Acrylic bathtub - the main pros and cons

The bath is one of the most important plumbing fixtures, without which the life of a modern person cannot do. But, in addition to this, it is considered the most expensive sanitary ware product. Many people are ready to give a lot of money for it, because in it you can not only wash, but also relax, lie down after a hard day.

When choosing a bath, people are based on its cost, as well as on size and color, shape, and, finally, the brand. As for the material from which it is made, steel models, cast-iron and acrylic, are distinguished. You can also find marble and glass, and the most rare species is a wooden bathtub.

To date, the most popular option is considered an acrylic bathroom. But opinions on this model differ. Therefore, in order to draw independent conclusions, it is worth familiarizing yourself with all its pros and cons.

Acrylic Bath Manufacturing Technologies

Polymethylmethacrylate is the material from which the well-known acrylic bathtub models are made. They also make shower trays and wash basins. And all this because this material is lightweight, but at the same time, quite durable.

The main advantage of acrylic is that it holds the temperature perfectly, which is important for the bathroom. And due to the fact that this type of material is distinguished by its ductility, it is possible to make the most different products in shape and size from it.

It is important to note that the bath is covered with acrylic only on a layer of 1 mm. And the product itself consists of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which is actually plastic. Therefore, the question regarding the strength of this product is quite controversial.

A variety of molten bathtubs are mounted on a metal frame, strengthened with polyester resins and particleboard. And for any acrylic product, the buyer receives a quality certificate. Cast bath, which is made with high quality, can be used for 20 years. But extruded models are better to install in cottages or country houses - in general, where they are not often used.

Note! Acrylic bathtubs are quite moody when it comes to caring for them. To keep them as beautiful for a long time, it is worth using soft household chemicals, and in no case abrasive.

To choose the necessary cleaning agent, you should read the product label. It should be marked on what can be used to care for acrylic surfaces. But, if cracks and scratches suddenly appeared on the bathroom, they can be eliminated with liquid acrylic. Of course, it’s better not to do this on your own, but to consult a specialist.

Advantages of Acrylic Plumbing

All types of bathtubs have their advantages and disadvantages, and acrylic models are no exception. Therefore, the main advantages and disadvantages will be presented below. Their advantages include:

1. Easy to install. Other models of bathtubs are installed on special legs, and this option is mounted on a specially made frame. And when buying a bath, it usually comes complete.
2. Light weight. This is another reason why installing an acrylic bath is not difficult. The weight of this option is not more than 30 kg, therefore, to mount it, you do not need to resort to outside help.
3. A wide variety of models. The material from which acrylic bathtubs are made is the most plastic of all possible.Therefore, using it you can embody even the most intricate ideas, give the product a very different form.
4. Easy to care. Despite the fact that it is necessary to purchase special detergents for an acrylic bath, further care for it will not be difficult for its owner.
5. Long-term retention of water temperature. For those who like to soak for a long time in the bathroom, this advantage is important.
6. Special coating that prevents slipping. Thanks to him, you can not be afraid that you can fall and get injured.
7. Hygiene The hygiene of this option makes it possible to prevent fungus and other bacteria that like to breed on the surface of the bathtubs.
8. Additional items and settings. If the owner wants, then in this model you can install massage and other nozzles that will make bathing a more enjoyable task.

Disadvantages of Acrylic Bath

Well, now it's worth talking about the cons. One of the significant drawbacks of this model is considered to be low strength and instability to surface damage. To prevent scratching the bath, it is worth using special rugs. This is especially true for those who have pets, which are periodically bathed in the bath. Well, as for the price, which is sometimes considered overpriced, it is quite adequate, given the technology of its manufacture.

When buying a bath, you should think carefully and compare all the pros and cons of not only the acrylic model, but also other options. Because sometimes it would be wiser to choose an inexpensive cast-iron bath than to buy acrylic.

What are acrylic models

If we talk about metal, cast-iron options, then their shape is quite simple and monotonous, which can not be said about the acrylic model. As already noted, the material used in the production is quite plastic, and therefore it is used in the manufacture of the most unusual design models. Therefore, this bathroom is good in that it can fit into absolutely any interior. Everyone who has opted for an acrylic model can choose the most suitable option that will satisfy both the functional and aesthetic needs of the owner. Also, this model goes well with other materials.

Acrylic bathtubs can have the most diverse shape, size and color, but the most common options, if we talk about their shape, are as follows.

Rectangular
The most common option, which is suitable for almost all rooms, except for very small ones. Despite the fact that this model is not original, it looks pretty pretty. And most importantly, it is convenient to use.

Oval
This option can also fit into any interior of the bathroom, because it goes well with other objects and shapes. But not everyone prefers this option, because this and the previous model are quite typical, and do not differ in their originality.

Asymmetric
The asymmetric version of the bath makes the bathroom more comfortable and modern. And any design with it acquires a more interesting color, is being transformed. But such a model is sometimes quite difficult to install in a small room.

Corner
This option is suitable even for small bathrooms, because it is more compact compared to standard rectangular bathtubs. This model competes in popularity with asymmetric. But for ease of use, this option is superior to the previous one.

The corner bath has the only drawback that is to take care of it. Due to the fact that it is quite wide, it is quite difficult to get to its corner and therefore you have to climb inside it.

Round
This option is less common because you can’t put it in a small room.But the round acrylic bathtub looks very beautiful, and it is quite pleasant to spend time in it. But also, like the previous version, it is difficult to wash, because it has a large diameter.

Comparison of bath materials

In order to choose the perfect option for yourself, it is worth comparing the pros and cons of all the materials from which the bathtubs are made. The most common options are cast iron and steel. It was these baths that used to be in apartments built back in the Soviet Union. Therefore, for many, these models seem to be a relic of the past, and acrylic bathtubs will seem modern and unusual. But will the acrylic model meet the expectations of the owners? It’s worth sorting out.

The cast-iron bathtub is quite durable, and at the same time it perfectly holds the temperature of the water, does not lose its appearance even after ten years of use. But its mass is quite large, and it is difficult to make any models from cast iron, except for the usual rectangular one. Of course, acrylic is not so strong and durable, but the consumer is given the opportunity to choose any form of bath. But it is impossible not to note the cost. If you give preference to the acrylic option, you can save up to 20 percent.

Models made of steel are inferior to cast iron in almost all respects. The only thing worth noting is that it becomes more ductile than cast iron, but still it does not have such a variety of shapes as acrylic bathtubs. But the steel bath is quite cheap, which can not be said about the two previous options.

It is also worth talking about kvarilnyh bathtubs. They are made of acrylic with quartz, and have all the advantages of these materials. But the cost of such models is quite high. The same can be said about acrylic-steel options, which also have all the advantages of steel and acrylic products.

Video: how to install an acrylic bath yourself