If you're thinking about including a ClearLift™ automatic cover with your new swim spa, or if you already own one and have queries, this article is for you. It includes frequently asked questions, installation advice, maintenance tips and more.
With over 35 years of experience in the spa industry, we know that managing spa covers can sometimes be a hassle for owners. That's why motorised covers like ClearLift™ are game-changers.
ClearLift™ makes it easy to open and close your swim spa with just the turn of a key, making your swim spa experience better.
To learn more about ClearLift™ including its key features, benefits, cost and more, click the button below.
This FAQ guide provides straightforward information on the ClearLift™ motorised spa cover including frequently asked questions, installation advice, maintenance tips, and more.
If you require assistance with ClearLift™ troubleshooting, our detailed article below will be your most valuable resource.
This article provides answers to your questions on the following topics:
In this section, you'll find out what ClearLift™ is made of, its weight, and length, spa compatibility, and more.
ClearLift is made of many different components and materials.
The ClearLift™ adds approximately 200kg to the weight of the swim spa. Please refer to the specification sheet for your swim spa for more detailed information.
The length will depend on the swim spa model that it is installed on. Please refer to the specification sheet for your swim spa for detailed information.
The ClearLift™ has a taper thickness of 160x60mm and an overall thickness of 180x60mm.
The insulating properties are similar to other quality swim spa covers, however, due to the significantly reduced likelihood of damage - due to the automated system, which ensures it doesn’t drag on the ground and easily rip or tear - it is much less likely to absorb water.
This means the insulating properties are far superior to other swim spa covers.
No, currently, the ClearLift™ is only compatible with SpaNet™ SV2, SV3, and SV4 controllers found on Vortex™ Swim Spas.
At the time of writing this guide, ClearLift™ is currently compatible only with 2024 Aquagym Max™, Aqualap™ and Hydrozone™ Vortex™ Model swim spas with other models planned for the future.
The ClearLift system can be connected to the power output on the controller of your swim spa and does not require an independent circuit. This means that it can be connected to the same power source as your swim spa, as long as the controller has available power outputs.
It is important to note that if you have ClearLift, the Vortex Audio WiFi Kit, and a heat pump, you will need a duplicate AMP splitter. Talk to your salesperson and Spa World concierge to ensure proper installation and power requirements are met for all components.
ClearLift™ uses a top-grade, UV-protected synthetic material used on the highest-end spa covers and outdoor furniture. This high-quality material lives longer than the vinyl used in standard spa covers.
Clearlift will add 200kg to the weight of your swim spa. This is important to know for installation and transportation purposes.
For example, if you are installing the swim spa by crane or Hiab the contractor will need to know the total weight to be moved. If you are installing the swim spa on a deck, you'll need to make sure it can support the weight of the swim spa.
Here, you'll learn how to set up your ClearLift™, whether it works with decks or inground spas, and more about installation requirements.
It depends on how far the deck comes up the side of the swim spa and the design of the deck.
If the deck is below the space required for the lift arms to operate and if there is space left for the cover to swing and land on the side of the swim spa, then a swim spa with ClearLift can be installed into a deck.
Please click the button below to view the detailed guide on deck cutout reference dimensions.
No, pergolas cannot currently be installed over a ClearLift™. However, we are actively exploring solutions to make this option available in the future.
ClearLift™ is not well-suited for use in an inground swim spa. This is primarily due to the clearance requirements needed for the movement and stacking of the cover, as well as the clearance space needed at the ends of the spa. Refer to your swim spa’s specification sheet for recommended clearances.
Yes, you do. Depending on whether you’ve chosen a left or right ClearLift, you will need to consider where the external step is placed, so you can comfortably access the internal steps of your swim spa. If the external step is not aligned with the internal step, it will be harder to enter and exit the swim spa.
If the external step is not aligned with the internal step, it will be harder to enter and exit the swim spa.
No, the ClearLift will require a full barrier because the lift arms are on the side of the swim spa, making it climbable. Contact our Certification specialist for a free consultation or talk with your local council.
Not at the time of filming this video and potentially not for some time.
No, at this stage ClearLift™ cannot be added after your swim spa is installed. It needs to be purchased with your swim spa.
No, at the time of writing this guide, ClearLift™ cannot be added to any swim spa. It is currently compatible only with 2024 Vortex™ Model swim spas.
To ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, the ClearLift™ Keypad Controller must be securely mounted on the spa cabinet.
Please note that remote installation of the ClearLift™ Keypad Controller is not allowed.
For the 2024 Fisher™ and Vortex™ Swim Spas with a height of 1300mm, the ClearLift™ controller is installed with the bottom of the controller 220mm below the lip of the spa.
Make sure any decking is clear of this area. The end cabinent panels on swim spas are separated at 570mm down from the bottom of the lip of the shell and 630mm up from the bottom of the swim spa.
For the 2024 Fisher™ and Vortex™ Swim Spas with a height of 1500mm, the ClearLift™ controller is installed with the bottom of the controller 220mm below the lip of the spa.
Make sure any decking is clear of this area. The end cabinent panels on swim spas are separated at 670mm down from the bottom of the lip of the shell and 730mm up from the bottom of the swim spa.
For the 2019 Fisher™ and Vortex™ Swim Spas with a height of 1300mm, the ClearLift™ controller is installed with the bottom of the controller 375mm below the lip of the spa.
Make sure any decking is clear of this area. The end cabinent panels on swim spas are separated at 510mm down from the bottom of the lip of the shell and 690mm up from the bottom of the swim spa.
For the 2019 Fisher™ and Vortex™ Swim Spas with a height of 1500mm, the ClearLift™ controller is installed with the bottom of the controller 440mm below the lip of the spa.
Make sure any decking is clear of this area. The end cabinent panels on swim spas are separated at 710mm down from the bottom of the lip of the shell and 690mm up from the bottom of the swim spa.
This part explains how to use ClearLift™, including its safety features and how the cover operates.
The ClearLift™ swim spa cover is activated by a key. When the key is turned in one direction, the ClearLift™ swim spa cover opens, providing access to the swim spa. Conversely, when the key is turned in the opposite direction, the cover closes, securely sealing the swim spa.
Please note: As of August 22, 2024, we have updated the ClearLift™ controller to enhance safety.
The V1 ClearLift™ Cover would move immediately when the key was turned.
For an additional level of safety on the V2 ClearLift™ Controller, the unlock button must now be pressed and held for at least three seconds at the same time as turning the key, before the system will start moving.
The unlock button can be released after three seconds, and the cover will continue to move.
Yes. Considerable safety features make this product incredibly unique and desirable. Taking the key out every time you use the ClearLIft™ cover ensures safety because it prevents unsupervised children from getting into the water.
We recommend using the cover locks every time you close the spa cover. Once again, this helps to keep kids and pets out of the water. Cover locks are especially important during high winds because they prevent the wind from putting extra pressure on the cover.
The ClearLift cover has built-in sensors that operate similarly to an automatic garage door, so if there are any obstructions in its path while it is being operated - such as people or outdoor furniture - it will instantly stop in place as a safety measure. This means users can rest assured it is 100% safe to use and operate.
The ClearLift should be delivered to you fully calibrated or calibrated on-site during the assembly process. In the rare occurrence you need to calibrate ClearLift, for example, when a new actuator is installed, you will need to follow the calibration steps explained in the user manual.
No. If the cover latches are not latched, they can be pried open far enough for a small adult or child to slide through. If the power is out to the ClearLift, it is also out to the swim spa, making it unusable.
The key would need to be activated and if this happens and the cover closes, the cover can be lifted open at the centre so long as the cover latches are not latched. ClearLift should only be operated by an adult. Children should be supervised when using a swim spa at all times. The ClearLift key should be in possession of an adult at all times.
No. ClearLift will need to be partially opened to access the keypad. You can operate or monitor your swim spa remotely using the SpaLink app and your SmartDevice if you have elected to purchase the Vortex Audio WiFi kit or the SmartLink Module.
To view the manual for the ClearLift™ Spa Cover, please click the button below.
In this section, you'll discover how to take care of your ClearLift™ cover and tips for keeping it in good shape.
We don’t recommend walking or standing on the spa cover as it is not designed to support a person's weight. Walking on the cover could cause damage and compromise its ability to insulate and protect the spa.
Do not open or close the cover in high winds, which is anything over 20 kilometres per hour. We highly recommend not removing a standard swim spa cover in winds this high because they can cause damage or injury.
