10 tips on how to choose an acrylic bathtub: sizes, thickness, manufacturers

No. 1. Acrylic baths: advantages and disadvantages

We'll talk about production technology a little later. First, let's find out the main advantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• light weight and easy to transport;
• a huge variety of shapes and sizes . Traditional rectangular and oval, round and corner, with lighting or hydromassage – acrylic bathtubs are available in a wide range, so you can choose the right product for a bathroom of any size. Moreover, at the production stage, the acrylic mass can be painted in the desired shade - we get a crazy assortment;
• acrylic retains heat , so the water in such a bathtub will cool slower than in cast iron or steel, by about 10C per 30 minutes;
• good sound insulation properties . If you were annoyed by the noise of water filling a steel bathtub, now your nervous system can rest - acrylic dampens noise well;
• smooth, pleasant surface that is easy to clean;
• excellent antibacterial properties. Mold will not appear on such a bathtub;
• sufficient strength, ease of restoration.

  

Now about the disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs :

• the cost is slightly higher than for cast iron and steel bathtubs;
• acrylic is inferior in strength to cast iron, so when installing it, you can’t do it with legs alone - you need a frame that will additionally support the bathtub and take on the load from the water and the bathing person;
• falling heavy objects can damage the surface of the bathtub;
• It is not recommended to use abrasive detergents - scratches may remain on the bathtub;
• Acrylic is not very resistant to high heat. We are talking about a temperature of +1600C, but under normal operating conditions this drawback will not manifest itself.

  

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The durability of an acrylic bathtub depends on many factors. A high-quality, albeit not the most expensive, sample can withstand active use for 10-12 years, and with proper care - even more.

It is difficult to say which bathtub is better, acrylic or cast iron, since much depends on the budget and the requirements put forward. If you don’t need sophisticated forms, and the budget for purchasing plumbing fixtures is small, then you can opt for the cast-iron option, but today such bathtubs are still being massively replaced by more modern acrylic ones.

Comparison of acrylic with other materials

To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic, you need to compare it with other materials. Traditionally, cast iron and steel are used to make bathtubs. In non-standard designs, more expensive bases can be used: copper, bronze, wood, artificial and natural stones.

With cast iron

Cast iron bathtubs are heavy and durable. Heat is retained inside the bowl not due to the low thermal conductivity of the metal, but due to the thicker walls and high heat capacity. The weight of the bath reaches 100-120 kg.

The service life of an acrylic bowl is 4-5 times less than that of a cast iron bowl. However, ease of installation, light weight, additional equipment and low price compensate for this disadvantage.

The plastic surface is more sensitive to aggressive chemicals, but does not rust.

With steel

Despite the same density of both alloys, steel products are inferior in weight to cast iron. A standard rectangular bathtub 1.7 m long weighs 30-40 kg, depending on the thickness of the walls.

The metal surface is covered with enamel, which prevents corrosion. When the protective layer is damaged, moisture, fungi and bacteria penetrate into the defect. This causes mold and rust to develop. If the scratch is large, then gradually the enamel around it peels off from the metal.

An acrylic bowl is thicker than a steel bowl, but weighs 2-3 times less. Thin metal does not absorb sound, quickly releases heat and is cold to the touch.

Other options

Plumbing fixtures made from other materials are more expensive, more difficult to maintain and rarely have additional options. The cost of a high-quality wooden bathtub starts from 1 thousand euros, and copper and bronze ones - from 10 thousand.

The advantages of metal and stone bowls are durability, special texture and resistance to high temperatures.

No. 2. Technology and material for making an acrylic bathtub

The technology for producing acrylic bathtubs is quite simple. The acrylic sheet is heated to a temperature when the material acquires good ductility and fluidity. Then it is placed under a press, which forms the shape of the bathtub. The reverse side of the bath is reinforced with a composite; polyester resins with fiberglass, or polyurethane, are often used. After this, all the necessary holes are drilled.

Acrylic bathtubs today refer to two different types of products , which are made from different materials:

• bathtubs made of cast acrylic are the best option. Such products are created on the basis polymethyl methacrylate. The compound is poured into sealed molds and undergoes polymerization in steam ovens. Such bathtubs are very strong, wear-resistant and durable, lasting at least 10-12 years. Additionally, the acrylic bowl receives a reinforcing base;

  

• co-extruded acrylic bathtubs, or two-layer plastic, ABS/PMMA. ABS is acrylonetrile butadiene styrene, an elastic plastic that forms the base of the bathtub and makes up about 90% of its mass. PMMA is the already familiar polymethyl methacrylate, also known as acrylic, of which there is only 5-10%. Such baths also receive a reinforcing base. They are produced by simultaneous extrusion and combination of melts of two substances. ABS plastic has a porous structure, so it can absorb moisture to a small extent. If such a bathtub is used frequently, the base will quickly collapse. The thin acrylic layer also wears off quickly, so the durability of such bathtubs is low.

