Acrylic bathtubs: pros and cons, types, sizes and choices

Acrylic bathtub is in demand in the sanitary ware market. Its popularity is due to its good technical characteristics and performance. Fonts of various shapes, colors and sizes are made from acrylic. If you are planning to replace an old bathtub with a new acrylic one, you should know in advance about the advantages and disadvantages of such a sanitary product, its varieties, and study other useful information.

Acrylic is a type of plastic. This is a polymer that, when melted, takes the desired shape, is easily colored at the production stage, and is reinforced to give the structure additional strength. The bathtub can be made of two materials:

• ABS / PMMA - two-layer plastic obtained by combining two melts;
• polymethyl acrylate - "pure" acrylic glass.

Plumbing products made of double-layer plastic are considered unreliable because they have a short lifespan (mostly 5 years). Cast acrylic bathtubs are of better quality and more durable.

The technology of making hot tubs from "pure" acrylic includes several stages:

• molding - the acrylic sheet undergoes heat treatment, and after softening it takes the required shape due to the use of vacuum equipment;
• structural reinforcement - a composite layer is applied to the acrylic "blank" (polyester resins and fiberglass are used for its manufacture);
• pruning - excess material is removed;
• drilling drain holes water;
• assembly - installation of the structure on the power frame;
• polishing.

This production process is expensive and labor-intensive. It is faster and more profitable to make bathtubs from a two-layer material, therefore such products are much cheaper than analogs made of cast material.

The acrylic bathtub combines lightness, stylish design and durability. The weight of standard products is within 30 kg, which makes them easy to transport, move and install. 1 person can install a new container. Acrylic bathtubs are lighter than their counterparts made of steel and cast iron.

In addition, they have a number of other "significant" advantages.

1. Strength. Injection molded plumbing products are capable of withstanding impacts, small falls and other loads.
2. Excellent heat capacity indicators. The water drawn into the bowl will keep the temperature for a long time. This will especially appeal to those who like to soak up the bath and relax after the day.
3. Good sound insulation compared to cast iron and steel bathtubs. The polymer material helps to absorb various noise, due to which pouring water into the container will not be accompanied by a loud sound.
4. Maintainability. If the acrylic surface is scratched or cracked, it is fixable. In this case, it is necessary to polish the problem area with the help of special compounds. Cast iron and steel products can also be refurbished, but their repairs will be longer and more costly.
5. Variety of colors and shapes. Due to the pliability of the material, acrylic is very popular with many designers. This polymer can be used to make bathtubs of any configuration and shape - from the simple to the most intricate. In this regard, acrylic has "gone" much further than cast iron, since cast-iron models can only be rectangular or oval. The assortment of colors is also rich - acrylic can be painted at the production stage in any color. In this case, you can not be afraid that over time, the tones will fade or fade. Throughout the entire period of operation, they will retain their brightness and juiciness.
6. Comfort during hygiene procedures. The surface of the bathtubs is perfectly smooth and even, but at the same time it does not slip. Touching the heated acrylic gives a comfortable tactile sensation.
7. High levels of hygiene. In the manufacture of the polymer, antibacterial substances are added to the composition, due to which yeast and other pathogens will not develop on the surface of the plumbing.
8. Long-term preservation of external presentability. Unlike steel and cast iron baths, various types of contaminants do not eat into acrylic micropores. It is because of this that, over time, a plaque appears on the bathing container, which does not lend itself well to detergents. Acrylic plumbing is not a problem.
9. Unpretentious care. You can use a sponge and laundry soap to keep the font clean. For care, it is not necessary to buy expensive detergents.

There are also disadvantages to acrylic bathtubs, but in comparison with the advantages, they are few. For example, the price of acrylic plumbing is considered a minus. We do not take into account low-quality products made of technical polymer here. The cost of high-quality acrylic bathtubs is higher than for analogs made of cast iron or steel.

Another disadvantage is "Fear" of acrylic high temperatures... For example, when too hot water is collected in a bowl, the surface can easily deform.

Another disadvantage of acrylic fonts is their sensitivity to cleaning compounds with abrasives and alcohol-containing products. It is unacceptable to wash the bathtub with anything that comes to hand.From unsuitable compositions or rough sponges, the surface may lose its external presentability, which will require premature restoration of the product.

A significant disadvantage is also the mechanical instability of thin-walled models. Under the influence of heavy weight, the bottom of such a bath will "play", which can cause discomfort to the bather. To eliminate this disadvantage, you will have to strengthen the frame additionally. And this is an additional investment of time and money, especially if the work is performed by a hired specialist.

