I have an auto cover on my spa that needs to be replaced. When the cover was installed about 7 years ago, it had a wrinkle running down the middle. I was told by the installer that the cover material would stretch out. Unfortunately, it never did. Subsequently, the material started to separate along the wrinkle, thus, causing the spa water to leak out. Over time (and numerous patches) the leaks became worse & no longer repairable. So, now it's time to replace the cover. I mentioned this situation to a pool guy that I trust. According to him, it is "hit-and-miss" whether a new cover can be installed without a wrinkle. My question: is this something that I have to accept or is it just inaccurate cutting of the cover material and/or poor installation? Thank you so much.
Auto Cover Question
- Thread starter Kit
- Start date
LSU
Gold Supporter
- Jun 1, 2023
- 157
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Have you emailed and talked to a company like CoverSafe that repairs and replaces auto spa covers? Its likely they will be able to answer your question pretty quickly, and may even be able to point you to an authorized dealer in your area that can have a look for you.
Wrinkles are typical, and harmless until they turn into creases. Creases eventually tear open and can be patched if you're lucky, until they can't.
The material will never "stretch out" in a beneficial way. The more it stretches, the more likely wrinkles will turn into creases.
When you replace your cover, ask for it to be one inch narrower than the old one. Or 1/2" if it's a really small spa. That will reduce the tendency to wrinkle.
The material will never "stretch out" in a beneficial way. The more it stretches, the more likely wrinkles will turn into creases.
When you replace your cover, ask for it to be one inch narrower than the old one. Or 1/2" if it's a really small spa. That will reduce the tendency to wrinkle.
You described by situation perfectly. The problem was indeed a crease. Since I originally posted this concern, I spoke with a couple of cover installers. They said that wrinkles were inevitable. Your advice to have the cover cut about 1/2" narrower is worth considering. Thank you.
My pool is 21 feet wide and reducing my cover width by 1 inch did the trick for me. I see your spa is 11 feet wide so narrowing 1/2" might be just the right amount.