Factors in Hot Tub Maintenance: Material, Insulation, Efficiency

Limited maintenance needs can be a very attractive quality for a number of different products, and hot tubs are definitely among this group. Many hot tub buyers count low maintenance as one of their top priorities when buying any kind of spa, and there are a number of qualities that may go into defining a hot tub as low-maintenance. At Dolphin Pools & Spas, we’re happy to offer a wide range of the best spas available, including Bullfrog Spas — for whom we’re an authorized dealer in Utah, one of the few. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over the specific qualities that determine the levels of maintenance your hot tub will require, plus those that you should be prioritizing if low maintenance is important to you.

Hot Tub Material

First and foremost, the material your hot tub is made out of will play the biggest role in how much maintenance it requires. The material will also affect other qualities, such as how long the hot tub lasts and how energy efficient it is. The three primary materials used in today’s hot tubs are acrylic, fiberglass, and rotomolded plastic. Here’s a look at each one:

• Acrylic: Acrylic is by far the most popular material used in hot tub manufacturing. It’s also used in a number of other products, such as bathtubs. Acrylic is strong and durable, yet still lightweight. It’s also easy to shape, which gives manufacturers a lot of design freedom.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is another popular material, though not quite as common as acrylic. It’s often used in boat manufacturing because it’s lightweight and durable. Fiberglass hot tubs are usually less expensive than acrylic ones.
• Rotomolded plastic: Rotomolded plastic is the least common material used in hot tub manufacturing. It’s often used in pools because it’s very durable and can be molded into just about any shape. However, it’s also much heavier than both acrylic and fiberglass, which can make it more difficult to move.

When it comes to maintenance, all three materials are fairly low-maintenance. However, acrylic is going to be the easiest to care for. Rotomolded plastic and fiberglass can both develop cracks and leaks over time, which will require repair or replacement.

Hot Tub Insulation

The insulation of your hot tub will also play a role in how much maintenance it requires. Foam insulation is the most common type used in hot tubs. It’s made from either polyurethane or polystyrene and is very effective at keeping heat in. However, it’s also susceptible to moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Another type of insulation is fiberglass, which is also common in hot tubs. It’s made from fine strands of glass that are woven together. Fiberglass insulation is very effective at keeping heat in, but it’s also much more expensive than foam insulation.

Hot Tub Efficiency

Also at play in how much maintenance your hot tub requires is its efficiency. An efficient hot tub is one that doesn’t use a lot of energy to operate, and therefore doesn’t generate a lot of heat. This means that the hot tub won’t need to be cleaned as often, and the water will last longer between changes. In part two of our series, we’ll go over the specific qualities that you should be looking for in a low-maintenance hot tub. Stay tuned! For more on this, or to learn about any of our other services, speak to the pros at Dolphin Pools & Spas today.