Got a Free or Cheap Tanning Bed? Here’s What Replacement Parts Really Cost

Getting a tanning bed for free—or buying one for a few hundred dollars—can seem like a great deal.

And sometimes it is.

We regularly hear from customers who inherited a tanning bed from a family member, purchased one from a neighbor, or found one for under $200 on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Then they call us because they need replacement parts.

That’s when they discover something many used tanning bed buyers don’t realize:

The purchase price of an older tanning bed doesn’t necessarily reflect the cost of putting it back into service.

A tanning bed that costs $100–$200 to purchase can easily need several hundred dollars in replacement parts before it’s ready for regular use.

At Sunalparts.com, we sell replacement tanning bed parts and supplies for both home and commercial tanning equipment. We also understand that spending several hundred dollars on parts all at once can be an unexpected expense.

That’s why we now offer financing on qualifying tanning bed replacement parts through Affirm, including tanning bed lamps, acrylics and gas springs.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Parts on a Tanning Bed?

The actual cost depends on the tanning bed’s manufacturer, model and condition. However, here are some real-world examples of costs a homeowner may encounter.

A complete set of replacement tanning lamps can be a significant expense for an older home tanning bed.

1. Tanning Bed Lamps — Approximately $318 for a 24-Lamp Bed

One of the most common maintenance expenses is replacing the tanning lamps.

A typical 24-lamp home tanning bed requires 24 replacement tanning lamps. A complete set can cost approximately $318 delivered, depending on the lamp type and shipping location.

If you purchased the entire tanning bed for $150, it can be surprising to discover that a new set of lamps can cost more than twice what you paid for the machine.

However, replacing the lamps can make sense if the tanning bed itself is in good mechanical condition.

Before ordering lamps, it’s important to identify the exact tanning bed model and the correct lamp specifications. Using the wrong lamp can result in poor performance or compatibility problems.

Sunquest Q28 Acrylic

2. Tanning Bed Acrylics — They Can Be Surprisingly Expensive

Another part that frequently surprises used tanning bed owners is the acrylic.

Acrylics are not simply sheets of ordinary plastic. Tanning bed acrylics are designed specifically for the heat, UV exposure and mechanical requirements of tanning equipment.

For some home tanning beds, a new acrylic can cost as much as $585 delivered.

And remember—you may need only one acrylic.

If the tanning bed has separate upper and lower acrylics, replacing a damaged acrylic can represent a significant portion of the value of an inexpensive used tanning bed.

Before purchasing an acrylic, always verify the exact make and model of your tanning bed.

Don’t order an acrylic based solely on the number of lamps. Two tanning beds can have the same number of lamps but use completely different acrylics.

Tanning Bed Gas Spring

3. Gas Springs / Shocks — Approximately $118

Many tanning beds use gas springs, sometimes called gas shocks or lift supports, to help raise and support the canopy.

When these begin to fail, the canopy may become difficult to lift or may not stay open properly.

A replacement set can cost approximately $118, depending on the tanning bed model.

This is another example of a relatively small component that can add significantly to the cost of bringing an older tanning bed back into service.

Tanning Blub Starters

4. Lamp Starters — Approximately $35

Some tanning beds also use replaceable lamp starters.

A complete set may cost approximately $35, depending on the equipment.

While starters are inexpensive compared with lamps or acrylics, they’re another maintenance item that should be considered when evaluating an older tanning bed.

A $200 Tanning Bed Can Quickly Become a $700+ Project

Here’s an example of what can happen.

Imagine you find an older tanning bed for $150.

You think:

“It’s only $150. That’s a great deal.”

Then you discover it needs:

That $150 tanning bed could potentially require more than $1,000 in parts.

Obviously, not every tanning bed needs all of these parts. Many used beds require only lamps, or perhaps an acrylic or gas spring.

The point is to understand the potential maintenance cost before purchasing the equipment.

Don’t Let the Cost of Parts Catch You by Surprise

If you’re considering buying a used tanning bed, we recommend finding out the following before handing over your money:

Find the exact model number.

The model number is extremely important.

It allows you to determine:

• Which lamps the bed uses
• Which acrylics fit
• Which starters are required
• Which gas springs/shocks are correct
• Which replacement parts are available

Ask whether the lamps are new or used.

A tanning bed may operate normally while still having lamps that are near the end of their useful life.

Inspect the acrylic carefully.

Look for cracks, excessive scratching, discoloration or other damage.

Check the canopy gas springs.

Make sure the canopy stays open and doesn’t unexpectedly fall.

Find out whether replacement parts are still available.

Some very old tanning beds can be difficult or impossible to repair because certain components are no longer manufactured.

Financing Available for Tanning Bed Replacement Parts

We understand that spending several hundred dollars on replacement parts wasn’t necessarily part of your budget when you purchased a used tanning bed.

Sunalparts.com offers financing through Affirm on qualifying purchases, allowing customers to make monthly payments rather than paying the entire cost of certain replacement parts upfront.

Financing options may be available for items such as:

• Tanning bed lamps
• Tanning bed acrylics
• Gas springs / shocks
• Other qualifying tanning equipment parts

Your available payment options and terms are determined by Affirm and are subject to approval.

This can be especially helpful when you purchase an inexpensive used tanning bed and discover that it needs several replacement parts at the same time.

Instead of putting the entire repair cost on a credit card or paying the entire amount upfront, monthly payment options may be available.

Is a Cheap Used Tanning Bed Still Worth Buying?

It can be—but do your homework first.

A $200 tanning bed that needs $300 worth of lamps may still be a very good value if the equipment is otherwise in excellent condition.

On the other hand, a $100 tanning bed that needs a $585 acrylic, lamps, gas springs and additional electrical or mechanical repairs may not be the bargain it initially appeared to be.

The key is to look at the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price.

Before buying a used tanning bed, identify the model and check the cost and availability of the major replacement parts.

Need Help Identifying Your Tanning Bed Parts?

If you’re not sure what parts your tanning bed needs, Sunalparts.com can help.

We sell replacement tanning bed lamps, acrylics, gas springs, starters and other tanning equipment parts.

If you have a question about a particular tanning bed, send us the manufacturer, model number and photos of the equipment or part you’re trying to replace.

We’ll help you identify the correct replacement part whenever possible.

Visit Sunalparts.com to browse tanning bed replacement parts and see available financing options through Affirm.