Best Tanning Beds for Business Owners(2026)

Running a tanning business today requires more than just offering a service. Clients expect comfort, results, safety and a pleasant tanning experience. As the industry continues to grow, business owners in 2026 need to focus on reliable tanning beds that offer great performance and long term value. Whether you are starting a new salon or planning an upgrade, choosing the right equipment plays a major role in customer satisfaction and overall profitability.

Understanding how different tanning beds work and which features matter most can help you make a confident investment. Below we explore what business owners should look for, the different types of tanning beds, safety considerations, and a few top tanning bed models available in the United States.

Selecting a tanning bed for commercial use requires a careful look at the core specifications that influence comfort, effectiveness and performance. Here are the major factors that matter for business owners.

1. Type of Unit

Tanning beds typically come in 2 primary formats. 

1. Lay down units allow clients to lie comfortably while receiving tanning from lamps positioned above and below. They offer a relaxing experience and are great for full body coverage. 

2. Stand up units allow customers to tan while standing inside a vertical booth. These save floor space, provide fast sessions and feel more hygienic since there is minimal body contact with surfaces.

b. Lamp Technology and UV Output

Low pressure beds use traditional fluorescent lamps that produce a balanced mix of UVA (Ultraviolet A)and a small amount of UVB (Ultraviolet B). They are known for gradual and more natural tanning results. High pressure beds rely mainly on strong UVA output, creating deeper color much faster with fewer sessions. Understanding this difference helps you decide whether your salon or gyms focuses on fast results or steady tanning over time.

c. Number of Lamps and Wattage

More lamps or higher wattage lamps lead to faster and more even tanning sessions. Proper lamp coverage reduces uneven tanning or missed areas. The placement of lamps also plays a major role in how effectively the tanning session works.

d. Controls, Timers and Safety Features

Reliable digital timers, automatic shutoff and adjustable intensity settings are essential. These features ensure safe exposure for every skin type and help prevent overexposure or burning.

e. Cooling and Comfort

A commercial tanning bed should have strong ventilation and cooling systems to keep clients comfortable. For lay down beds, ergonomic design, proper cushioning and optional features such as face lamps or shoulder lamps enhance the overall experience.

f. Durability and Maintenance

Commercial tanning beds require regular maintenance, lamp replacements and easy access to components. Choosing a model with long lamp life, dependable electrical systems and durable acrylic shields saves time and reduces downtime.

g. Commercial Grade Build

For any salon or gyms expecting frequent use, choosing commercial grade beds is important. These units are built with stronger materials, better cooling systems, more powerful lamps and longer life components than home focused models.

h. Safety and Compliance Standards

Ensure your tanning bed meets all required UV safety standards. Protective eyewear rules, exposure guidelines and lamp specifications must be followed. A compliant tanning bed reduces the risk of liability and ensures responsible UV tanning services.

Not all tanning beds are universally the best. The right choice depends on your business size, customer preferences and service model. Below is an expanded overview of the major types of tanning beds and when they work best.

1. Lay Down Tanning Beds

Lay down tanning beds are the classic and most common option in salons. They feature a horizontal surface where the client lies down, with lamps above and below for full body exposure.

Advantages

• Provides a relaxing tanning experience

• Offers even tanning on both sides of the body

• Ideal for salons offering comfort focused or premium services

• Widely available and easy to maintain with accessible parts

Drawbacks

• Requires more floor space

• Must have good cooling to prevent overheating during long sessions

Lay down beds work best for salons that want to create a spa-like atmosphere and attract clients who enjoy longer and more comfortable sessions.

2. Stand Up Tanning Beds

Stand up or vertical tanning booths require clients to stand inside a tall enclosed space surrounded by lamps.

Advantages

• Takes up less space compared to horizontal beds

• Sessions are usually faster because the lamps surround the body evenly

• Minimal surface contact makes them easier to sanitize between clients

• Great for high traffic salons or quick service models

Drawbacks

• Some clients may find standing throughout the session uncomfortable

• Facial tanning can be less intense unless additional face lamps are included

Stand up beds work well for small salons, busy businesses or locations that want quick turnaround times.

Low Pressure Tanning Beds

These beds use fluorescent lamps that emit both UVA and small amounts of UVB. They are gentle and familiar to most customers.

Advantages

• Produces a steady and natural tan

• Lower risk of burning

• Ideal for clients with sensitive skin or those new to indoor tanning

Drawbacks

• Requires more sessions to achieve deeper color

• May take longer for clients seeking fast results

These beds suit salons focused on accommodating a wide range of skin types or beginners.

3. High Pressure Tanning Beds

High pressure beds use powerful lamps that emit mostly UVA. These beds produce quick, deep color with fewer sessions.

Advantages

• Very fast tanning results

• Produces a deep, longer lasting tan

• Ideal for experienced tanners or premium service packages

Drawbacks

• More expensive to purchase

• Requires careful maintenance and proper handling

• Must be used with strict guidelines to prevent overexposure

High pressure beds are ideal for premium salons and repeat customers who want quick noticeable results.

4. Combination and Specialty Tanning Beds

Combination units use a mix of low pressure and high pressure lamps, often with added features such as targeted shoulder lamps, adjustable intensity levels, contour beds, body cooling systems and advanced ergonomics.

Why they Work Well

• Allows you to customise tanning sessions for different skin types and goals

• Supports a wider range of customers including first timers and regular users

• Creates a premium experience that can justify higher pricing

These units are great for salons wanting maximum flexibility and the ability to serve a diverse client base.

Tanning bed operators must follow important safety standards to protect clients and maintain compliance.

• UV exposure from tanning beds can contribute to skin aging, eye damage and other health concerns if not monitored responsibly

• Salons must use approved lamps and never install untested bulbs or modify UV output

• Protective eyewear must be mandatory for every client

• Staff should be trained to identify skin types, review client history and recommend safe exposure times

• Warning labels must be visible and accurate

• Equipment should be serviced regularly to ensure safe operation

• High pressure beds must be handled carefully since excessive use can cause burns or skin irritation

Even when using high quality equipment, business owners must emphasize safety, client education and proper procedures at all times.

• Small salons or limited space
  Stand up booths are the most space efficient, easy to clean and great for fast sessions.

• Premium spas or comfort focused salons
  Laying down beds with enhanced comfort features creates a luxurious experience.

• Clients who want quick deep tans
  High pressure beds are suitable if you have trained staff and strict exposure rules.

• Varied client base
  Combination beds allow you to adjust intensity and tanning style for each person.

• Commercial operations
  Always choose commercial grade beds that can handle frequent daily usage.

While it is important for tanning business owners to consider all the above specifications, it is also crucial to stay compliant with the business and file tanning tax appropriately. The IRS insists on filing the tanning excise tax correctly, and non-compliance can lead to penalties and other issues. As a business owner, it's essential to understand the regulatory aspects and ensure that your tax filings are accurate and timely.

Refer to the IRS instructions for tanning excise tax requirements to stay compliant, while also keeping up with industry trends and innovations to maintain a competitive edge and grow your customer base.

Conclusion

Choosing the best tanning bed for your business in 2026 means understanding your client base, service model and available space. By selecting the right combination of lamp technology, comfort features, safety systems and commercial durability, salon owners and gyms can deliver excellent tanning experiences while increasing revenue and customer satisfaction.

Still filing your tanning tax on paper? The IRS no longer prefers paper Form 720 submissions. File your tanning tax online in minutes with the Simple720 FET Portal.