How to Replace Tanning Bed Acrylics Safely: Step-by-Step

Quick answer

Replace tanning bed acrylics by locking out power, removing the old panel, cleaning the frame channel, and seating a new rigid panel that is shipped flat. Order by exact bed model and panel position, because a Sportarredo Universe bench panel and a Sportarredo Holiday 50 canopy panel are not interchangeable. Work slowly, keep the protective film on until the panel is seated, and leak-test before anyone tans.

Before you order: match model, position, and panel count

Acrylic panels are cut for a specific bed and a specific position. A bench (bottom) panel and a canopy (top) panel are different parts even on the same bed, so record the brand, model, and whether you need the bench, the canopy, or both. The Sportarredo Universe replacement acrylic is a bench panel for Sportarredo Universe beds, while the Sportarredo Holiday 50 replacement acrylic is a canopy panel for that model. If your bed is an ESB Sunburst Long, the correct bottom bench part is listed for that bed only.

Check the panel count before ordering. Some beds use one long bench panel, others use two shorter panels, and a few models use a canopy split. Count the panels currently installed, note any part numbers printed on the frame, and photograph the frame channel. If the catalog does not list an option type or a measurement for your exact bed, treat that as a decision limitation and confirm fit with the seller before purchase rather than guessing.

Tools and prep that prevent cracked panels

You need a helper for any panel longer than about four feet, a plastic scraper or nylon wedge, lint-free cloths, isopropyl alcohol, and a clean, padded surface to rest the panel on. Do not use metal scrapers, and do not rest a panel on concrete or gravel. Rigid acrylic scratches easily and cracks at the edges if it is bent or dropped.

Clear the room before you start. Acrylic picks up dust and hair, and a dirty frame channel will show through the new panel. Lay a clean blanket or foam pad where the panel will sit during the swap, and keep the new panel in its protective film until the frame is ready.

Power lockout and old panel removal

Unplug the bed or switch off the dedicated breaker, then verify the lamps are off before touching anything. Tanning beds run high-output lamps and ballasts, and the acrylic sits directly over them. If the bed is hardwired, use the breaker and tag it so no one restores power while your hands are inside the frame.

Lift the old panel evenly with a helper. If it is stuck, slide a nylon wedge under one corner and work along the edge; never pry against the lamp surface. Set the old panel aside on the pad, then inspect the frame channel for hardened lotion, dust, and silicone residue. Clean the channel with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely before the new panel goes in.

Seating the new panel and leak-testing

Set the new panel into the channel evenly, lowering it flat rather than sliding it across the frame. Confirm it sits flush on all sides with no rocking. If the panel does not seat, stop and check the channel for debris or a bent frame lip instead of forcing it.

Reinstall the retaining trim or clips, restore power, and run the bed for a short cycle with no one inside. Wipe the panel and frame seam with a dry cloth and look for moisture or condensation at the edges. If you see water, the panel is not seated correctly or the room is too humid; fix that before tanning. Keep the protective film on until the panel is fully seated, then peel it back slowly from one corner.

Step-by-step acrylic replacement

1. 1. Record your bed model and panel position: Write down the brand, model, and whether you need the bench, canopy, or both. Match that to the listing, such as the Sportarredo Universe bench acrylic or the Sportarredo Holiday 50 canopy acrylic. Checkpoint: if the listing does not confirm your exact model and position, confirm fit before ordering.
2. 2. Lock out power and verify lamps are off: Unplug the bed or switch the breaker off, then confirm the lamps are dark before removing anything. Common mistake: trusting a wall switch that only controls the room light.
3. 3. Remove the old panel evenly with a helper: Lift the panel flat, using a nylon wedge on a stuck corner. Never pry against lamps or use a metal tool. Checkpoint: set the old panel on a padded surface, not the floor.
4. 4. Clean and dry the frame channel: Remove lotion residue and dust with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths, then let the channel dry fully. Common mistake: seating the new panel while the channel is still damp, which traps moisture.
5. 5. Seat the new flat-shipped panel and reinstall trim: Lower the panel flat into the channel, confirm it sits flush with no rocking, then reinstall retaining trim or clips. Checkpoint: if it rocks, stop and recheck the channel instead of forcing it.
6. 6. Restore power and leak-test before tanning: Run a short cycle with no one inside, then inspect the seam for moisture or condensation. Next step: if moisture appears, reseat the panel or reduce room humidity before the next session.

Replacement acrylics that match this process

• Sportarredo Universe Tanning Bed Replacement Acrylic (Year 2001): Sportarredo Universe Tanning Bed Replacement Acrylic (Year 2001) is a premium grade rigid bench replacement acrylic that is shipped flat, not rolled up in a box. Flat shipping protects the panel from the curl and stress cracks that rolled acrylic can develop, so it seats more predictably in the frame channel.
• ESB Sunburst Long Tanning Bed Replacement Acrylic(Bottom Bench): ESB Sunburst Long Tanning Bed Replacement Acrylic (Bottom Bench) is a premium grade rigid replacement acrylic shipped flat, and it fits ESB Sunburst Long beds. If your bed is an ESB Sunburst Long, this is the bench-position part to order rather than a canopy panel or a different model's acrylic.
• Sportarredo Holiday 50 Tanning Bed Replacement Acrylic (Canopy): Sportarredo Holiday 50 Tanning Bed Replacement Acrylic (Canopy) is a premium grade rigid replacement acrylic shipped flat, and it fits Sportarredo Holiday 50 beds. Canopy panels take more UV exposure and heat than bench panels, so replacing the canopy with the correct model-specific part keeps light transmission consistent across the bed.