Improved materials
Another growing trend in the hot tub industry is the increasing use of high-performance materials. New colour choices and interior shell and exterior cabinet materials are giving today’s hot tub customer more choices and value than ever before. Acrylic interior shell materials are still very popular and offer both glossy and textured finishes, while earth tones and soft whites are still the most popular choices.
Many new materials are also designed to look better. For example, early synthetic cabinet designs had a very ‘plastic’ look to them. Today, newer technologies are leveraging digital imaging to create realistic faux woods, while improved plastic resin compounds have also improved the esthetics of plastics in general. Not only does this give designers greater flexibility when creating low-maintenance designs, it also allows them to create hot tubs that become more integral components of an outdoor living space, while offering improved durability and a better ownership experience.
Innovative features
The hot tub industry has enjoyed a recent spurge of innovation, as many manufacturers continue to push the envelope with regular introductions of exciting new features and technologies.
As more consumers create and use outdoor living spaces, manufacturers are driven to offer more beautiful and useful products. For instance, the addition of a water feature element has been a major factor in revolutionizing the way hot tubs are designed.
Today, most hot tubs (even entry level models) can include some sort of water feature. These are a natural extension of the product; the ‘original’ hot tubs were natural hot springs, which were often accompanied by the sounds of running or falling water. Modern hot tubs have water features that mimic nature by capturing its sound and feeling to enhance the overall user experience. They can also provide a backyard environment with the look and sound of a waterfall feature even when the hot tub is not being used.
While not all new features can be considered ‘value added,’ they do enhance a product’s ‘bling’ factor. Flashy LED systems, exterior lighting, stereo systems and even LCD TVs have found their way into hot tub models that were originally designed for relaxation.
Certain features, like simple music systems, have had an especially positive impact on hot tubs. Relaxing music can enhance the bathers’ overall experience and help them unwind from a stress-filled day. LED lighting is also therapeutic, when done correctly, it can add to the relaxing effects of a hot tub. However, features like TVs, overcomplicated music systems and overly bright flashy lights can sometimes take away from the overall therapeutic experience of a hot tub. Having a party tub is great; it’s just not for everyone.
