It is just for looks. If you like the shiny look of stainless steel, then buy it. If it is not that important to you, then consider other options instead, like a Cover Lifter, LED Lighting or Stereo. Personally, I really like the stainles steel and almost all of my floor models feature stainless. Probably about 80% of our spas sold, are ordered with stainless. It really is a nice look, especially with colors like Oyster Opal, White Pearl, Midnight Opal, Mystic Emerald and others. Don't forget the LED Lighting, to go with that stainless. Enjoy. Dave.