One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a spa is the
quality of the spa shell. Unlike other elements such as pumps or heaters, if
something goes wrong with the shell it can’t easily be repaired or replaced. The
most likely outcome is that the entire spa will need to be replaced.
How is a spa shell made? The manufacturer starts with a shell surface and a
shell understructure, then sandwiches the two components securely together. The
result is a spa shell.
The shell surface is important because it dictates the look and feel of the spa
shell, as well as its resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and excessive wear and
tear. Higher quality shells are also stain resistant and easy to clean. The
shell understructure is important to the shell’s overall strength and longevity.
It reinforces the spa shell and supports the heavy weight of the water.
The shell understructure also influences the shell’s resistance to
deterioration. A poor quality understructure will make a shell much more prone
to delamination, bubbling, and cracking. The next few sections will explain each
component and its materials in greater detail.