  

At first glance, it is obvious which bath is better to choose. Of course, the one made from cast acrylic, even if it costs more. This is true in cases where you select plumbing fixtures for an apartment or house where you live permanently. For a country house with seasonal living, you can safely take a bathtub made of ABS/PMMA - the savings will be noticeable, and wear and tear under variable loads will not be catastrophic.

Conscientious manufacturers and sellers will always honestly say what material a particular bathtub is made of. But what to do if doubts creep in and you want to make sure that you are not being deceived? Everything is simple - just count how many layers the bathtub is made of , and to do this, look at the edge on the side. A bathtub made of cast acrylic will have only two layers: acrylic and a reinforcing base. A cheaper option made from co-extruded acrylic is distinguished by the presence of three layers: acrylic, plastic and base.

What material is of the highest quality?

Acrylic bathtubs are composite models with a highly layered or monolithic structure. The structures are made of polymer - extruded or cast acrylic.

There are two ways to make acrylic bathtubs. A budget option are models made of elastic plastic and homogeneous plexiglass, used to create an acrylic layer that wears out and wears out in about 4 years. More expensive and durable are bathtubs made of pure polymethyl methacrylate, which have a service life of 10 to 12 years.

No. 3. How thick should an acrylic bathtub be?

We will not surprise anyone if we say that the thickness of an acrylic bathtub and its durability are directly proportional . You can evaluate the thickness of a particular sample right in the store by looking at the end of the bathtub rim. Thickness ranges from 2 to 6.5 mm:

• products with a thickness of 2-3 mm are the cheapest, but are durable for 3-4 years;
• bathtubs with a thickness of about 4 mm under constant loads can last about 7 years;
• bathtubs with a thickness of 5-6.5 mm are long-lived and can last 10-12 years.

Sometimes you can find samples about 8 mm thick . They are expensive, and it is not easy to give them complex shapes. However, it often turns out that it is not acrylic at all, but several layers of plastic.

Rating of the best baths

Ravak (Czech Republic)

Czech-made bathtubs are distinguished by their affordable prices and the highest quality of workmanship. The production uses exclusively the injection molding method, but using two different technologies. Baths made of PMMA (acrylate) are manufactured in the traditional way and reinforced with fiberglass, which provides the finished products with the necessary rigidity, but does not greatly increase the cost of products.

Acrylic bathtub Ravak Rosa

The PU Plus technology, developed by the company, is a reinforcement of the workpiece with polyurethane, which is applied on the outside in three layers. Such reinforcement makes the bathtubs not only stiffer and stronger, but also increases their heat capacity. Models made using this technology are ideal for installing hydromassage systems. The disadvantages include their weight (20% heavier than conventional bathtubs) and higher price.

Ravak Avocado

Ravak bathtubs have very comfortable shapes and attractive designs. The range includes all types of models by design and size - from compact sitz baths to the most spacious XXL category. The equipment is selected according to the buyer’s wishes: it can be chromotherapy, underwater lighting, a disinfection system and other functions. The warranty period for the bath itself is 10 years, for the hydromassage system - 2 years, the warranty for additional equipment is from 2 to 56 years, depending on the type.

RIHO (Czech Republic, Netherlands)

Bathtub RIHO

The RIHO company has a very high reputation in European countries, and in Russia its products are in great demand. Bathtubs are made by casting from high-quality acrylic made in England. Sheets with a thickness of 6 mm are used for the manufacture of models with a capacity of up to 300 liters, sheets of 8 mm are used for large bathtubs. The reinforcing layer is fiberglass with polyester resin, the bottom of the containers is further reinforced.

NEO 150×150 semicircular corner acrylic bathtub (RIHO)

RIHO bathtubs have a simple design and a very comfortable ergonomic shape. All models have a non-slip surface, so they are absolutely safe to use. Small bathtubs hold their shape well and can be used even without a metal frame, which greatly simplifies installation. Models with hydromassage are equipped with devices for draining the system after using the bath. The warranty period is 10 years for the bathtubs themselves and 2 years for the hydromassage systems.

