The modern hot tubs are mainly constructed of fiberglass or various kinds of plastics. Some manufacturers make a self supporting shell entirely of one material, while others use wood and metal as secondary supports. If wood and metal are used, they are normally put as supports under the seats or in high-stress areas. Sometimes a perimeter frame of wood or metal is used in order to support the rim.
Since there are water jets in the hot tubs, the plumbing is very important. This consists mainly of three types of plumbing systems, which are the pressure system, the suction system and the filtration system. Some models have blowers as well and sometimes there is an ozone system as well.
The pressure system delivers waters to the jets and the suction system returns the water to the pumps. The filtrations system helps to clean the water in the hot tub. If there is a small constant filter pump in the hot tub, the water is filtered all the time. If this is not considered necessary, there can be programmed settings of the main pumps and they operate accordingly. If there is an air blower, there are a separate set of jets for a special massage effect and this would require a separate plumbing system. Ozonation helps in water maintenance and needs its own set of hoses and fittings.
There is a skirting around the hot tub, which is both an enclosure for the plumbing and looks like a decorative wrap. Earlier, this skirting was always made of wood, especially of redwood or cedar. Unfortunately wood cabinets require regular maintenance and cannot stand strong weather conditions. Hence by popular choice, synthetic materials are being used because they need relatively less maintenance.
Energy efficiency in the tub is greatly dependent on effective insulation. Again, there are various methods of hot tub insulation. The manufacturers use different styles and it is very difficult to judge the insulation of the tub, till one has used it. The power consumption is dependent on the hot tub pump and the heater, and the power consumption naturally depends on the size of the hot tub and how frequently it is used.
Metal stock tanks are sometimes used as hot tubs, but insulation in metal tanks makes heating difficult. Also many hot tubs use a coat of vinyl to improve insulation. This holds well in water, but it is not long lasting.
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