There are several varieties of acrylic bathtubs. In addition to shape and size, products are classified depending on the method of installation.

• Wall mounted. Such models have one (or more) flat side, designed to be installed close to one of the wall surfaces. Wall-mounted fonts can have legs or be installed on a base.

• Freestanding... These types of baths are often installed in the center of the room or in such a way that they can be accessed from any of the 4 sides. Freestanding models are equipped with exclusive feet. Solutions "on the paws" look original and stylish.

• Built-in. Such varieties include bathtubs that are installed in the floor or in a special structure - a podium. These plumbing products are suitable for spacious rooms. They are often chosen for furnishing bathrooms in country houses, cottages or luxury apartments.

Acrylic bathtubs are single, double and even triple... These models differ in size from each other. Single is designed for one bather, double - for 2, triple - for 3.

There are also sedentary solutions. Such options are most often used for medical manipulations, and they are also preferred in families with small children, the elderly or people with disabilities. The main feature of the seated font is its small size and elongated shape. They are equipped with a sealed door and seat and are in the shape of a square, circle or triangle.

Bathtubs of various shapes and configurations can be equipped with metal handles. Basically, such solutions are chosen in families with children or the elderly. They are often chosen by people with excess body weight, since it is more difficult for them to get out of the bath, relying only on the slippery edges of the plumbing. In this case, it is much more convenient to grasp the grooved handles.

Acrylic bathtubs can combine many additional functions, since most modern models are not just fonts connected to the plumbing and sewerage system.

The dimensions of the bathroom are an important indicator that you should pay attention to when buying a bathing container. The optimal height of the product from the floor is 60-65 cm (such models are comfortable for use by both children and adults). The depth of standard plumbing is 60 cm, but deeper bowls are also available. Most single bath tubs are no more than 80 cm wide, however, there are solutions on the market with high values.

Due to the huge variety of shapes, acrylic bathtubs come in all sorts of sizes. In stores you can find small-, medium- and large-sized solutions. Models are large and compact, narrow or wide. Traditional oval and rectangular containers have a width of 70 to 170 cm, and their length can vary from 120 to 195 cm. The length of the font should be selected based on the parameters of the room and the height of all family members.

Acrylic bathtubs can have a variety of shapes that will no longer surprise the modern buyer. Let's talk about the features of each.

• Rectangular. This is a traditional shape that can fit into any interior style. Such solutions are suitable for both small-sized premises and spacious ones. Due to their simple shapes, they will help to save useful space in the bathroom for placing furniture, household items and various plumbing fixtures.

• Oval. Combines smooth lines and streamlined shapes. Oval structures are most often placed in the center of the room on a floor surface or on a special podium. Thanks to the stylishness of such products, they can be used to create coziness in the bathroom and make it comfortable for hygiene procedures.

• Corner. Such structures are intended for installation in the right or left corner of the room. They allow you to competently organize the space of the room. Corner models are symmetrical and asymmetrical. Thanks to their unusual appearance, they allow you to stylishly decorate the bathroom and add zest to the interior.

• Round. Such a hot tub is a rarity on the sanitary ware market. Basically, these solutions are represented by double bowls with a wide range of options. Round containers, even small ones, take up a lot of space, so they are only suitable for large rooms. Bathing bowls in the shape of a circle look stylish and unusual, visually they represent a small home pool.

There are several other types of molds that have appeared on the market not so long ago. For example, square and semicircular. These are options for those who are used to surprising originality. Square and semicircular acrylic bathtubs are not suitable for standard bathrooms. These solutions are designed for spacious rooms in which the owners do not keep track of every meter spent.

Several companies make good acrylic bathtubs. Decent sanitary products are produced by Roca (production facilities are located in Spain and Russia), Ravak (Czech Republic), Villeroy & Boch (Germany), Oxame (France), BelBagno (Italy together with China). And also people leave mostly positive reviews on acrylic bathtubs Gemy (Chinese sanitary ware), Bach (Russian trade mark), Vidima (Bulgaria).

Here is a rating of companies whose products are in the greatest demand among consumers.

