How to Put Together a Tanning Bed

In a perfect world, the sun would shine constantly and people would have the luxury of lying outside any time of year to obtain a golden tan. In reality, people don't have that much time and the sun isn't out that often. To look glamorous and dark, about 30 million people visit tanning salons annually. Some tanners even have devices installed in their homes. Even though most tanning beds come 95% assembled, the construction of a new bed can become a difficult task for owners of salons and homes. Certain construction steps can ease the process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bench
• Canopy
• Left arm
• Right arm
• Two bench legs
• Two gas shocks
• Two 5/16-inch-by-1 1/2-inch Allen bolts
• Two 5/16-inch-by 1 1/2-inch hex bolts
• Allen wrench
• Two steel rings
• Two nylon caps

1. Before assembling the bed, confirm all parts are accounted for. If parts are damaged or missing, contact the manufacturer or dealer immediately.

2. Lay the bench upside down and attach the legs using the Allen bolts and washers. After this, turn the bench right side up and place the bed so the power cord connection is aligned with the electrical socket in the wall. Attach the two arms to the bench with the two Allen bolts. Do not overtighten.

3. Lift the canopy over the bed and align the hex bolt holes from the arms and canopy. Place the hex bolt and washer through the holes. Tighten the bolts with the wrench and cover the bolts with the nylon caps.

4. Hold the gas shock with the barrel end up and snap the ball end socket on the top ball end of the canopy. Raise the canopy and click the ball end socket on the bottom ball end of the bench. Follow the previous instructions for the second gas shock. Do not lower the canopy until both gas shocks are in place.

5. Place the bulbs inside the top and bottom canopy. Once the bulbs are firmly in place, clean the acrylic covers with a cloth and place the covers over the lamps.

6. Connect the canopy bed to the bench power cord. Plug the three-prong 120-volt AC cord into the appropriate outlet. Do not convert the power cord to a standard two-prong cord or use an extension cord.

Tips & Warnings

• Proper assembly of the tanning bed requires two people. Ask a friend for help to avoid injury. Make sure the room is at least 8 by 8 by 8 feet and allow for proper ventilation. Place the tanning bed no closer than 12 inches from the wall. Unplug the tanning bed when it is not in use.
• Do not operate the tanning bed near water.

References

• How To Buy A Tanning Bed
• Tanning Bed Warning Labels