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Polyethelene: "HDPE" This material is low maintenence and lightweight. Very similar to whitewater kayak material (HDPE), this product can take a beating with no sweat. It's major advantage is that nothing can generally stick to it and the color is throughout the material, so if it scratched it doesn't show. UV inhibitors are throughout the material, completely machine manufactured, so consistancy in manufacturing is not a problem. ABS Composite:This is a fiberglass reinforced material with an outside layer of ABS. The ABS plastic provides the color and UV inhibitors, then fiberglass is hand laid behind that to give strength. Color is througout ABS. Thickness of ABS is important, the more ABS is in the composite the better the protection from cracking the fiberglass. Hand manufacturering still applied, therefore a little less consistant product. Acrylic Composite: This is a fiberglass reinforced material with an outside layer of acrylic. Gelcoat is sprayed by hand to the back side of the acrylic, then fiberglass is hand laid behind that to give strength. The outer layer of acrylic is to protect the gelcoat from cracking. However, if a smooth finish of acrylic is applied scratches over time will show, especially in high traffic areas. A lot of by hand manufacturering, therefore least consistant product. Fiberglass Composite: Gelcoat surface with fiberglass behind that. Similar to boat construction, however, given the constant hot water conditions, resin directly behind the painted surface has a tendency to keep "cooking off" therefore blisters are more likely within a ten year time frame, than with other fiberglass composites. Easy to damage in shipping is a concern. Vinyl composites: This material is used in "soft type" spas and is flexible. Vinyl composites are similar to whitewater rafts and are known for it's tough properties. Don't expect a long life on seams, they are hand sewn with special sewing machines. Lightweight material but the rigid reinforcement material may not be. PVC composites: Also used in "soft type" spas and is a flexible material. Used in zodiac inflatable boats... however are not as strong as vinyl. Usually used as backing or for areas that are low in traffic. Biggest problem is hand sewn seams. Must be reinforced with something rigid. Wood: Wood hot tubs are beautiful, but can rot if not treated regularly. The wood is usually in the shape of tounge and groove slates that need to be sealed. Insulation is best acheived when dropped into a deck. Some manufacturers overcome the obvious problems with some unique improvements. Usually little costly to work with, but many people choose to do it for the great look and style. Stainless Steel: Many commercial grade spas are made of stainless steel. These are both drop in type and athletic sit up type. The advantages are the durablity of the steel. A few problems are poor insulation properties and noise, however both can be overcome with proper installation and construction. |
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