Hot Tub Shells

The shell of your hot tub is more than just a container for water—it's the foundation of your spa experience. Not only does it help retain heat and enhance durability, but it also plays a vital role in the overall aesthetic appeal of your hot tub. The material of the shell can significantly impact your spa’s performance, including energy efficiency, heat retention, and longevity. While hot tub shells are typically made from vinyl, rotomolded plastic, or acrylic, less common materials like cement, stainless steel, fiberglass, and inflatable PVC can also be found.

Vinyl-lined hot tubs are created by fitting a vinyl liner over a frame, often made from cement, similar to the process used for swimming pool liners. These tubs are typically more budget-friendly, but they come with trade-offs.

• Heat Retention: Vinyl hot tubs are less efficient at retaining heat, which may result in higher energy bills to maintain a warm water temperature.
• Durability: Vinyl is more prone to cracking, tearing, and color fading, especially after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Chemical Sensitivity: An imbalanced chemical environment can also damage the vinyl liner, leading to costly repairs over time.

While vinyl hot tubs offer a more affordable option upfront, the long-term cost of maintenance and energy use may make them less economical in the end.

Rotomolded plastic hot tubs are made by heating plastic powder and rotating it within a mold to form a smooth, even surface. These hot tubs are lightweight and portable, making them a good option if you’re still deciding on the perfect spot for your spa.

• Energy Efficiency: Like vinyl, rotomolded plastic doesn't retain heat as well as other materials, which can lead to higher energy consumption.
• Aesthetic Appeal: These tubs typically have a matte finish that may be less visually appealing compared to other materials.
• Durability: While rotomolded plastic is more durable than vinyl, it still lacks the heat retention capabilities and long-term performance of higher-end materials like acrylic.

While the initial cost of rotomolded plastic hot tubs may be lower, their long-term energy demands could make them more expensive to maintain.

Acrylic hot tubs are often regarded as the premium choice for spa enthusiasts. Made from a single sheet of acrylic, the material is heated, molded, and vacuumed to remove air, creating a flawless surface. This process is followed by reinforcing the acrylic with resin and fiberglass for added strength. Many models also feature an ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) layer for extra durability.

• Durability: Acrylic is highly durable and resistant to cracking, fading, and staining, ensuring your hot tub looks great for years to come.
• Energy Efficiency: Acrylic retains heat exceptionally well, which significantly reduces energy costs over time.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, acrylic hot tubs offer a visually stunning experience.
• Weight: Acrylic tubs are heavier than rotomolded plastic options, making them better suited for permanent installations in your backyard or on your deck.

While acrylic hot tubs come with a higher upfront cost, their long-term performance, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal often make them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

If you're looking for superior quality, performance, and style, acrylic hot tubs are the top choice. They combine durability, energy efficiency, and stunning aesthetics, offering a premium experience that stands the test of time.

The material of your hot tub shell will depend on your unique priorities. Whether you're focused on cost savings, energy efficiency, or long-term durability, each material offers distinct advantages. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and spa needs.

When it comes to hot tubs and swim spas, the components used are what truly make the difference. From jets to fittings, heating systems, and controls, these are the essential parts that keep your hot tub running smoothly.

At Hot Tub Connection, we believe in using only the best, time-tested parts. Our hot tubs and swim spas are built with high-quality, reliable components that have proven their worth over decades. Parts like:

• Balboa Heating & Control Systems
• CMP Jets
• Waterways Jets
• Pumps & Fittings

These parts are competitively priced, widely available, and trusted by professionals across the industry.

Unfortunately, not all companies prioritize reliability. Some manufacturers choose to cut costs by using low-quality parts, often sourced from cheap overseas suppliers. This decision is not only harmful to your wallet, but it can also cause long-term issues for your hot tub.

The use of proprietary parts—those that only fit specific models—may seem like a money-saving choice upfront. But, in reality, this strategy is designed to:

1. Limit Your Freedom: You are locked into purchasing parts only from the manufacturer, often at inflated prices.
2. Increase Failure Rates: These parts are often made with poor quality control, leading to more frequent breakdowns.
3. Drive Up Costs: The manufacturer can continue to profit from your need for repairs, forcing you to pay high prices for low-quality components.

We believe in doing better. At Hot Tub Connection, we are committed to sustainability and quality. When you team up with us, you can rest assured that you’re getting:

• Durable, reliable parts that are easy to source and fairly priced.
• Long-lasting performance to help you enjoy your hot tub without the constant worry of expensive repairs.
• A commitment to the environment by choosing parts that are built to last and reduce the waste of disposable, low-quality components.

Make sure the hot tub you choose is built to last with high-quality components. Don’t let your purchase be another part of the growing problem. Invest in sustainability and reliability—today and for years to come.

When it comes to hot tub insulation, many manufacturers especially the Internet Hot Tubs rely on pseudoscience to explain their lack of insulation often at the cost of providing high-quality, effective insulation systems. But don’t be swayed by hype—separating fact from fiction is easy. All it takes is focusing on the real science behind efficient insulation.

Extensive research from the regulated building industries in cold climates worldwide has provided clear, accessible data on insulation effectiveness. The consensus is straightforward, and it all comes down to one key factor: R-Value.

Simply put, R-Value measures an insulation system’s ability to resist heat loss. The higher the R-Value, the more efficient the system is at retaining heat, meaning better energy efficiency and lower heating costs. No marketing pitch can change this fundamental truth.

When it comes to hot tubs, foam insulation that completely fills the entire cavity is the gold standard. However, not all foam is created equal. Some manufacturers use high-density closed-cell foam to support thin, low-quality shells. While it can enhance the structure, this material can make repairs challenging. Rigid, polyurethane foams often become difficult to work with, making leak detection and repairs more costly and time-consuming.

For a truly effective and long-lasting insulation solution, look for open-cell foam. While this option can be more expensive, it offers superior insulation and is much easier to repair if needed, saving you time and money in the long run.

Opting for cheaper insulation systems, such as perimeter insulation, may seem like a cost-effective choice—but it can lead to continuous heat loss, driving up your energy bills. In colder regions, these systems can also leave your hot tub vulnerable to frozen pipes and damage during power outages.

As a general rule of thumb, you should always insulate your hot tub to the same standards as required by local building codes for homes. In colder climates, this means achieving an R-Value of at least R-25.