the canvas cover. My cover is in good shape. The cost of my 'free' hot tub continues to climb. I should have known better 🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDspaguy Posted September 1, 2023 Report Share Posted September 1, 2023 Chemical and ozone damage do break down styrofoam and cause it to hold water. You can order just inserts. You can dry it out and re-wrap it as long as it is unbroken. It's a band-aid, but can buy you a year or 2. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadianSpaTech Posted September 3, 2023 Report Share Posted September 3, 2023 Try to find a local cover MFG and order from a local company. Cover Warranties are the biggest joke out there. Most warranties are pro rated and you will likely have to ship the cover back to the MFG (not dealer) wherever they are located on your dime. Likely for close to what you paid for it if you have to use a FED x type service. If you can find a local MFG then at least you can drive it yourself. Most claims would be denied anyway if you read the fine print. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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