Acrylic bathtub LYRA RIHO

Roca (Spain)

Acrylic bathtubs of this brand are among the top three in quality and durability. They are made by injection molding and extrusion, and the raw material is high-quality French-made acrylic. The thickness of acrylic sheets is 4-5 mm, which is slightly less than that of Czech manufacturers, but in combination with three-layer reinforcement, the finished products are very reliable and durable. Each model is complemented by a prefabricated metal frame and a semi-automatic overflow system.

Spanish acrylic bathtub Roca

The range consists of several different series, differing in design and equipment of the models. There are corner, wall-mounted, free-standing, compact and large bathtubs, from economy to premium. A 10-year warranty is given for casting baths, 8 years for combined products, and 2 years for components.

Acrylic bathtub Roca Sureste-N

Kolpa San (Slovenia)

The widest range and optimal quality-price ratio are available for acrylic bathtubs from the Kolpa San brand. Technological innovations are constantly being introduced into production, thanks to which products become even more reliable. Bathtubs made of extruded acrylic are made using a unique partial heating technology, which ensures maximum uniformity of the material over the entire area of ​​the bowl. To strengthen the bottom part, a specially molded chipboard sheet is soldered into the acrylic, which eliminates the formation of air pockets.

Kolpa San acrylic bathtub Gloriana

Each model is equipped with a support frame and a drain-overflow system; the front panel and additional equipment are selected at the buyer’s request. The warranty period for the bathtub itself is 10 years, the overflow system is 1 year, and the hydromassage equipment is 3 years.

Acrylic bathtub Kolpa-San Amadis

Triton (Russia)

The products of this brand have been on the market for a long time, so consumers have had time to evaluate its quality. Bathtubs are made of extruded acrylic 5 mm thick. Glass fiber with polyester resins is used as a reinforcing layer. Bathtubs are produced using European technologies using equipment from the USA, which means they fully comply with all international standards.

Baths Triton

All models are equipped with a prefabricated frame made of rolled steel with zinc coating. At the buyer's request, bathtubs are complemented with remote or built-in faucets, control panels, semi-automatic overflow system, and polyurethane headrests. The components have a warranty period of 2 years, bathtubs - 10 years.

Acrylic bathtub Triton Victoria

1Marka (Russia)

Bath 1 Marka

Practical, comfortable bathtubs at an affordable price. All products are made by injection molding from acrylic with a thickness of 4-6 mm. The models are distinguished by an ergonomic shape, have an improved steel frame with a polymer coating and galvanized studs. A reliable and simple spring mechanism has been developed for the removable side panels, thanks to which installation is very quick. The sides of the bowl are reinforced with embedded parts made of composite materials; wall-mounted models have additional fasteners.

Acrylic bathtub 1Marka Modern

The company produces a wide range of acrylic bathtubs to suit every taste and budget. Additional functions include a turbo mode for hydromassage, adjustment of the direction of the jets, a dry start protection system, chromotherapy and others. The warranty period for all models is 10 years, for hydromassage systems - 2 years.

Radomir (Russia)

The Radomir company was one of the first to start producing acrylic bathtubs in Russia and has already earned an excellent reputation for the quality of its products. Bathtubs are made exclusively by injection molding; the thickness of the acrylic layer is 5-7 mm. A distinctive feature is the versatility of the models: the basic version with standard functionality can be easily turned into a premium model by installing additional equipment: an air massage system, chromotherapy lamps, original contour lighting, and so on.

Bath Radomir

Popular models of acrylic bathtubs

No. 4. Pay attention to the reinforcing layer

If acrylic bathtubs were made without a reinforcing layer, they would not withstand heavy loads. Many people are accustomed to evaluating different bathtub samples, so to speak, from above, looking at the snow-white acrylic and analyzing the dimensions. It also doesn’t hurt to look “under the body” and look at the reinforcing layer. There are few options for its implementation:

• a layer of polyurethane , which is dark in color, has sufficient strength, is environmentally friendly and odorless. This is ideal for a bath;
• layer of a mixture of ester resins and fiberglass inferior in strength and characterized by an unpleasant odor, which manifests itself when heated to high temperatures. This reinforcement has a rough surface and sharp edges, so during installation you must be especially careful not to get hurt.

  

The reinforcing layer should not be thin. This can again be assessed by the end of the side. However, some cunning sellers deliberately make the sides thicker, knowing that buyers who are knowledgeable and savvy in matters of choosing an acrylic bathtub will definitely look at the ends. The rest of the bath receives a thinner layer of reinforcing layer, so it doesn’t hurt to carry out additional experiments. You can lightly press the bottom of the bathtub and its walls with your hand: normally, the material should not sag.

