If you’re planning on adding a hot tub to your home, you might be wondering how they’re made and what they’re made of. It’s safe to say we all know that hot tubs come in various shapes and sizes, and what might be the standard for one manufacturer will vary to the next. Knowing what material is the best one for you depends on your climate, budget and overall preferences. Below, we’ll be providing you with what you need to know about how hot tubs are made.
The Various Shell Options for a Hot Tub
There are a handful of different materials used to create the shell of a hot tub, from rotomolded plastic to vinyl and acrylic. Depending on where you live, and the weather you experience, one option might be far more suitable than another. For example, hot tubs made from acrylic materials are excellent options and work very well to maintain the heat, even in frigid temperatures. They’re made when acrylic material is melted over a hot tub mold, while many small holes escape any air bubbles. This is done to achieve the smoothest possible result in the structure, and after the mold is cooled down, resin and fibreglass are added for additional strengthening of the structure and insulation. Hot tubs made of acrylic material will likely be heavier and more costly than other options, but their quality is also more reliable and long-lasting. Therefore, if you live in a climate with lots of snow or cold temperatures, then investing in an acrylic hot tub will be your best bet. In addition, since these hot tubs have the added layer of protection and insulation, they will actually be able to retain more heat, which means spending less on electricity use in the long run.
Hot tubs can also be made of rotomolded plastic. These spas are created with a plastic powder that’s melted into a mold. As the mold is rotated, this material is evenly spread and has a matte finish. Because of the process of creating this type of hot tub and the materials used, they will end up being far less expensive. This type of hot tub wouldn’t necessarily be the most ideal for cold climates, as it isn’t the best at holding heat. However, if you live in a warmer climate and aren’t looking to spend too much, then a hot tub made from rotomolded plastic might be the perfect choice for you and your home.
Like the previous option in terms of cost, hot tubs made of vinyl are another option. Added to a cement frame, a vinyl liner creates the finished shell structure of this hot tub. Once again, because of its rather inexpensive materials, hot tubs like this aren’t ideal for very cold temperatures and tend to not last quite as long as acrylic hot tubs, but they are still a viable option.
Hot Tub Designs and How Long They Last
In many cases, the outside of your hot tub will provide more opportunities to customize it as you please. Many manufacturers will allow you to choose the specific design, colour, texture, etc., of the outside of your hot tub. Since many options for cabinets actually have side panelling that is removable for maintenance purposes, it also makes it easy to change the look of your spa.
A hot tub’s insulation will depend on the materials used to create the shell and the thick layer of expanding foam that many manufacturers choose to include. While some models have foam that covers every inch of the hot tub, others will only add extra insulation in certain parts. Once again, if you live in a climate with lots of snow and below zero temperatures, it’s best to really look at the materials used in a hot tub. The type of insulation a hot tub has, is key for cold temperatures and how long your spa will last. If you’re unsure of what a specific hot tub design has for insulation, you can always reach out to a hot tub store near you to ask for assistance with this.
How are Hydropool Hot Tubs Created?
Hydropool hot tubs are made of various materials that work together to create a top-notch design that is long-lasting and reliable. Step one in making a Hydropool hot tub includes the mold design, which is followed by choosing a specific acrylic colour. From here, this acrylic material is heated and pulled onto the mold to create the shell. Then, vinyl and resin are added while the hot tub is weighed to ensure fibreglass is evenly distributed. Because these hot tubs are made up of so many different materials with acrylic as the base, they will be heavier and more sustainable. They might also be more expensive, but their excellent insulation makes them highly reliable. In addition, the way these hot tubs are designed allows you to feel confident in knowing that the one you choose will last for many years to come.
Prior to purchasing a hot tub, it’s always a good idea to research how they’re created and what materials are used to make them. To learn more about finding the perfect hot tub for your home, download our free buyer’s guide.