Site selection is a very important step when installing an outdoor hot bathtub. In addition to considering the size of the space, the shape of the hot bathtub, and the distance from the house, deciding whether the bathtub should be placed in the sun or in the shade is also a key decision. Both enjoying the warmth of the sun and choosing to avoid the scorching sun in the shade have their own advantages and disadvantages.
This article will analyze the location of the outdoor hot bathtub from multiple angles to help you make the best decision.
What are the Pros and Cons of the hot bathtub being placed in the sun?
Choosing to place the outdoor hot bathtub in the sun will undoubtedly allow the user of the bathtub to enjoy the warmth of natural light. But this choice is not only beneficial. Outdoor hot bathtubs exposed to the sun may face some challenges in different seasons and environments.
Advantages of hot bathtubs being placed in the sun
● Natural heating effect: On sunny days, the heat of the sun can effectively help the hot bathtub heat up and reduce electricity consumption. Especially in spring and autumn, the sun can provide additional heat to the outdoor hot bathtub to help the water temperature reach a comfortable level. The natural heating of the sun not only saves energy, but also brings a warm and comfortable feeling when using the bathtub.
● Increase the sunbathing experience: Many people like to feel a little warmth under the sun when using the outdoor hot bathtub outdoors. The sun not only makes people feel warm, but also helps the body produce vitamin D, which is good for health. For those who like to bathe in the sun, this is a double experience of relaxation and enjoyment.
● Extend the daytime use time: Choosing to put the outdoor hot bathtub in the sun also means that it can be used for a long time during the day. In the autumn and winter seasons, the sun is short but warm, which can make the bathing experience more comfortable. Even if the water temperature is low, direct sunlight can provide additional warmth to the body.
Disadvantages of hot bathtubs should be placed in the sun
● Overheating problem: Although the sun can help heat the water temperature, in the hot summer, excessive sunlight exposure may cause the water temperature of the hot bathtub to be too high, affecting the user's comfort. In extremely hot weather, the water temperature of the outdoor hot bathtub may rise rapidly, even beyond the comfortable range, and the water temperature needs to be adjusted frequently or cooling equipment needs to be used.
● Impact of UV rays: UV rays in the sun not only affect the skin, but also damage the materials of the hot bathtub. Long-term exposure to sunlight will accelerate the aging of the bathtub shell, causing it to fade, become brittle, and even affect the durability of the overall structure. In addition, plastic parts, seals, and other materials in the outdoor hot bathtub may also be damaged by long-term exposure to UV rays.
● Increased cleaning burden: Outdoor hot bathtubs placed in the sun are more susceptible to external pollutants. Pollutants such as leaves, dust, and insects are more attractive in the sun and are easy to fall into the hot bathtub, increasing the difficulty of daily maintenance and cleaning. Especially in places with shade from trees, falling leaves and bird activities will also increase the cleaning burden.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of placing an outdoor hot bathtub in the shade?
Compared with direct sunlight, installing an outdoor hot bathtub in a shaded area, such as under a tree, under a pavilion, or in a sheltered area near a building, can avoid many of the problems that may be caused by exposure to the sun. However, a shady environment also has its challenges.
Advantages of placing a hot bathtub in a cool place
● Protecting bathtub materials: Placing an outdoor hot bathtub in a cool place can effectively prevent direct damage to the bathtub by ultraviolet rays. Long-term sunlight exposure will accelerate the aging of materials such as plastics and rubber, while in the shade, the bathtub shell, seat, seals and other components can be better protected, thereby extending their service life.
● Comfortable environment: In the hot summer, the shade can provide a more comfortable environment for bathers. In hot weather, avoiding direct sunlight can make users feel cooler and more relaxed when bathing, without having to worry about the water temperature being too high or the sun being too hot.
● Reduce water temperature fluctuations: The temperature in the shade is relatively constant, avoiding large fluctuations in water temperature caused by direct sunlight. If the hot bathtub is not used for a long time, the water temperature in the shade will not rise excessively, reducing the need for additional water temperature adjustment and reducing energy consumption.
● Reduce water quality maintenance work: Because it avoids direct sunlight, outdoor hot bathtubs in the shade are not easy to breed algae. Sunlight provides sufficient energy for the growth of algae, while in the shade, the conditions for algae growth are limited, the water quality is relatively more stable, and the water quality maintenance work is relatively less.
Disadvantages of placing a hot bathtub in the shade
● Reduced natural heating: The biggest disadvantage of placing an outdoor hot bathtub in the shade is the loss of the natural heating function of the sun. Especially in the fall and winter, the ambient temperature in the shade may be lower, resulting in more electricity required to maintain the water temperature. The lack of heating support from the sun will increase the energy consumption and operating costs of the bathtub, especially in colder environments.
● High air humidity: Shaded areas are often places with high air humidity, especially in the shade of trees or near vegetation. High humidity may affect the operating efficiency of the outdoor hot bathtub, increase the dampness of the bathtub surface and components, and make the bather feel uncomfortable. In addition, a high humidity environment may also make the bathtub surface more prone to mold growth, increasing the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance.
● Shorter sunshine hours: Even in the fall and winter, some users like to bathe in the sun and feel the warmth of the sun. The sunshine time in the shade is shorter, or even completely blocked, which may make those who like sunbathing feel uncomfortable. Without direct sunlight, users may feel that the environment is darker, affecting the overall user experience.
Balance between sunlight and shade
When considering whether to place the outdoor hot bathtub in the sun or in the shade, environmental conditions and personal preferences are key factors affecting the decision. In most cases, some design methods can be used to find a balance between sunlight and shade, so that the outdoor hot bathtub can provide the best user experience under different conditions.
Movable sunshade equipment
If you want to enjoy the sun while also getting some shade under the scorching sun, then installing a movable awning or pavilion is a good choice. This type of equipment can flexibly adjust the degree of exposure to sunlight according to actual needs, which can not only avoid the problem of excessive water temperature and material aging of the outdoor hot bathtub caused by direct sunlight, but also make full use of the heating function of sunlight when needed.
Partially shaded design
Another approach is to choose a partially shaded area, such as placing the outdoor hot bathtub in the shade of a tree or next to a building, so that you can enjoy the warmth of partial sunlight while getting proper shade when it is hot. The partially shaded design can provide better adaptability in different seasons and weather conditions, reducing the difficulty of daily maintenance.
Consider seasonal changes
Whether in the sun or in the shade, you need to consider the impact of seasonal changes. In the summer, an outdoor hot bathtub in direct sunlight may become too hot, while in the winter, a bathtub placed in the shade may consume more electricity. Therefore, when selecting a site, not only the current conditions should be considered, but also the impact of seasonal changes on the user experience and operating costs of the outdoor hot bathtub should be fully considered.
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