Acrylic or Poly Rattan Hot Tubs? Compared by Specs
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Choosing between an acrylic hot tub and a poly rattan surround depends on your priority. This guide compares the AquaLife Edgewater acrylic model with the SKM poly rattan spa deck. Both enhance your soaking experience, but they serve different roles. One is the spa unit itself, while the other is a decorative platform. We look at the acrylic vs poly rattan hot tub options to help you decide which fits your space and needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Hot Tub | SKM 105.5" Square Poly Rattan Spa Surround |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic | Poly Rattan |
| Product Type | Hot Tub | Spa Surround |
| Jet Count | 28 | not listed |
| Jet Type | Stainless steel adjustable | not listed |
| Dimensions | 74 x 74 x 35 in | 105.5 x 105.5 x 21.7 in |
| Seating Capacity | 6-7 Person | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Hot Tub if
- You want a complete hot tub with 28 stainless steel jets.
- You need seating for 6 to 7 people.
- You prefer a compact 74-inch square footprint.
Choose SKM 105.5" Square Poly Rattan Spa Surround if
- You already own a tub and need a decorative platform.
- You want a larger 105.5-inch square deck for accessories.
- You prefer a weatherproof poly rattan exterior finish.
Verdict: Choose the AquaLife Edgewater if you need a fully functional hot tub with jets and seating. Pick the SKM surround if you already have a tub and want to add a stylish, spacious deck. The acrylic unit provides the soaking experience, while the poly rattan deck enhances the surrounding area.
Acrylic Tub vs Poly Rattan Deck
Material
The AquaLife Edgewater uses an acrylic shell. This material forms the main body of the hot tub. It provides a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to clean. The SKM unit is a poly rattan surround. It is made from woven PE rattan over a powder-coated steel frame. This deck sits around your existing spa. It adds a natural, wood-grain aesthetic to your patio. One creates the water environment. The other creates the visual setting. You choose based on whether you need the tub itself or just the exterior enhancement.
Jet Count
The AquaLife Edgewater includes 28 stainless steel adjustable jets. These jets provide targeted hydrotherapy for your back and limbs. You can adjust their direction to suit your comfort. The SKM poly rattan surround does not have jets. It is a static platform. It does not generate water pressure or massage. If you want active water circulation and massage features, the AquaLife model delivers this directly. The SKM unit offers no jet capability. It relies on your separate spa unit for hydrotherapy. The choice depends on whether you want built-in massage or just a deck.
Jet Type
The AquaLife Edgewater features stainless steel adjustable jets. Stainless steel offers durability and resistance to corrosion from chemicals. The adjustable nature allows you to direct the stream precisely. The SKM poly rattan surround has no jets. It is a structural deck. It provides no water flow or massage technology. It simply frames your spa. If you prioritize the quality and adjustability of your massage, the AquaLife stainless steel jets are superior. The SKM unit contributes nothing to the jetting experience. It is purely decorative and structural. Your decision hinges on whether you need functional jetting hardware.
Capacity
The AquaLife Edgewater is designed for 6-7 people. Its interior dimensions of 74 x 74 x 35 inches provide ample seating for a group. The SKM poly rattan surround measures 105.5 x 105.5 x 21.7 inches. This is a large deck, but it does not hold water or people directly. It accommodates the spa and provides extra space for accessories or standing. If you need to seat multiple people inside the water, the AquaLife model is the functional choice. The SKM unit expands your outdoor footprint but does not increase seating capacity within the tub itself.
Features
The AquaLife Edgewater comes with a built-in ozonator. This feature helps sanitize the water by reducing chlorine needs. It also includes a 1kW/4kW heater and a two-speed pump. The SKM poly rattan surround has no mechanical features. It has no heater, pump, or sanitizer. It is a passive structure. It requires basic tools for assembly. If you want integrated water treatment and heating, the AquaLife model is complete. The SKM unit is just a frame. It enhances aesthetics but offers no functional spa technology. You need a separate spa for the SKM to be useful.
Acrylic Tub or Poly Rattan Deck
You want a complete soaking unit
The AquaLife Edgewater is a fully functional hot tub. It seats six to seven people and includes 28 stainless steel jets. You get a 2-peak HP pump and a 1kW heater. This all-in-one system handles water circulation and heating. You do not need to buy a separate tub or deck. It is ready to plug into a standard outlet.
You need a deck for an existing tub
The SKM unit is a poly rattan surround, not a hot tub. It measures 105.5 by 105.5 inches. It provides a sturdy base for your spa. The woven PE rattan sits over a powder-coated steel frame. This option adds aesthetic appeal and a stable platform. You must already own a hot tub to use this surround.
You prioritize jet count and capacity
If you value hydrotherapy features, the AquaLife Edgewater offers 28 adjustable jets. It accommodates six to seven users comfortably. The acrylic shell is durable and easy to maintain. You also get a built-in ozonator for water care. This model focuses on performance and user capacity within its 74-inch footprint.
You want to enhance patio aesthetics
The SKM surround elevates the visual look of your outdoor space. Its poly rattan construction mimics natural wood grain. The gray or black finish complements most decor styles. It creates a dedicated spa zone with a sleek profile. This deck integrates seamlessly into patios or gardens while protecting the tub area.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Hot Tub | large groups needing ozonator filtration | Check price of AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Hot Tub on Amazon |
| 2 | SKM 105.5" Square Poly Rattan Spa Surround | Spacious outdoor inflatable hot tub setups | Check price of SKM 105.5" Square Poly Rattan Spa Surround on Amazon |
The products compared
AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Hot Tub
Best for: large groups needing ozonator filtration
- Material
- Acrylic (what this guide is about)
- Seating Capacity
- 6-7 Person
- Jet Count
- 28
- Jet Type
- stainless steel adjustable jets
- Dimensions
- 74 x 74 x 35 inches
- Features
- Ozonator
View on Amazon: AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Hot Tub Affiliate link
This acrylic hot tub seats six to seven people with 28 stainless steel adjustable jets. It uses a 2-Peak HP pump and a 1kW heater that works on 120V or 240V power. The unit includes a built-in ozonator for water care. It measures 74 by 74 inches and weighs 500 pounds. You get a durable shell made in the USA with US and imported parts. This model is available without a lounger.
