How to Change Tanning Bed Light Bulbs

Tanning salons are everywhere. And all of them face the same problem: tanning light bulbs die and fade. But it's easy to change tanning bed light bulbs if you take your time.

You need two things:

  • The tanning bed manual
  • The tanning bed’s name, model number, and year of manufacture
  • Inspect the Tanning Bed

Inspect the tanning bed to ascertain which bulbs need replacing. Most tanning bed owners change all the light bulbs at the same time. This ensures an even tan.

But sometimes a bulb might burn out early. Replacing all the bulbs because one bulb is burnt out is costly and wasteful.

Remove the Burnt Light Bulbs

Gently twist and remove the tanning bed light bulbs.

The light bulb has a number printed on it at either end of the light bulb. The most common numbers will look like this: “F71,” “F72,” or “F73.” That number denotes the type of bulb to use. Most tanning beds will require one of those three types of light bulbs, but some tanning beds require a different type of light bulb.

Pick the Right Light Bulbs

Consult the manual for the type and length of the light bulb. If you're still unsure, call the manufacturer and ask what kind of light bulbs the specific tanning bed uses. You'll need to provide the model number and year of manufacture.

Tanning bed light bulb suppliers are the first place to call for replacement bulbs. But call several to compare prices.

Consider buying the light bulbs from an online retailer. This can save you money. But be sure to buy the right tanning bed light bulbs, because returning incorrect ones can be expensive. Also consider buying in bulk to save even more money.

Replace the Light Bulbs

Many tanning salons are on the rise with people cashing in on the business. One of the more prominent problems a tanning salon may come to face is when the tanning bed light bulbs either die or become less effective in their usage due to fading light bulbs. People have all heard about how difficult it is to change the light bulbs in a tanning bed, but it is in fact far easier than they make it out to be. They make it sound akin to brain surgery when it merely requires a few minutes and a little patience.

For the purposes of staying safe for this project, have the following on hand:

  • The manual for the tanning bed
  • The tanning bed’s name, model number, as well as the year it was manufactured

Inspect the Tanning Bed

The first thing to do, which may go without saying, is to inspect the tanning bed and figure out which bulbs will need replacing. For best results, people generally make sure all of the light bulbs get replaced at the same time in order to produce an even tan on its users. However, sometimes a bulb may burn out sooner than the rest, making it a costly waste to replace every single one of them.

Remove the Burnt Light Bulbs

After figuring out which bulbs will need to come out and be replaced, do just that. The tanning bed light bulbs should be able to be gently twisted and removed, just like any fluorescent light bulb would be removed from its place.

On the light bulb, there should be a little number printed somewhere. This little number will most likely be located at either end of the light bulb and the number should be in similar fashion to “F71,” “F72,” or “F73.” If so, this is the type of bulb to use. In fact, most tanning beds will generally require one of those three types of light bulbs, making them the most common, but make sure the tanning bed does not require a specific type of light bulb.

Pick the Right Light Bulbs

Consult the manual to ensure no specific type of light bulb is required. Figure out the length of the light bulb being replaced as well; after all, a new light bulb would be useless if it were unable to fit in the tanning bed. When in doubt, do not be afraid to call the manufacturer and ask questions about what kind of light bulbs the specific tanning bed in question can use. Do not forget to provide the model number and year of manufacturing to ensure accurate results.

When the correct type of light bulb has finally been figured out, it is time to make phone calls. Tanning bed light bulb suppliers undoubtedly are the first place to try, but call several to get the best estimate. Alternatively, consider buying the light bulbs from an online retailer. This can lead to even greater savings with more deals. Take care that the correct light bulb is being purchased, however, as returning incorrect ones can be costly. Also consider buying in bulk to save money in the future.

Replace the Light Bulbs

Putting the fresh light bulbs in is the next step, and it's as simple as turning the bulbs in the opposite direction from when you removed the old bulbs. Turn the bed on to make sure all the lights work.

Replacing tanning bed light bulbs is easy. The hardest part is paying for them. But if you shop around and/or buy online, you can minimize those costs too.

More How to Articles