If the cover is open and you are trying to close it in high winds, the cover will stop due to the obstruction detector. If this occurs, there is a way to bypass the override to close the cover. Refer to your manual for instructions on how to do this and make sure to abide by all of the safety precautions.
As with standard covers, you will need to remove all snow from the cover for it to be able to open.
All of the components are made to withstand the coastal environments found in Australia. The stainless steel hinge fittings and all other mechanical hinge fittings are made from marine grade 316 stainless steel while the actuator arms are powder-coated steel, and the internal billet frame is powder-coated aluminium. The use of all of these high-quality components means the system is built to resist corrosion and wear, ensuring longevity even in harsh marine climates.
One of the best ways to look after your ClearLift™ cover is to keep it clean.
The zip-on billet and frame cover are made from a long-lasting UV-protected synthetic material. To keep it looking good for years to come we recommend cleaning and protecting it with a specialised spray.
Start by wiping off any dust, dirt, and debris regularly to look after the zip-on frame cover.
Your spa may be nicely sheltered by some trees or shrubs so make sure you sweep off the leaves as often as you can to make sure they don’t discolour your spa cover over time.
Top tip: You can clean the cover with a soft microfibre cloth and a mild dish detergent to ensure you don’t scratch the material. It's best to use warm water to wipe off any debris. Try to avoid harsh soaps as this may dry out the spa cover over time.
To look after your cover long term we recommend cleaning the cover with a specialised surface cleaner. Once cleaned, it's a good idea to apply a fabric protection spray on the outside of the cover to protect against oils, stains, and UV light.
We recommend:
We’ve already tested prototypes to 6 times the typical life of a cover. If the cover skin is damaged in some way then the inner insulating material can become waterlogged, however, these inserts can be purchased separately at a very low cost, and they can simply be replaced by the homeowner because the covers are zip on / zip off.
First, let’s talk about the different parts of a swim spa cover. Cover Billets are the foam cores that are inside of the cover. The billets provide the insulation for the cover so that heat does not escape the spa.
Standard swim spa covers are made with multiple sections that are approximately 1m x 2.1m and these sections can be heavy. When removing or replacing the cover it is not uncommon for the cover to be dropped and dragged on the ground due to the weight and size. This is when the sealed bags around the billets can be damaged and start to leak.
This leaking will not only make the cover heavier, it reduces the insulation properties of the cover allowing heat to escape and driving up heating costs.
The billets in the ClearLift cover are protected with a heat-sealed bag that is heavier than what is used on standard covers. Because Clearlift prevents the cover from being dragged or dropped on the ground, it reduces the likelihood of the bag being punctured and filling up with water.
In the rare event, the billet bags are damaged and the billets fill with water, they are easy to replace. With a standard swim spa cover you would need to replace the entire cover, which is significantly more expensive…not just the billets.
The billets are replaced by unzipping the ClearLift™ outer cover, removing the old billets, installing the new billets, and zipping the exterior cover back into place.
This section helps you understand what the ClearLift™ warranty covers, its duration, and what parts and labour are included.
Your ClearLift™ components are warranted from the date of delivery.
The ClearLift™ warranty includes the following:
The 60-day Money Back Guarantee applies to the ClearLift™ cover as it is considered a part of the swim spa. However, it’s important to note that the ClearLift™ cover cannot be returned separately to the spa.
SpaNet™ cover controller, transformer and actuators, are covered for 1-year parts and labour and parts only for the second year.
Motors are readily available for purchase if outside of warranty. If they fail outside of the warranty period, they can be purchased from Spa World. We recommend the replacement be done by a Spa World Technician.
All parts are available through Spa World - you can find them online at shop.spaworld.com.au
At the time of filming the cost of a replacement motor aka actuator is $479 approximately.
Yes. We’re here to help! Contact us with any queries, or questions related to parts and service or warranty details.
Vortex Spas™ updated its warranty terms, effective from December 31, 2023. If you purchased your spa before this date, please refer to the Pre-2024 Warranty Card. For Vortex Spas™ purchased after said date, the new Vortex™ Spas™ 2024 Warranty Card applies..
Click the button below to view the up-to-date warranty information for Vortex Spas™.
We hope this guide has answered all your questions about the ClearLift™ motorised swim spa cover, including its specifications, setup, care, maintenance, and warranty coverage.
Got more questions? We’re here to help!
Talk to us on live chat, or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to assist you.
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