Has anybody heared about a "power" cover lifter? You push a button on the remote and....tadaaaa..the cover opens. Somebody told me, a manufacturer in Oregon makes one but not very reliable in snow/freezing conditions.
Secondly, which cover lifter (manual or power) puts the cover completely out of view, at or below the top rim of the tub? We know about the "shelf"-style, that's not what we are looking for.
Great board! Full of good ideas!
hotharold

I would love to know the name of this company in Oregon. As far as I know no power assisted cover lifter exists. Nor does anything for your second choice.

I have a close relationship with the largest cover lift manufacturer and according to them, both of these type of lifts will probably never be made. The reason is financial. The cost to design/engineer that type of lift, and the cost to tool up to produce it, are costs that are unlikely to be recouped in sales. There's not enough interest in either style (as far as the manufacturers can see) to make it cost effective for them to come up with something to "fit the bill".

Thanks, Doc!
Mankind likes everything else "power'.....garage doors, car seats, can openers..... I could see a market in "high end" ...money no object...installations.
Sorry, don't know the Oregon mfg. maybe just a rumor.

On the "drop out of sight" thing, I am thinking of the "Covermate II"
Roberts sells it. By digging a ditch 12" or so, behind one side of the spa, this would allow the lower portion of the tubing to drop below ground level and lower the cover further down.
hotharold

Hi folks.
Yes power lifters do exist, however I am skeptical how well they work. Here are the two that I know about:

This one looks like crap
http://www.merlinpowerlifter.com/Home_Page.html

This one looks better but I bet it costs a fortune and not sure how well it insulates
http://www.sterlingcovana.com/

The other problems that I see with the second one is the images on the website are rendered, not actual pictures.

WOW! You're right on the first one...... looks almost as big as the spa

The second one I've seen in operation. Pretty sweet. Insulates well, and acts as a gazeebo. Though at $4k - $5k it's a wee bit pricey.

$5K I only payed $2K for my used coast spa. I dont have a Gazeebo or Pergola over my tub yet but I am working out a plan for one. I live in New mexico so needless to say we get some pretty good sun most of the year (40 to 110 degrees during the year).