What Are the Materials Used in Spa Jacuzzi Tubs?

When purchasing or learning about spa jacuzzi tubs, the material is one of the key factors affecting lifespan, comfort, heat retention, weather resistance, and the overall experience. Many consumers have a core question when choosing a spa jacuzzi tub: "What exactly are the materials used in spa jacuzzi tubs?"

This question seems simple, but in reality, spa jacuzzi tubs are not made of a single material, but rather a multi-layered structure composed of different materials. The quality, lifespan, and performance of different materials vary significantly, directly affecting the reliability of the tub and the user experience.

This article will delve into the material composition, characteristics, and professional significance of currently mainstream spa jacuzzi tubs, allowing users to clearly understand what materials are used to make spa jacuzzi tubs and why these materials are chosen.

Why must spa jacuzzi tubs use specific materials?

From a structural perspective, a spa jacuzzi tub is not merely a traditional bathtub, but a complete hydraulic system encompassing:

• Outer shell structure

• Reinforcing layer

• Piping system

• Massage nozzle system

• Heating and circulation system

• Motorized water pump system

Therefore, its materials must meet the following requirements:

• High strength and support

• Moisture resistance, corrosion resistance, and chemical damage resistance

• Heat resistance and insulation

• Plasticity and ease of molding

• Stability even after prolonged exposure to hot water

• UV resistance for outdoor use

These requirements dictate that spa jacuzzi tubs cannot use materials found in ordinary bathtubs; instead, they must employ specialized composite material structures.

Acrylic is currently the mainstream choice for high-quality spa jacuzzi tubs.

For example, LOVIA SPA's spa equipment uses Aristech Acrylic as the primary surface material, paired with professional systems such as the Balboa control system and LX pump—a standard configuration commonly used in high-end spa equipment.

Why are most spa jacuzzi tubs made of acrylic?

When discussing materials, the most common answer is: spa jacuzzi tubs are primarily made of acrylic. But why has acrylic become the industry standard? This is closely related to its material properties.

1. Lightweight yet High Strength

Acrylic is a highly malleable material, lightweight yet possessing excellent impact resistance, making it suitable for manufacturing large-sized bathtubs.

2. Extremely High Heat Resistance

Spa jacuzzi tubs need to withstand:

• Constant water temperatures up to 38–40°C

• Continuous temperature and pressure from hot water circulation systems

Acrylic remains stable and will not deform.

3. Smooth Surface and Strong Antibacterial Properties

The smooth surface of acrylic does not easily harbor bacteria, helping to maintain water hygiene.

4. Easy to Clean and Resistant to Fading

The surface is highly stain-resistant, maintaining its bright color for a long time.

5. Highly malleable, suitable for complex shapes

Spa jacuzzi tubs often feature:

• Headrest area

• Armrest area

• Seat contour

• Curved structure

Acrylic can precisely realize these designs.

6. Widely used by high-end global brands

For example, LOVIA SPA uses Aristech Acrylic, a world-renowned supplier of spa shell materials. Its acrylic sheets possess:

• Superior weather resistance

• Long-lasting color

• Higher structural stability

This also makes acrylic the primary surface material for high-quality spa jacuzzi tubs.

Besides acrylic, what other materials are included in a spa jacuzzi tub?

Although acrylic is the surface material, the entire spa jacuzzi tub is composed of much more than just this one layer. Its internal structure is composed of a combination of various specialized materials.

A detailed breakdown follows.

How many layers of materials make up the structure of a spa jacuzzi tub?

What are these materials specifically? High-quality spa jacuzzi tubs generally consist of the following four main material layers:

First Layer: Surface Layer – Acrylic or Acrylic Sheet

This is the surface layer that the user directly contacts.

Its main functions include:

• Providing a smooth, comfortable feel

• Maintaining color stability

• Providing aesthetic appeal

• Resistant to scratches and hydrolysis

• Allowing for the creation of various colors and textures (such as marble patterns)

In the industry, Aristech Acrylic is the most common high-end acrylic brand, known for its superior weather resistance and stability.

LOVIA SPA's spa jacuzzi tubs are made entirely of this brand's acrylic material.

Second Layer: Reinforcing Layer – Fiberglass or Resin-Fiberglass Composite Layer

While the acrylic surface layer is aesthetically pleasing, its strength is insufficient, thus requiring multiple layers of fiberglass reinforcement for support.

