My family has owned a Clearwater spa for years, and we replace our hard cover every year or two. We know it’s time to order a new cover when puddles form in the middle, it’s heavy to lift, and the foam core sags, cracks, or breaks.
Wear and tear on the vinyl is another signal that it’s time to replace the cover. Even though I clean and condition the vinyl regularly, and my hot tub is under a gazebo, the vinyl eventually gets brittle, cracked, or torn.You can custom order a hot tub cover from Rich’s -- our sales representatives will explain how to measure your hot tub so the new cover will fit perfectly.
Here are some other important factors to look for when you’re shopping for a spa cover:
Foam ThicknessDon’t assume that all covers are created equal. While all spa covers are tapered – much like the roof of a house, so rain and snow will run off – the thickness of the foam can vary substantially.
Ask the spa cover salesperson about the load the cover can withstand. Depending on whether your spa is indoors, outdoors, or outdoors under cover, you could need a cover that bears anywhere from 75 lbs to 250 pounds (the greater the load capacity, the heavier the cover).
Foam Density
Foam density (pounds of foam per square inch) is a big determining factor in how long your cover will last, and how well it will perform. The higher the foam density, the longer it will take for your cover to get waterlogged. A 1.5 lb foam density is considered standard in the industry.
Foam Seal
The foam core has a heat-sealed, vacuum-sealed moisture barrier around it. Avoid a taped poly wrap, as it leaks easily. Ask what type of sealing techniques the manufacturer uses, and ask for for a poly wrap thickness of at least 3 mil.
Heat Seal Gaskets
You want to prevent heat from escaping between the space where the halves of your cover fold together. Be sure to order a cover with heat seal gaskets.
Hinge
One of the most important parts of your cover, because it gets the most use. Look for a hinge that has several layers of vinyl for added strength.
Scrim (bottom vinyl)
This material on the underside of your cover protects the foam core from moisture. To prevent your foam core from getting waterlogged, and to reduce energy costs, ask for a cover that has a water repellant, mildew resistant, reflective scrim that deflects radiant heat back into the spa water.
Top Vinyl
Make sure the cover uses marine grade vinyl, which doesn’t fade very much, and is treated with Ultraviolet and mildew inhibitors.
Sewing and Finishing
The cover should not have any raw edges or tie offs showing, and should be constructed with cotton-wound polyester thread that has been treated with UV and mildew inhibitors.
Handles and Fasteners
Look for quick-release buckles designed specifically for spas. Get reinforced locking fasteners that color coordinate with your spa cover.
Warranty
Find out if your cover comes with a warranty, what the warranty covers, and how many years it lasts.
Ready to purchase a new cover for your hot tub? Call any of Rich’s five Puget Sound showrooms to custom order yours.
**Rich's also sells CoverMate lifts (pictured above) to make it easy for your to open and close your cover. Made of high-grade, corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing and coated with an exclusive two-part powder coating process, this #1 selling lift will give you years of trouble-free performance. Every CoverMate comes with an industry-exclusive TowelMate, designed to keep towels close by.
When you visit a Rich's for the Home Showroom, several things will stand out to you:
The knowledge, confidence and friendliness of the staff- Our staff has knowledge over and above your standard customer service member. We are quick to help, truly listen to your needs and know what recommendations to make to best meet those needs.
The educational opportunities available- Rich's for the Home customer service experts will not only help you while you are on the floor, but also are quick to ask other staff members questions if need be and present several options to you, including potential ones housed in catalogs behind the counters. The educational opportunity to learn more truly is outstanding.
The massive choices available- The showrooms are much more than a showroom. With the massive inventory available, you can shop for hours and see many options that will likely meet your needs. From hot-tubs to patio furniture and grills, Rich's for the Home truly does have everything that you need for outdoor living. We even have accessories for your patio, grill and outdoor rooms.
In addition, because Rich's for the Home has several locations, it gives you the ability to access several different sets of inventory to find exactly what you need.
The option to test out merchandise- Yes indeed, if you are looking for a hot tub, you can take a soak test before you buy. Many customers really love this option. So bring your swimsuit and towel with you to your nearest location and hop on in. You will be glad for the chance to test out before you buy and your muscles will thank you too.
The back-up support of a good company- Rich's for the Home has been in business for years and has built their entire business on a solid reputation of taking good care of people. Not only will we help you with shopping, purchasing, tax credit questions and financing, but we remain there for you even after you have purchased your items. Many people visit Rich's for the Home on the advice of their family and friends and we know that you will find a good experience each time you visit as well.
Rich's for the Home has been in business for 30 fine years now. Wow! The owner readily admits that service is key (BTW, they opened their first store during a recession!) and that the people they serve are more important to them then carrying all the product in the world.
Larry Chapman is pleased to note on the website that the business is not only family-owned, but family-run. His son and daughter-in-law are instrumental in running the company and his sales manager has been with the business for most of the 30 past years.
Rich's started with one small store in Lynnwood called "Woodstoves, etc". They carried an Orley Woodstove made of Alaska Pipeline steel.
