ConvertALift is not on its own a cover lifter. It is a product that allows you to convert select hot tub cover lifters into automated systems allowing the user to open and close the cover electronically. It includes a Control Box, Electronic Linear Actuators, a Key Switch, and a Remote Control, along with hardware and aluminum brackets that attach to an existing cover lifter.
The Control Box is considered the brains to the system. It is water resistant encasement designed to be installed within the cabinet of the spa and it is universal so it can operate either on a hot tub or a swim spa. It includes 6 short cables designed to be attached to extension cables for the Actuators and the Key Switch along with an input for a power cord.
They are the motors to the system that extend and retract allowing the user to raise and lower the cover. They are made of stainless-steel providing protection from all forms of weather. They are also the highest-grade actuators available for hot tubs and include Hall Sensors, which ensure that both actuators will open in unison, and when they close both sides will fully close at the same time helping to seal the cover to the spa, helping reduce heat loss.
A Power Cord is included that attaches to the Control Box. The Power Cord can be plugged into any standard US 110-volt 15-amp outlet. Power cords are also available for most standard International 220 Volt outlets. From the Power Cord there are 3 ways to Power the System:
- TO THE SPA PAC: This is most preferred by most installers. It requires cutting the power cord and attaching Female Spade Connectors (included in the hardware package) that can be attached to any open 110 Volt outlet on the spa pac. Because ConvertALift has a very low amperage draw it will not affect spa operation.
- INDEPENDENT POWER LINE: This requires an electrician to install a separate power line from the home to a junction box within the spa cabinet. This is seldom chosen since it requires the cost of an electrician.
- PLUGGED IN: Using an approved standard outdoor extension cord. Very often used by retailers on showroom hot tubs where the spa is not operational. It can also be used as a temporary line but not recommended as a permanent installation due to the potential hazards and unsightliness of having an outdoor electrical cord.
TO OPEN: There are two ways; using the Remote Control that can be operated from up to 100’ away (even from within the home) or with the Key Switch that is designed to be installed on the spa cabinet.
TO CLOSE: Is done with the Key Switch on the spa cabinet.
For safety reasons, the remote control is not available for closing the cover.
ConvertALift can be used on either our SpaEase 200 or the VacuSeal 400 Cover Lifter which requires a VacuSeal Cover.
With one hand (or just your finger) guide the short side of the cover while turning the Key with the other hand. Continue to guide the cover to make certain that raised areas or pillows on the spa don’t interfere with the closure of the cover. Not necessary, but it’s a good idea to make sure the Rain Flap is above the fold and that when the cover is closed to have the skirt along the perimeter of the cover is in place protecting the spa coping.
Yes, the same model ConvertALift works on both the VacuSeal and the SpaEase 200 Lifter. The SpaEase 200 and the VacuSeal Lifter are interchangeable and use identical component parts. An upgrade kit is required to convert the SpaEase 200 to a VacuSeal.
ConvertALift will work on virtually any length standard cover built.
The VacuSeal Cover has limitations:
HOT TUBS
- Covers up to 96” x 96” are standard for a VacuSeal Cover.
- If “A” Side is up to 96” & “B” Side is up to 108” you need an Extended Center Bar.
- Covers with “A” Side over 96” and up to 132” require a Tri-Fold Cover.
SWIM SPAS
- Swim Spa Covers up to 16’ (192”) are standard for the VacuSeal Cover
- Swim Spa Covers over 192” and up to 19’ (228”) require one side to be a Trifold
- Swim Spa Covers over 19’ and up to 22’ (264”) require both sides be Trifold
CONTROL BOX: Identical, they are totally interchangeable
ELECTONIC ACTUATORS: Identical, you need 2 for hot tubs and 4 for swim spas.
KEY SWITCH: Identical, you need 1 for a hot tub and 2 for a swim spa.
EXTENSION CABLES: Identical, for both though you need more for swim spas
REMOTES: Different, Swim Spa has 3 buttons (1 for either side and 1 for both at the same time) for opening and a hot tub has 1.
A radius over 12” requires an Extension Bracket which allows up to 16” maximum.
The VacuSeal and the SpaEase lifter mounting brackets require a minimum of 4” of vertical space from the top of the cabinet on both sides. If ConvertALift is installed the 4” becomes 12” of required space.
The back of the spa where the cover rests, when in the up position, requires between 4 to 8” from the top of the acrylic shell for the cover to rest behind.
Yes, ConvertALift is easily removed and interchangeable. Though you will have a small hole in the cabinet where the Key Switch was installed and additional holes where the Mounting Brackets were installed.
It has been tested up to 100’ away, but will work on greater distances.
New Remotes are available and programming the new remote only takes a few minutes.
Approximately 19 seconds.
The system has been tested to operate with over 50lbs. added to the cover.
They’re rated to handle virtually any weather climates of snow and rain in temperatures of minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Actuators are constructed of Stainless Steel and have been used in marine conditions. The brackets attaching the ConvertALift to the cover lifters are made of alluminum.
First time installer should plan for 2 to 3 hours for hot tub. Second time 2 hours and once an installer has done a couple it should only take about 1.5 hours. Double these times for a Swim Spa.
ConvertALift has been designed to be easy to install. A mechanically adept homeowner that can install a traditional cover lifter with gas shocks should be able to install ConvertALift. Though the electrical attachment to the spa pac, which only take a few minutes, for safety reasons we would recommend having that part be done by an electrician or spa technician.
The ConvertaLift comes with a 2 Year Warranty, both the VacuSeal and SpaEase 200 Lifter are a 5 Year Warranty, and the VacuSeal Cover comes with a 3 Year Warranty.
Yes, all components come in a 26” x 15” x 4” box that weighs approximately 30lbs. Two boxes are required for a Swim Spa.
Every component part comes with easy disconnects. Both the cables and the disconnects are designed to be used in outdoor environments. Every component can easily be removed and replaced within minutes.
Using a spa during a power failure is highly discouraged. But to allow the spa to be serviced we have designed the Actuators to be disengaged by simply removing a Cotter Pin. This allows the cover to be lifted but requires manual effort without assistance of the Actuator or a gas shock.
The Key is universal to all our systems and a copy can be provided to all techs for easy access. They can also program their remote to the spa without changing the homeowner’s personal remote. If the service tech does not have a key or another remote, it takes only a couple of minutes to detach both Actuators and lift the cover into an open position.
In the same way the Actuators prevent the lifter from rising they similarly prevent the cover from lowering, even during an unexpected wind. This is all achieved without the need for a customer to lock or unlock the cover lift. This prevention from unexpected gusts of wind works on both the VacuSeal and the SpaEase 200 Lifter with pneumatic shocks without the ConvertALift.
NO, it is strictly sold through registered hot tub retailers and service companies.
The SpaEase 200 Lifter positions both sides of the cover behind the spa requiring a little more space. The VacuSeal positions one side of the cover slightly above the spa coping and closer to spa.
Yes, that is not uncommon, as long as there are no required controls, valves, pillows, etc. that would be a nuisance to the user since the short side of the cover will be sitting about 2” over the spa. This should be approved in advance by the homeowner.
You don’t! If the power is off, you shouldn’t be using your spa.