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HOW THE SHELL IS MADE UP

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.