After a few years, they purchased a store in Renton called "Rich's Home Center"-hence the Rich's name- and added spas and Samsonite outdoor furniture. About 12 years ago, they opened the Bellevue store (which was their premier store at the time). They then brought in the grills-a revenue category that continues to grow each year.
What's in the future? Upcoming at Rich's for the Home are more fun things to make your outdoor experience even better. Look for BBQ sauces and rubs to debut, as well as additional grilling accessories. Yummy!
Have you seen the new website for Rich’s for the Home? The designers did an outstanding job pulling everything together. Haven’t seen blue and orange together on a site before? Me neither but it’s pretty nice looking and has some very cool features.
Richs for the Home will give you a consultation at your home for no charge if you live in the Puget Sound area. They will help you choose the perfect spa for your needs and help you out with any needed design. They can also help you with choosing a stove or fireplace. Its super simple to complete a short, online form to get it scheduled.
One of my favorite areas is the About section. As you know, the old site had nothing on it to tell people how Rich’s for the home started. On this page, you will learn the story of Rich’s. It’s very cool and I included the family picture here for you to see.
Want to see a showroom from the comfort of your own home? On the new site, you can do just that. On this page, choose the “click here for store tours”. Then hover your mouse near the bottom and you will see several thumbnail pictures. Click on one and off you will fly for a 350 degree tour of a showroom. Hang long enough and you will find out how you can save even more money by shopping at Rich’s for the Home.
Rich’s cares too! Did you know they help support many organizations? And several of these are tuned in with our youth like Make-a-Wish, Young Life and Crista Ministries. Read more about the organizations they help to support.
Yee Haw!
Are you ready? I am already. September 5-21 brings the Puyallup Fair in Puyallup, WA-a fair which was a tradition in my family each year growing up. Rich's for the Home will be there and I hope that you will be too!
Check out the midway, ride the coaster, take in concerts by Fergie, Carrie Underwood, Michael W Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman. Don't forget to look at the quilts and the amazing Hobby Hall. The small outdoor stage is just outside the doors with great, family-oriented shows-plus sitting a spell will give your feet a break. Don't forget the animals and the petting farm! The bunnies are adorable and even the farm animals are in good form. Mooo!
Each year, we have to get BBQ ribs, ride the Skyride to take it all in, make the round on the carousel,enter some drawings for freebies and visit the fort. We watch, but don't participate in the high-flying bungee jumps and we always enjoy the Wild West Children's Show Stage. Ice cream (we recommend Wilcox) is a must of course, as are elephant ears. We also try to support Young Life by purchasing a meal at their booth.
This year, we also need to enjoy Sillyville (go on the 10th for a free train ride) and the Wild About Monkeys show. Of course, I can't wait to see the Planting Patch (near the petting farm) where all things giant grow and the display flowers.
And the fair is still alive at night. So don't forget to stay until dusk (purchase those ride bracelets if you have kids) and watch those lights come on all around. (Besides, the traffic is always better going out at night).
Rich’s is opening a new store in Silverdale, my old stomping grounds growing up, and they are throwing a sale company-wide to celebrate it.
From April 7th to April 20th, ALL products will be on sale. Patio furniture will be 20-70% off and there will be savings of up to 20% on Caldera Spas. Also FREE DELIVERY and ASSEMBLY (very cool-LOVE that part), is available on all BBQ’s as well as special savings on stoves and fireplaces.
The new store at 9445 Silverdale Way, Silverdale, WA (between the Kitsap Mall and NW Anderson Hill Road) will be open at the end of March. Please stop by and see us! We would love to meet you!
I was pleased to interview Beth Urban, from Rich’s Tacoma store. Although Beth has been with Rich’s for over ten years, and is currently the Store Manager in Tacoma, she has also worked at the Lynnwood and Bellevue stores. She enjoys working for Rich’s because they are very family-oriented and take care of their employees.
Julie-How do you motivate your team members?
Beth- Contests are key for us although encouragement and coaching are important aspects as well. I enjoy helping them with their sales presentations.
Julie- Any sales going on right now?
Beth- We have a lot of barstools on sale and are moving many to clearance right now. And, if you buy barstools in the next couple of weeks, we pay the sales tax.
Julie-Excellent! Do you have spas?
Beth-Yes and we let people soak in them before they choose the style they want. There are privacy screens available so it’s comfortable.
Julie-What’s more important? A spa or patio furniture?
Beth- Customers usually see patio furniture as more essential. And it’s easy with Rich’s because all the styles that we sell are made for our Northwest weather. They are made from Sunbrela, which is acrylic, and it doesn’t mold or rust. So we point customers towards looking at comfort first, and maintenance second.
Julie-What’s the harder sell?
Beth- Spas. They are more luxury-less essential-but something more customers are moving towards. It takes longer to choose a spa because it is a larger purchase and there are so many options available.
Julie-Where are you located?
Beth- We are on Tacoma Mall Blvd, south of the mall in-between Lazy Boy and Seattle Lighting. You can call us at 253-284-3740. Come see us soon and don’t forget that we pay sales tax on barstool sales for the next couple of weeks!
