Ever wondered what makes those tanning beds glow with that perfect, warm light? It’s all about the lamps inside! These aren’t just any light bulbs; they are specialized tools designed to give you that sun-kissed look, but choosing the right ones can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need high pressure or low pressure? How many watts are best? These questions can leave salon owners and users feeling confused and worried about getting the wrong results or, worse, causing damage.
Understanding the different types of tanning bed lamps is crucial for safety and achieving the desired tan. The wrong bulb can lead to uneven color or wasted energy. This deep dive cuts through the technical jargon. We will break down the key differences between the most common lamps used today. By the end of this post, you will feel confident knowing exactly which bulbs fit your needs perfectly.
Ready to illuminate your tanning knowledge? Let’s dive into the science behind the glow and discover the best tanning bed lamps for your next session.
Top Tanning Bed Lamps Recommendations
- Replaces Velocity, Dark Tan, Diamond Sun, Golden Tan, Sunmaster & many others
- Economical Upgrade Replacement for many popular sun beds
- Replaces Velocity, Dark Brown, Sun Diamond, Golden Brown, Sodium and many others
- Replacement of the economical upgrade for thousands of sun loungers
- F71 T12 100W-120W Bi Pin Tanning Lamp
- Rated Life of 1000 Hours
- Compatible Replacement for many popular sun beds.
- Replaces Velocity, Dark Tan, Diamond Sun, Crystal Sun, Sunmaster & many others.
- F71T12 BL Bi-Pin 100W Golden Bronze Maximum
- Rated Life of 1000 Hours - Rated for 10 - 12 minute sessions
- Considerable UVB and UVA
- Replaces Velocity Extreme, Dark Tan II Plus, Hi Tan, Bronzing Sun Plus, Equator Sun
- F71T12 BL Bi-Pin 100W Golden Bronze Maximum
- Rated Life of 1000 Hours - Rated for 10 - 12 minute sessions
- Considerable UVB and UVA
- Replaces Velocity Extreme, Dark Tan II Plus, Hi Tan, Bronzing Sun Plus, Equator Sun
- Super Sun Deep Tan Xtreme Twisted F71T12 100W Bipin - HOT!
- Twisted Glass - Increased surface area which provides you more tanning power
- 1000 Hour Lamp LIfe - Professional Strength for salon, spa, gym or home
- For Medium to Darker skin tones only
- Intense Color in 10-12 minutes!
Your Guide to Buying Tanning Bed Lamps
Tanning bed lamps are special bulbs that make tanning beds work. They give off ultraviolet (UV) light, which helps you get a tan. Buying the right lamps is important for a good tan and safe use. This guide will help you choose the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for tanning bed lamps, several features matter a lot.
UV Output Level
- High Output: These lamps tan you faster. They use more power.
- Low Output: These lamps tan you slowly. They are often gentler on the skin.
Lamp Life (Hours)
This tells you how long the lamp will work well. Longer life means you change the bulbs less often. Good lamps last for 800 to 1,000 hours or more.
Lamp Type (Facial vs. Body)
Some beds use different lamps for the face and the body. Facial lamps often focus more on UVA light for color, while body lamps balance UVA and UVB.
Compatibility
You must match the lamp size and shape to your tanning bed model. Check the owner’s manual before you buy.
Important Materials and Construction
Tanning lamps are mainly made of glass and contain special gases and coatings.
Glass Quality
High-quality glass keeps the UV light strong and even. Cheap glass can sometimes break easily or change the light quality over time.
Phosphor Coating
Inside the glass tube is a powder called phosphor. This powder turns the electricity into UV light. The quality of this coating greatly affects how well the lamp tans.
Ballast Compatibility
The ballast is the device that controls the electricity going to the lamp. New lamps must work correctly with your bed’s existing ballast system. Mismatched ballasts lower performance or break the bulbs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a lamp better or worse? It often comes down to how they are made and used.
Brand Reputation
Well-known, trusted brands usually make lamps that last longer and give more consistent results. Poorly made lamps often fade quickly.
Heat Management
Tanning beds get hot. Good lamps handle heat well. If a lamp overheats too much, its performance drops quickly, and its lifespan shortens.
Storage and Handling
Lamps that are stored in damp or very cold places before installation may not work as well. Always handle them carefully; fingerprints on the glass can reduce light output.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lamps affects your experience.
Home Use vs. Salon Use
Lamps designed for busy salons handle frequent on/off cycles better. Home-use lamps are fine for occasional tanning.
Tanning Goals
If you want a fast, dark tan, you might choose high-output lamps. If you are very fair-skinned or want a slow, gradual color, lower-output lamps are better choices.
Maintenance
Regularly cleaning the acrylic shields in your tanning bed improves the light that reaches your skin. Dirty shields block UV rays, making even the best lamps seem weak.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tanning Bed Lamps
Q: How often should I replace my tanning bed lamps?
A: Most manufacturers suggest replacing them every 600 to 1,000 hours of use. Check your specific bed manual for the exact recommendation.
Q: Can I mix old and new lamps in my bed?
A: It is best not to mix them. Old lamps produce less UV light, which makes the new lamps work harder and unevenly. Always replace all the lamps at the same time.
Q: What does “UVA” and “UVB” mean?
A: UVA light is mostly responsible for the color (the immediate tan). UVB light causes sunburn but also helps the body produce Vitamin D and triggers the initial tanning process.
Q: Why are some tanning lamps pink or red when they turn on?
A: This is normal for many types of bulbs. The initial color is often the gas warming up inside the tube before it reaches full UV emission.
Q: Do I need special gloves when changing the bulbs?
A: Yes. You should always wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves. Oils from your hands can create hot spots on the glass, which reduces the lamp’s life.
Q: How do I know if my lamps are getting weak?
A: If you start needing longer session times to get the same tan you used to get, the lamps are losing their UV strength.
Q: Are expensive lamps worth the extra cost?
A: Often, yes. More expensive lamps usually have better phosphor coatings, which means more consistent light and a longer lifespan.
Q: Can I use regular fluorescent bulbs instead of tanning bulbs?
A: Absolutely not. Regular fluorescent bulbs do not produce the necessary UV spectrum for tanning and will not work in a tanning bed setup.
Q: Does the temperature of the room affect lamp performance?
A: Yes. Tanning lamps work best within a specific temperature range, usually around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Very cold starts can damage them.
Q: Where is the best place to buy replacement lamps?
A: Buy them from reputable suppliers or directly from the tanning bed manufacturer to ensure you get the exact specifications your bed requires.