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Guide for salon owners · September 2026
When to replace sunbed tubes (and how to tell they are tired)
Lamps are replaced on hours, not on the calendar. Here is how to stay on top of it.
The short answer
Replace sunbed tubes according to the manufacturer's rated life in hours, which for most conventional tanning lamps falls somewhere between about 500 and 1,000 hours. Track the hours on each sunbed, and replace the set together. Tired lamps use the same electricity but deliver less, so customers need longer sessions and notice the difference.
How to track lamp hours
Most commercial sunbeds have an hour counter in the control panel or service menu. Record the reading when lamps are changed and check it monthly. Keep a simple log for each machine: date, hours, what was fitted and who fitted it. An inspector will ask for it, and it tells you when the next change is due.
Signs your tubes need changing
If you are seeing these before the rated hours are up, something else may be wrong, such as cooling, ballasts or acrylics.
Darkened lamp ends
Blackening at the ends of the tube is a sign of age.
Flickering or slow starts
May be the lamp, the starter or the ballast.
Uneven tanning
Often a mix of old and new lamps, or a failed lamp in one zone.
Compliance: the 0.3 W/m² limit
Sunbeds in the UK must not exceed 0.3 W/m² of effective UV irradiance, and that depends on the tubes fitted. Always replace with compliant lamps suited to the specific sunbed, and keep the paperwork. Fitting the wrong tubes can put a machine outside the limit. See UK sunbed regulations.
Hybrid and LED technology
Newer sunbeds increasingly combine UV lamps with LED technology. LEDs have a far longer service life than conventional tubes, which reduces replacement frequency. If your lamp bills are high on older equipment, it is worth pricing an upgrade against them. Ask us about current megaSun hybrid models.
FAQ
Sunbed tubes: common questions
How often should sunbed tubes be replaced?
According to the manufacturer's rated life in hours. For most conventional tanning lamps that is somewhere between about 500 and 1,000 hours of use. A busy salon will reach that far sooner than a quiet one.
Should I replace all the tubes at once?
Yes. Mixing old and new lamps gives uneven results and makes it impossible to track hours properly.
Do old tubes cost more to run?
They draw the same electricity while delivering less UV, so each session costs the same and achieves less. Customers then want longer sessions, which costs you more.
Can you re-lamp my existing sunbeds?
Yes. We supply and fit compliant replacement lamps and can service the sunbed at the same visit. Get in touch with the make and model.
Keep reading
More guides for salon owners
Guide
Sunbed salon regulations in the UK: licences, age limits and what is changing
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How much does it cost to open a tanning salon in the UK?
The equipment prices are fixed and published. Everything else depends on your unit. Here is how to build the budget.
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Are tanning salons profitable? What actually drives the numbers
Nobody can honestly promise you a figure. What we can show you is how the model works and what real customers did.
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Real feedback from people who’ve bought beds, had installs and trained with Julita’s team.
“I had a pleasure to deal with j solution. Best in the business. Have few sunbeds bought and assembled by the company. Never had any issues with the equipment. They would also advise what’s new on the market. Thank you kindly”
“I’ve had a great experience working with J Solutions. They are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to sunbeds, lotions, and overall salon setup. From installation to training days, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. The team took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure I felt confident using the equipment and products. Highly recommend J Solutions to anyone looking for reliable support, quality products, and expert guidance within the tanning industry.”
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