For another check, you will need a flashlight or laser pointer. It is necessary to lean the switched-on flashlight against the bottom of the bowl and look from the back to see if the light penetrates. You can fold your palms and look into the hole formed between them to assess as accurately as possible whether some of the rays pass through the material. A sufficient layer of acrylic and reinforcement will not allow a drop of light to pass through. Remember that the thickness of the reinforcing layer must be uniform throughout the entire bathroom.

No. 5. What should be the surface of an acrylic bathtub?

The internal surface should be smooth, glossy and free of flaws in the form of scratches, bumps or roughness. All these defects are a sign of a fake or a product of not very high quality, which is unlikely to serve you faithfully for ten years.

Experts advise checking the quality of the surface by pressing your palm against the walls of the bathtub. The palm seems to stick a little to a perfectly smooth surface (a mirror is the best example), so with good acrylic there should be approximately the same effect.

No. 6. Acrylic bathtub size

In terms of size, it’s more difficult to give advice. Everyone, when deciding which acrylic bathtub to choose, must take into account the size of the bathroom and their own requirements for the comfort of water procedures. The main thing is that the product is comfortable for all family members.

You can focus on the following ergonomic tips:

• the side of the bath should be located at a height of 65-70 cm from the floor. Adults, teenagers, and children can easily get into such a bathtub;
• the depth of the bath (the distance from the bottom of the bowl to the overflow hole) should be 50-60 cm. If the bath is shallower, the water may not cover the entire body; if it is deeper, you will have to hold your head awkwardly so as not to choke;
• the width sufficient for one person of average build is 75-80 cm, but there are a lot of wider products on sale;
• length usually ranges from 120 to 180 cm and can be even longer. The choice depends on the height of the family members and the available space in the bathroom. A bathtub 120 cm long is very inconvenient; in a bathtub 150 cm long, the knees of tall people will be bent, and a product 165-170 cm long with a headrest is perfect for people with a height of up to 180 cm.

On sale you can find simply gigantic bathtubs that can accommodate 2 or even 3 people at the same time. Such luxury costs a lot of money, and it cannot fit in every home.

Is it worth buying?

If ease of installation, durability of the plumbing fixture and low price are important to the consumer, he should purchase a steel bathtub. A wide selection of design solutions and low cost of manufacturing materials allow you to quickly replace a boring hot tub with a new one.

In terms of ergonomics, modern steel bathtubs are in no way inferior to bathtubs made of other materials.

Many consumers believe that steel bowls have long become obsolete, and they are bought only by those who do not have the money for something better.

But in vain, now manufacturers produce very high-quality models, and if at least one condition from the list below is met, a steel hot tub will be quite expensive:

• has a color other than white;
• size larger than standard;
• the shape is different from rectangular and takes into account the anatomy of the human body;
• the design is equipped with additional elements, for example, headrests or lighting.

The key factors that push a person to choose to purchase a steel bathtub may be:

• number of storeys in the house - no need to pay movers for lifting to the apartment;
• satisfaction of aesthetic tastes - a specific bathtub model is made only from steel;
• ease of installation - the owner does not incur additional costs for calling a plumber.

No. 7. Shape and color of acrylic bathtub

Unlike cast iron, acrylic allows you to create bathtubs of almost any shape. The most common baths are:

• rectangular is a classic that will be appropriate in almost any bathroom. Such products are quite convenient, but many may accuse them of being simple;
• oval bathtubs – also a fairly common option, it looks more interesting than rectangular bathtubs, in terms of convenience and compactness they are on par;

  

• round bathtubs look very impressive, they have decent dimensions, but there will be enough space for swimming. Such products will decorate the bathroom, but will be appropriate only in fairly large rooms;
• Corner baths allow you to use every square centimeter of the room to your advantage. In addition, they look very good, but due to the increased width in the corner area, some problems may arise during washing;
• asymmetrical bathtubs complex shapes will make the interior unique and emphasize your own taste. A special chic is a bathtub with a transparent glass insert. The main problem with asymmetrical bathtubs is the difficulty in finishing after installation, so when purchasing, it is better to immediately take a special panel that will act as a screen.

  

The choice of the shape of an acrylic bathtub entirely depends on the area of ​​the room and everyone’s personal preferences . To some extent, the shape is also influenced by the chosen interior style.

