The spa needs to be covered to keep the leaves out and the heat in when it's done. Until then, I need to cover it to keep it dry so I can place the tile.I don't mind the look of the typical vinyl-covered foam cover when it's on the spa, but I don't want to see it when it's off. I also want to be able to take it off by myself without requiring therapy afterward for a strained back .
After searching the internet for such an animal, I got qoutes for a 3-piece, three or four inch cover for $500 that couldn't be moved without two people and couldn't be stored anywhere that I wouldn't see it.
I concluded that a tonneau type cover that snuggly fit over the spa and connected to the deck would be the best solution, but nobody would make a custom size and take the waterfall side into consideration. It would also require a 4' diameter innertube to float on the water to raise it up in the middle so water wouldn't stretch it and collapse into the spa.
My solution was a custom waterproof tarp that is light enough to put on and take off by one person, roll up and store out of sight. I made a raised center spine from left over PVC to create a ridge for the cover to go over and direct the water off to the sides. It attaches with bungee cords and looks good.
Now that the days are longer (and dryer) I can begin the tile work. The first area is the one row outside the spa that rises out of the deck. When you pick tile from a few tiles put together to simulate the final use you don't really know how it will look until you place a few, but I was very happy after this first row.
