Adding auto covers on existing installs
When installers are looking to incorporate an auto cover on an existing spa or swim spa, the biggest challenge is often the space around the spa—which in some cases, is just not enough. The two questions any builder needs to ask themselves when trying to install an auto cover on an existing spa are: where can we put the track and the housing for the mechanism?
“In some cases, there just isn’t any deck around the spa so, in some cases, it simply can’t be done,” says Horwood, who gets many requests which are not possible to execute.
Many installers consider placing the track on the spa itself; however, Horwood cautions against doing this.
“Spas are self-contained units, and we don’t know where the plumbing, wiring, and controls are located, not to mention you could crack the acrylic,” he says.
As a result, Horwood finds himself getting creative when installing auto covers on existing spas.
“I’m often asked to add an auto cover on a spa that has very little deck around it, so we sit there wondering where the track and the mechanism box can be placed?” says Horwood.
On one recent project, Horwood installed an auto cover on a swim spa with a cedar deck.
“We decided to flush mount the auto cover track onto the cedar deck,” he says. “We worked with the deck contractor and figured out a way to put a notch in the deck that would allow us to install the track flush with the deck. This created a really nice, clean look.”
In this case, the deck builder then also built a bench at the end of the spa for storing cleaning supplies and chemicals—a clever, attractive solution in a tight backyard.
Practical considerations
Determining which type of cover to put over this box can be a balancing act of esthetics and functionality.
“It’s very important to set expectations for the practical functionality and demands of that box cover in relationship to the esthetics and use of the space around the spa the customer might want,” says Harms.
As with an auto cover for a pool, there is a standard ‘lid’ from the manufacturer to cover the mechanism box for the auto cover. Typically, this lid is made of aluminum and designed for easy removal to service the auto cover mechanism and fabric. However, it is not designed to bear weight which means the client still cannot walk, stand, or sit on the lid.
“Especially with spas, we find consumers want to be able to use all the space around their spa,” says Harms. “They usually want a limestone, pre-cast concrete, or poured concrete lid over the auto cover box because a) they want to be able to walk around the spa and b) it is more esthetically pleasing.”