Its functions include:

• Increasing structural rigidity

• Providing overall load-bearing capacity

• Enhancing pressure resistance

• Preventing shell deformation

The fiberglass structure is a key component supporting the weight of the spa jacuzzi tub.

Third layer: Base frame structure – Stainless steel or galvanized steel frame

To ensure the spa jacuzzi tub does not deform over long-term use, a sturdy metal frame is needed for bottom support.

Common frame materials:

• 304 stainless steel frame

• Galvanized steel support frame

• High-strength carbon steel structure

These frames are responsible for:

• Supporting the weight when full of water

• Distributing the weight of the pump, motor, and equipment

• Preventing corrosion from outdoor environments

• Providing stability and safety

High-end brands such as LOVIA SPA typically use corrosion-resistant metal frames to extend structural lifespan.

Fourth layer: External enclosure material – PVC, composite wood, or engineering plastics

The external enclosure of the spa jacuzzi tub not only affects the overall appearance but is also an important element in protecting the internal structure.

Common materials include:

• PVC-Plastic Composite Board

• Composite Resin Board

• Engineering Plastic Board

• Wood-Plastic Composite

These materials have the following characteristics:

• UV Resistance

• Moisture Resistance

• Fragility Resistance

• Easy Cleaning

Therefore, they are ideal for outdoor use.

Why don't spa jacuzzi tubs use ceramic, stainless steel, or traditional bathtub materials?

While ceramic or enamel steel is commonly used in household bathtubs, these materials are not suitable for spa jacuzzi tubs.

The reasons are clear:

1. Excessive Weight, Unsuitable for Large Spa Equipment

Ceramic and steel are too heavy to support the structural requirements of large, multi-seat spa tubs.

2. Inability to Withstand Strong Vibrations and Water Pressure

Spa massage requires high-pressure water jets from pumps; ceramic may crack, and steel may suffer from metal fatigue.

3. Lack of Plasticity

These materials cannot be molded into an ergonomically designed cabin structure.

4. Insufficient Weather Resistance

They are more prone to aging, cracking, and corrosion when used outdoors. Therefore, modern spa jacuzzi tubs generally use composite material structures instead of traditional bathtub materials.

What are the materials used for the water pump, piping, and insulation inside a spa jacuzzi tub?

The internal system of a spa jacuzzi tub is also composed of a variety of specialized materials:

1. Piping System Materials

Generally used:

• PVC pipes

• ABS fittings

• Special pressure-resistant hoses

These materials are resistant to high temperatures, chemical corrosion, and have high compressive strength.

2. Water Pump and Motor Materials

Many high-end brands use:

• LX pumps (a well-known Chinese water pump brand)

• Stainless steel motor shaft

• Engineering-grade plastic housing

These materials ensure stable operation and reduce failure rates.

3. Insulation and Heat Preservation Materials

Spa jacuzzi tubs require heat preservation, therefore, they often use:

• Polyurethane foam

• PE insulation cotton

• Heat-reflective aluminum foil layer

These materials effectively reduce heat loss.

Does the material of a spa jacuzzi tub affect its lifespan?

The answer is yes.

The quality of the material directly determines:

• Lifespan

• Prone to cracking

• Prone to fading

• Insulation performance

• Maintenance costs

• User experience and safety

For example:

• High-end acrylic materials (such as Aristech Acrylic) can maintain their shine for many years.

• Inferior acrylic or plastic composite materials may fade or deform quickly.

Therefore, the material is a key indicator of the quality of a spa jacuzzi tub.

What is the material of a spa jacuzzi tub?

The core materials of a spa jacuzzi tub include acrylic, fiberglass, a metal frame, and composite panels.

A spa jacuzzi tub is not made of a single material, but rather a multi-layered, professionally constructed structure, including:

• Acrylic surface (such as Aristech Acrylic)

• Fiberglass reinforcement layer

• Metal support frame

• PVC or composite panel shell

• Professional piping and pressure-resistant materials

• High-quality pump system (such as LX pumps)

These materials together ensure:

• Structural strength

• Service life

• Thermal insulation

• Comfortable experience

• Safety

Companies like LOVIA SPA, established in 1989, utilize high-end acrylic materials, Balboa systems, and LX pumps, making them one of China's leading manufacturers of outdoor spa jacuzzi tubs and swimming spas. Therefore, the materials used in our equipment represent a high standard in the industry.