FAQ's
Question:
How much will my new spa cover weigh?
Answer:
Depending on which model you choose and what size your spa is, your new cover will weigh anywhere from 35 to 75 pounds. Average weights for a 7' square cover: 1 pound foam - 45 lbs.; 1.5 pound foam- 65 lbs.; Walk-On cover - 75 lbs.
Question:
Does Texas Spa Covers sell a spa cover that I can walk on?
Answer:
No, we are no longer able to source the inserts for a Walk On cover. You should not walk on a Spa Cover. These are not intended to hold the weight of a human being, regardless of their weight.
Question:
How important is the sealing technology used to process the vapor barrier?
Answer:
It is extremely important when comparing cover manufacturers that you look at their sealing technology. Our manufacturer has invested in a very expensive, computer-controlled pneumatic impulse sealer to ensure that the vapor wrap is sealed. This machine puts a 1/4" weld on each seam compared to other manufacturers that use hand-sealers that seal with a nicron-wire razor thin seal or, even worse, manufacturers that tape their vapor barrier shut.
Question:
How long will my new spa cover last?
Answer:
Cover life expectancy depends on a lot of factors including amount of direct sun the cover receives, is it cared for correctly or abused, how the spa chemical regimen is followed, and varying weather patterns. This said, the average life span of our models are as follows:
Good 4-6 years
Better 4-6 years
Best 4-6 years
Premium 5-7 years
Question:
What are the ASTM Standard F1346-91 and the UL logo? How does this affect my home's zoning?
Answer:
ASTM developed standards which include a category intended to protect children five years of age and under. ASTM Standard F1346-91 for spa covers includes specific performance tests and labeling requirements. Covers must be able to pass certain tests. The first is Static Load. Second is Perimeter Deflection. We cannot republish the exactly wording of the specification because it is protected by copyright and ASTM sells copies of the standard. Basically for spas up to a size with an 8' diameter, the cover must be designed to support 275 lbs. during a rescue operation where a child is in the middle of the cover, in which the child cannot pass between the cover and the spa and gain access to the water. This does mean the cover cannot break; the child just has to stay out of the water.
Additionally, testing for surface drainage is conducted to see if a dangerous amount of rain could collect on the cover's surface. There are also requirements to include labeling in consumer information and on the cover itself. Labeling must contain proper warnings (as described by the Standard) and identify the product as a safety cover.
The UL logo is a mark that certifies that Underwriters Laboratories (a for-profit testing company) agrees that the cover is up to the ASTM F1346-91 standard. According to all building and zoning inspectors that we have talked to about this issue, no code instructs you to have the UL logo but many are asking that the cover be manufactured in accordance with the ASTM F1346-91 standard.
Texas Spa Covers are equipped with four locking straps are manufactured in accordance with ASTM F1346-91.
Question:
Can I do anything to extend the life of my spa cover?
Answer:
Yes. Caring for your spa cover will help it last longer. Maintaining proper spa water chemistry and using a floating spa cover will do the most to extend your spa cover's life expectancy.
Question:
How important is a cover's warranty when buying a cover?
Answer:
Covering a spa cover with a warranty is not complicated, but over the years the marketing ploys of spa cover sellers has muddied the water and given consumers a false impression that it is a guarantee of performance. Simply put, almost all spa covers are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship and exclude many "out of our control" factors like acts of Gods and negligence on the part of the spa cover owner. The most important exclusion that all cover warranties have is shipping costs. Like most products that you buy, shipping is a cost you absorb when having return the cover for warranty repair or replacement. With most products, this cost is not prohibitive. With spa covers, it certainly can be as it many times exceeds $100 each way.
Question:
What is the R-Value of your spa covers?
Answer:
R-Value, or the cover's resistance to conduction/heat flow through a mass, varies depending on the density and the thickness of the foam core in the spa cover. Whereas some manufacturers only give you the R-Value of the foam core, we also integrate the properties of the other parts of the cover. R-Value is a sliding scale dependent on ambient temperature. We quote our R-Values based on 60 degrees F.
Good R-14
Better R-16
Best R-19
Premium R-21
Question:
Why can't I order by make and model only?
Answer:
Whereas we do maintain a database of spa sizes for you to use as reference, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND (and would insist if we could) that you take a physical measurement of your spa or spa cover prior to ordering. Why? First of all, we don't have all the sizes and all the spa mold changes. Without all the information, clients are likely to guess at which size they need. Secondly, sometimes customers "remember the wrong model name". It's just a good practice to know exactly what you are ordering.
Question:
When will I receive my spa cover?
Answer:
Our average lead time for production is approximately 10 to 14 working days. Depending on your location, shipping time will range from 1 to 5 business days. Our carriers deliver Monday through Friday. AT THIS TIME,WE ARE BACKLOGGED 10-12 WEEKS AT BEST. ANY FURTHER HICCUPS WITH SUPPLIES WILL STRETCH THAT OUT.
IF YOU CANNOT WAIT, OR DELAYS ARE GOING TO BE TOO MUCH TO BEAR FOR YOU< WE RECOMMEND YOU TRY SOMEONE ELSE!
Question:
Does Texas Spa Covers sell just the foam cores for spa covers?
Answer:
Yes we do. However, we only recommend this in the most extreme cases (i.e. the cover is a month old and your teenage daughter broke the foam by using it as a sunbathing lounger). We sell the cores for $90 for one or $150 for two plus the cost of shipping which can be over $100. The short answer is we do sell them, but we usually recommend that you look at purchasing the whole cover since the cost of shipping is the same. Call us for details on ordering just foam cores.
Question:
Why do spa covers get so heavy over time?
Answer:
We, like almost all insulating spa cover manfacturers, use Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) foam as the core of our covers. We do this because EPS is actually very strong and energy efficient when compared to its weight. The weakness in EPS is that it will eventually gain weight as it gets waterlogged.
EPS is block-molded. Small beads are expanded into a chamber and infused with steam. When the steam is withdrawn the beads have been molded into a block the size of the chamber. Even though the beads themselves are closed-cell and waterproof and they are stuck together, water can saturate the foam IN BETWEEN the beads.
To reduce and slow down water absorption, the foam cores are "sealed" in polyethylene. The method used to seal the polyethylene is an important factor. manufacturers simply have the polyethylene taped closed. Better manufacturers heat seal the polyethylene vapor barrier.
Water absorption can start from a small hole punctured through the cover. Even a small hole will allow a large amount of water to enter the foam over time.
Commonly, water absorption is the result of "natural degradation of the polyethylene". Over time, chlorine, bromine, non-chlorine shock and ozone will break down the polyethylene causing it to become porous. The thicker the polyethylene (we use a 6 mil thick polyethylene), the longer it will resist this chemical degradation. At some point however, it will become porous enough to allow evaporation and steam to penetrate through it. It WILL NOT be porous enough to allow the steam that has condensed back into water to drip back out.
Since you have to use spa chemcials to keep the spa clean and safe to use, a good thing to invest in is a floating blanket. The blanket will greatly reduce both chemical off gassing, and more importantly evaporation. It's also important to completely remove the cover for a minimum of 20 minutes when shocking the water. This will allow the off-gassing chemicals to freely escape without penetrating into the cover itself.
WHY TEXAS SPA COVERS?
- Competitive Prices
- Worldwide Delivery
- Prompt Shipping
- Custom Orders
- Precision Machine Cutting
- Quality Construction
- Premium Materials