As for the shade , glossy snow-white is a universal, win-win option. If you want to move away from this standard and choose a colored bathtub, then think carefully about how harmoniously the bowl will combine with other plumbing fixtures and the interior. Bathtubs in bluish and turquoise tones look good, giving the water a marine tint, but you need to be very careful with all the color options. The rule “measure seven times, cut once” applies here.

No. 3. Types of steel baths

Usually, when they talk about steel bathtubs, they mean enameled samples, but if we consider the topic in detail, it should be noted that there are two types of steel bathtubs:

• made of structural steel with enamel coating;
• made of stainless steel.

Structural steel , coated with a thick layer of durable enamel, is a classic in the world of plumbing. Such products are affordable, perform well in use, and are easy to maintain. The enamel is so durable that it doesn’t care about everyday stress. Of course, over time, cracks and chips may form on it, but with proper care this will not happen soon, and the enamel coating can be restored quite simply.

Stainless steel bathtubs are still a curiosity. They look great and quite unusual, they will decorate a modern-style bathroom, but they cost a lot. Another disadvantage is limescale deposits, which can quickly ruin the appearance of such a bathtub. Be prepared to wipe the walls with a dry cloth each time.

No. 8. Metal frame for acrylic bathtub

The bathtub, made of cast acrylic, is able to retain its shape when filled with water. A bathtub made of ABS plastic with an acrylic coating may be slightly deformed under water load. In any case, the bathtub bowl requires reinforcement with a special welded or prefabricated metal frame. After installation, the frame is hidden behind decorative overlays or tiles. Typically, manufacturers complete bathtubs with suitable screens so that everything looks harmonious, and conscientious companies make screens from the same acrylic as the bathtub itself. Some companies, trying to save money, make the screen out of plastic, and then the surface of the bowl and the lining can vary quite significantly.

The cheapest option is a welded or prefabricated structure that covers only the bottom of the bath and takes on the vertical water pressure. A more reliable and expensive frame also has side elements that will support the walls of the bathtub.

No. 9. Additional functions of an acrylic bathtub

The main advantage of acrylic bathtubs is the ability to equip them with a lot of additional functions and turn an ordinary bathroom into a kind of spa. Typically, the following options may be present as additional features:

• jacuzzi. Everyone is accustomed to calling acrylic hydromassage bathtubs jacuzzi after the name of the Italian Jacuzzi, who is the author of this idea. The operating principle of such a bath is as follows. A special motor takes some of the water from the filled bath and returns it to the bowl through special nozzles that mix water with air. An aerated stream of water, supplied under pressure, creates a massage effect, relaxes and tones muscles, and allows a person to relax. When choosing an acrylic bathtub with hydromassage, pay attention to the quality of the nozzles - ideally they should be metal, not plastic. Also pay attention to the nature of their placement. It is advisable that the pump does not make much noise during operation. Naturally, the water pressure from the nozzles must be regulated;

  

• chromotherapy often combined with hydromassage, but can be used separately. This is achieved through blue LED lighting with prismatic reflectors built into the side walls of the bathroom. In theory, this effect on the skin stimulates blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of future chromotherapy procedures by looking at a bathtub. It all depends on the power of the backlight and its focusing;

  

• There are bathtubs that can be built into a smart home system via Wi-Fi, but for many these capabilities still seem like an unnecessary extravagance, and there is some truth in this.

If your goal is to buy an acrylic bathtub with hydromassage, then preference should be given only to large, trusted manufacturers, since we are talking about a rather complex system.

Product selection

A steel bathtub is quite cheap, but despite this, a high-quality product from a trusted manufacturer can withstand up to 25 years of intensive use. To minimize the negative qualities of the model, when purchasing, pay attention to the following factors:

1. Product weight. A good steel bowl cannot weigh less than 13-15 kg, no matter what size it is. When examining the model you like, try to move it: if you were able to lift the container with one hand, then most likely the wall thickness is less than the recommended 3-4 mm.

   
   Choose your steel bathtub carefully

2. Appearance of enamel. The enamel coating on the surface of a steel bathtub must be smooth, uniform, without sagging or drips. Inspect the enamel especially carefully if you purchase a model with a self-cleaning function.
3. Appearance of the walls. The walls of a high-quality steel bathtub are smooth and even, because it is produced by molding, and not by casting, like cast iron.

Please note that it is recommended to buy plumbing products made of steel, equipped with a certificate of quality conformity and a manufacturer’s guarantee.