It’s often debated as to what is the most important part of your hot tub. While some say the filter, and others say the heater and pump, we tend to believe that it is your hot tub shell. Why? Because your hot tub shell is one of the only elements of your hot tub that you can’t replace.
If a pump or a filter isn’t working properly, then you can call a technician and they’ll swap your equipment out for new pieces. However, when it comes to a hot tub shell, you have one shot at getting it right.
If you choose a hot tub shell made of faulty materials, you can be in a lot of trouble a few years down the road. That’s why we’d like to help and give you what you need to know about hot tub shells to make a wise investment.
What A Hot Tub Shell is Made From
Most importantly, when it comes to hot tub shells, the material it’s made from is key. The material needs to be comfortable to touch and sit on while providing the insulation needed to keep your hot tub water warm and to use energy efficiently.
As well, it must be strong enough to withstand years of use along with keeping it’s luxurious shine that helps keep your hot tub looking clean and fresh. Here are a few of the most used materials for hot tub shells:
Composite Acrylics
Gelcoat and OAS plastic are two common materials used for hot tub shells. Though they are durable materials, they are quite susceptible to fading and aging. While they may last particularly
long, the fading of the shell can make your hot tub look years older than it really is.
Vinyl Liner
We advise against investing in any hot tub shell that’s constructed merely of vinyl liner. Though usually more affordable, the vinyl liners are easily damaged and often require repair in only a
few short years. No more does the saying, “you get what you pay for,” ring true with hot tubs and their shells.
While it may seem like a more affordable option at first, the maintenance and repairs of vinyl liners end up costing you more in the long run.
Continuous Cast Acrylic (CCA)
CCA is a extremely strong material that can withstand extreme temperature changes. Highly resistant to cracking from extensive use and stress, CCA is the best choice for hot tub shells. It’s a
non-porous material which makes it easy to clean, and with UV inhibitors that prevent color fading, the shell shines like new for years. ThermoSpas only uses CCA when manufacturing their hot tub shells.
Along with CCA, ThermoSpas has also formulated the ThermoBonding process which is able to keep your shell in top condition for over 20 years. We’re so confident of it, we offer an industry leading 20 year warranty on our shells.
More Than Just a Shell
When looking for the right hot tub shell, you need to research more than just the shell. Underneath the shell, you must be ensured that you have proper insulation to keep the heat where it should be. Here are the additional steps ThermoSpas takes to guarantee a fabulous hot tub shell.
- Specialized Acrylic Forming: When creating a hot tub, there are several ways to piece together the entire shell. ThermoSpas uses state of the art machinery to create a uniform thickness that helps distribute heat efficiently.
- Fiberglass Matting: Along with your shell, you’ll want an underneath matting that can help prevent air bubbles from forming that lead to larger issues. a Fiberglass matting procedure is the best way to secure the underside of your hot tub, especially in the hard to reach areas of a tub.
- Vinyl Ester Resin Coat: the Resin coat ensures that the matting stays adhered to the acrylic without blasting of wearing over time.
- Fiberglass Resin Composite: Last, we use a ThermoBond resin to provide a structural sound and extremely strong last layer to the shell. This makes ThermoSpas shells stronger than industry standard.
Invest in the Future
When it comes to hot tub shells, do your research and purchase carefully. There’s no point in spending less money now which will require costly maintenance and repairs later. Invest in the future,
and find a hot tub shell that will last for generations.
If you have any more questions about hot tub shells or ThermoSpas wide selection of hot tubs, do not hesitate to contact us today, we’d be happy to help.
