Transparent spa shell with opaque substrate

Abstract

A spa shell and method of its manufacture are disclosed, providing a spa shell with improved functional and aesthetic effects. The spa shell includes a transparent layer that is formed into a shape of the spa shell. The spa shell further includes an opaque substrate applied to the transparent layer on the bottom side of the shape of the spa shell.

1 . A method of manufacturing a spa shell, comprising: 
 forming a transparent layer into a shape of the spa shell; and    applying an opaque substrate to one side of the transparent layer corresponding to a bottom side of the shape of the spa shell.    
     
     
         2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein forming the transparent layer into the shape of the spa shell further comprises thermoforming the transparent layer.  
     
     
         3 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the transparent layer includes plastic.  
     
     
         4 . The method in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the plastic is acrylic.  
     
     
         5 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the opaque substrate includes fiberglass.  
     
     
         6 . The method in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein applying the opaque substrate includes spraying fiberglass to the one side of the transparent layer.  
     
     
         7 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the opaque substrate includes polyurethane.  
     
     
         8 . The method in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein applying the opaque substrate includes spraying polyurethane to the one side of the transparent layer.  
     
     
         9 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the opaque substrate includes one or more colors.  
     
     
         10 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the transparent layer is clear.  
     
     
         11 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the transparent layer includes a tint.  
     
     
         12 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising providing a design element in the opaque substrate.  
     
     
         13 . The method in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the design element is visible in the opaque substrate through a top side of the transparent layer.  
     
     
         14 . A spa shell, comprising: 
 a transparent layer forming a shape of the spa shell; and    an opaque substrate applied to the transparent layer on the bottom side of the shape of the spa shell.    
     
     
         15 . The spa shell in accordance with  claim 14 , further comprising a design element disposed in the opaque substrate and visible through a top side of the shape of the spa shell through the transparent layer.