• Roca. It is a Spanish company that began operations in 1929. The largest plant with branches in Russia and the USA. The company offers the consumer the largest selection of acrylic bathtubs - the catalog contains more than 200 solutions from both "pure" acrylic and extrusion. On sale there are simple baths with traditional shapes, modern models with non-standard shapes, as well as variations with a set of additional options (jacuzzi, lighting, various types of massage). The manufacturer gives a guarantee for the material for at least 8 years, and for individual components - 2 years.

• Villeroy & Boch. German manufacturer of high quality sanitary ware. Baths from Germany are covered by a guarantee of up to 10 years. The products have good technical and operational qualities. They are reliable, strong and durable. The only drawback of such products is the high price.

• Ravak. It is a Czech brand that produces comfortable bathtubs with anatomically comfortable shapes. Ravak acrylic sanitary ware is resistant to cracks and scratches, the appearance of deformations. The equipment is easy to operate and reliable. The products are guaranteed for 10 years. To a minus, consumers consider the need to additionally purchase all components (including supporting elements), which imposes an additional cost on the purchase of a bath.

• BelBagno. The company is from Italy, the production facilities of which are located in China.Goods made in China have a lower cost than Italian goods. However, Chinese sanitary ware is not of the worst quality (all factories are equipped with the latest technology from Italy). BelBagno bathtubs are a combination of style, grace, convenience, reliability and durability. The disadvantages of products include their weak frame (for budget models), fakes and occasionally found defective goods.

Acrylic bathtubs are presented in a wide range of models. However, the larger the range of products, the more difficult it is to make a choice and purchase a worthwhile product. Do not think that an expensive product is always of high quality - the same rule applies to plumbing. When heading to the store for a bathroom, it is recommended to study the advice of experts.

Guided by certain rules, it will not be difficult to choose the best option for yourself.

1. Material... Which product to choose - high-quality cast acrylic or short-lived ABS / PMMA - everything will depend on the purpose for which the plumbing is bought and how often it will be used. For example, for a summer residence, you can choose a cheap multilayer bath. In these cases, the product will be used seasonally and will not be used intensively. For a house or apartment, it is better to give preference to models made of cast acrylic glass.
2. Acrylic layer thickness. The higher the value, the longer the plumbing will last. Reliable products should have a top coat thickness of at least 5-6 mm.
3. The state of the top layer. The surface of the bath must be perfectly flat and smooth. Pits, bumps, roughness and other defects are unacceptable. Their presence speaks of violations of the technology of production of plumbing and its low quality.
4. Dimensions. The bathtub must be suitable for the room. For small rooms, you should purchase compact plumbing, and for spacious bathrooms, any fonts are suitable.
5. Strength. Before buying, you need to press the bottom of the structure with your palm. If it bends, it is worth abandoning the purchase, since this is a thin-walled product or an ordinary plastic fake.
6. Availability of additional functions. If the bathtub is equipped with lighting or hydromassage systems, you should check their functionality. It is also necessary to consider in advance whether these options will be used in the future. If not, then there is no point in paying extra for them.
7. Design. The stylistic design of the bathtub must match the interior of the room.

It is worth paying attention to the manufacturer as well. There are many Chinese brand acrylic sanitary ware in stores. Such products often attract consumers with their price, but cost is their only advantage. Cheap acrylic baths of dubious production are unlikely to last long.

In order for an acrylic bathtub to retain its external perfection for as long as possible and to be as if it were just from a store, it needs to be properly looked after. Acrylic is easily damaged, which is why it is not recommended to bathe pets in the bathroom, which can scratch the surface with their claws.

To prevent scuffs and scratches on the surface, do not use powders, products with abrasive particles and brushes. The applied formulations should not contain alkalis, acids, ammonia and chlorine. These substances can damage the acrylic surface.

If there is a scratch on the bathtub, you can repair it yourself at home.To do this, you need to buy a repair kit (sold in plumbing stores), fill the scratch with liquid acrylic and leave to dry. After the mass has hardened, its excess is removed with sandpaper. Then the surface is treated with a liquid polishing compound.

Studying customer reviews is the best way to learn the truth about products. During operation, the owners reveal from their own experience the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic sanitary ware and share their impressions. According to consumers, acrylic baths:

• very light;
• perfectly retain the original water temperature;
• "Repel" grease and dirt;
• "Do not make noise" when collecting water;
• do not turn yellow or fade even after many years of operation.

In general, the owners of acrylic bathtubs are pleased with the purchase. Among the shortcomings, consumers identified the fragility of acrylic and its slight damage if care recommendations are not followed.

For more tips on choosing an acrylic bathtub, see the next video.