Are you in the market for a brand-new hot tub? When it comes to choosing the best one for your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is what material it’s made of. This will determine how long it lasts, how often it needs repairs, and how much money you spend on maintenance. Different materials have different benefits and drawbacks, and knowing what they are can help you with your purchase decision. Below, we’ll go over what you should know when choosing a hot tub with the most reliable materials.
A Quick Comparison of the Most Common Hot Tub Shell Materials
There are three primary materials used to make hot tub shells: acrylic, fibreglass, and rotomolded plastic. All of these have their own benefits and potential drawbacks that you should consider before purchasing. Acrylic is one of the most popular materials used for hot tubs because it’s durable and easy to clean. It also doesn’t fade in sunlight and can be moulded into various shapes. Acrylic hot tubs are created by melting the material over a mould and then adding resin and fibreglass after letting the moulded material cool down. This procedure and the additional materials effectively fortify their structures. The drawback, however, is that acrylic is also one of the more expensive options when it comes to hot tub materials available in the market. Fibreglass is a material that’s often used for both above-ground and inground pools. It’s also popular for hot tubs because it’s very strong and resistant to damage from chemicals. Fibreglass hot tubs are made by combining the material with resin and then moulding it into shape. The main drawback to fibreglass hot tubs is that they can be difficult to repair if they become damaged. Rotomolded plastic is a newer material being used for hot tubs. It’s made by heating plastic until it’s malleable and then moulding it into the desired shape. This option is the least expensive option of the three, but it’s also not as durable. In addition, it can be more difficult to repair if it’s damaged.
Proper Insulation Should Be a Priority
In addition to the material used for your hot tub shell, you should also pay attention to how well it’s insulated. This is important because it will determine how much energy your hot tub uses and how often you have to heat it. Hot tubs that aren’t properly insulated can lose a lot of heat, which means you’ll have to spend more money on heating costs. And when winter comes around, keeping your hot tub’s water at the ideal temperature would take even more work, which could strain your hot tub’s running parts.
If you want eco-efficiency and lower energy costs in the long run, you can opt for hot tubs that feature an advanced heat redistribution system, such as those from Hydropool. Their Thermal Shield Technology efficiently redistributes heat produced from other components like the jets and the pump, which, in turn, keeps your hot tub warmer for longer. Because of this insulation technology and the high-quality materials they’re made of, these hot tubs run at 100 degrees for only pennies a day. If you’d like to learn more about such features, you can reach out to your local hot tub dealer.
Combining Aesthetic and Durability
While it’s important to choose a hot tub that’s made of durable materials, you also want one that looks good and complements your home. Fortunately, manufacturers are now offering hot tubs in various colours and styles. So whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern design or something more traditional, you should be able to find one that matches your taste. Some models even have side panelling that can easily be taken off or replaced so that you can customize your hot tub’s exterior as you please.
Knowing what a hot tub is made of is important if you want to pick one that will last for many years. To help narrow down your choices, keep the above factors in mind. You’ll be able to find the perfect hot tub for your home in no time! To learn more about the basics of hot tub ownership, download our free buyer’s guide.