Pros
- 28 stainless steel adjustable jets
- Built-in ozonator for water treatment
- Converts between 120V and 240V electrical setups
- Seats 6 to 7 people
Cons
- Heavy at 500 pounds
- Large footprint requires 74 by 74 inches of space
- Standard 120V heater is less powerful than 240V option
Good fit if
- You want a large acrylic shell for group seating
- You prefer ozonator water purification over chlorine
- You have a standard 120V outlet available
Skip if
- You need a smaller footprint for a balcony
- You require a built-in lounger for reclining
- You want a poly rattan exterior finish
Verdict: AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Tub offers high jet count and ozonator filtration for groups. It fits buyers who prioritize spacious acrylic shells and flexible electrical options.
SKM 105.5" Square Poly Rattan Spa Surround
Best for: Spacious outdoor inflatable hot tub setups
- Material
- Poly Rattan (what this guide is about)
- Dimensions
- 105.5 x 105.5 x 21.7 in
- Shape
- Square
- Use
- Spas
View on Amazon: SKM 105.5" Square Poly Rattan Spa Surround Affiliate link
This SKM poly rattan surround deck creates a stable platform for your inflatable hot tub. Measuring 105.5 by 105.5 inches, it offers ample space for soaking and accessories. The gray woven PE rattan sits over a powder-coated steel frame for weatherproof durability. It suits users who want a dedicated, polished spa zone that elevates their patio or garden aesthetic.
Pros
- Generous 105.5 by 105.5 inch square footprint
- Weatherproof PE rattan woven over steel frame
- Easy assembly with basic household tools
- Gray color option for modern aesthetics
Cons
- Limited to one height option of 21.7 inches
- Does not include the hot tub itself
- No remote or app control functionality
Good fit if
- You need a stable, spacious base for an inflatable tub
- You want to enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor spa area
- You prefer a low-maintenance, weather-resistant surround material
Skip if
- You are looking for an all-in-one hot tub system
- You require a surround with adjustable height settings
- You have a small patio with limited square footage
Verdict: SKM Poly Rattan Hot Tub Surround provides a sturdy, weather-resistant foundation for your inflatable spa. It is a practical fit for users who prioritize a dedicated, elevated soaking area with a sophisticated look.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | AquaLife Edgewater 6-7 Person Acrylic Hot Tub | SKM 105.5" Square Poly Rattan Spa Surround |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 6-7 Person | not stated |
| Jet Count | 28 | not stated |
| Jet Type | stainless steel adjustable jets | not stated |
| Material | Acrylic | not stated |
| Dimensions | 74 x 74 x 35 inches | 105.5 x 105.5 x 21.7 in |
| Shape | not stated | Square |
| Features | Ozonator | not stated |
| Use | not stated | Spas |
| Weight | 500 pounds | not stated |
| Color | Driftwood 2022 | Gray |
| Model | S6-0001 | not stated |
| Size | not stated | 105.5 x 105.5 x 21.7 in (W x L x H) |
Frequently asked questions
Is an acrylic hot tub better than a poly rattan deck?
Acrylic tubs are standalone units that provide heating and jets. Poly rattan decks are surrounds for inflatable spas. You choose acrylic for a complete system. You choose poly rattan for a decorative base. The SKM model offers a sturdy foundation. The AquaLife unit offers full functionality.
What size is the AquaLife Edgewater acrylic hot tub?
The AquaLife Edgewater measures 74 inches in width and length. It stands 35 inches high. The shell weighs 500 pounds. This footprint fits large groups. It seats six to seven people. The square design maximizes interior space for soaking.
How big is the SKM poly rattan surround?
The SKM surround measures 106 inches by 106 inches. It is 21.7 inches high. This square shape fits standard inflatable spas. It elevates your spa for better access. The gray color matches outdoor decor. It provides a dedicated, elevated soaking area.
Does the AquaLife tub have an ozonator?
Yes, the AquaLife Edgewater includes an ozonator. This feature helps keep the water clean. It reduces the need for chemicals. You get stainless steel jets for massage. The 2-peak HP pump supports the system. It is ideal for large groups needing filtration.
Is poly rattan weather resistant?
The SKM poly rattan surround is weather-resistant. It withstands outdoor conditions. It protects your inflatable spa from ground moisture. The material is sturdy and durable. It provides a sophisticated look for your patio. It does not heat water itself.
What color is the AquaLife hot tub?
The AquaLife Edgewater comes in Driftwood 2022. This neutral tone fits various outdoor styles. The acrylic shell is smooth and cleanable. It complements the stainless steel jets. The color is part of the model S6-0001 design.
Can I use a poly rattan deck with any spa?
The SKM surround fits inflatable hot tubs. It measures 106 inches square. You must check your spa dimensions. It acts as a base, not a tub. It does not include jets or heaters. It provides a stable, elevated platform for your existing spa.
How many people fit in the AquaLife tub?
The AquaLife Edgewater seats six to seven people. The 74-inch square shell allows ample space. You get 28 stainless steel jets. The 1kW heater maintains temperature. It is designed for large groups. The spacious interior supports comfortable soaking.