Acrylic bath: pros and cons, reviews, tips for choosing

Negative sides of steel baths

The disadvantages of steel baths are no less than the advantages, but most of them can be eliminated on their own, with improvised means:

1. Rapid cooling of water. Steel bowls do not hold heat well - this is one of the main drawbacks. But they heat up quickly, so to take a shower we do not have to put our feet on a cold surface.
2. Threat of tipping over. Having unsuccessfully placed in the bathroom and violating its stability, we risk falling with it.
3. gravity deformation. Under a massive person or object, the bath sags, which leads to cracking of the enamel.
4. Low sound absorption.The thin walls of the bathtub ring under the stream of water, so it will not work quietly to dial it.
5. Rust on chips. Cast iron oxidizes much less than steel. Therefore, bowls made of this metal in places where the enamel has broken off almost do not rust. Steel containers do not have such a dignity, which is why they become unusable much faster.

Fortunately, improving the performance of a bathtub is not difficult.

The first thing to do when installing the bowl is to take care of its secure fixation. The standard "legs" that come with the kit are usually not enough. You can build wide supports of red brick (silicate does not tolerate moisture well) - this is the best solution. In order not to damage the appearance of plumbing, all auxiliary structures and pipes are covered with a decorative screen.

Applying mounting foam to the back of the bowl solves two problems at once: additional sound and heat insulation appears. As a result, the water does not hit the walls so loudly and keeps the temperature longer. Instead of foam, you can use a technical cork or vibroisol - a bitumen-based material designed to protect cars from noise.

How to check the quality of a steel bath

If in the question which bath is better, preference was given to a bowl made of steel, it is very important not to make a mistake with the choice when buying. Then such plumbing will last a long time, making water procedures truly comfortable.

At the same time, the cost of the product will be much lower than that of the same acrylic, which does not always have an adequate price-quality ratio.

What to look for:

The wall thickness of the steel bath should be 2.5 - 3 mm.In the store, we will not determine this indicator by eye, but we can move the container to feel its weight. If the bath easily succumbed under our pressure, the manufacturer clearly saved on material by making the walls thinner than required by the standard.

Enamel defects are another sign of low-quality plumbing. Sagging or an excessively thin layer through which the base shines through, roughness, foreign inclusions and other flaws of this kind are unacceptable. If the enamel is not laid evenly, over time it will crack from uneven loading, making the bath unusable. The "correct" coating is smooth and pleasant to the touch, has a uniform color.

It is better to purchase plumbing from leading manufacturers - this is the most reliable guarantee. The German companies Kaldewei and Bette have proven themselves well, the same Roca and BLB from Portugal. Among domestic companies, the products of the Verkh-Isetsky Metallurgical Plant, which meet modern standards and are cheaper than foreign analogues, are trustworthy.

Stainless steel bathtubs

We are accustomed to metal hot tubs with enamel coating, but there are, although less common, stainless steel models. So which bath is best?

Stainless steel bowls are superior to enamel bowls in all respects except ... price. You can’t call such bathtubs budgetary in any way - they will cost much more. cast iron plumbing or acrylic.

But we get a highly environmentally friendly, durable and resistant to damage of any kind product with an original, unique design.

Tip: to get rid of traces of water, which are very noticeable on polished shiny metal, every time after bathing the bowl should be wiped with a piece of dry natural cloth.

Stainless steel sanitary ware is the perfect choice for a minimalist, high-tech or loft style bathroom.

Advantages and disadvantages of steel

Let's start with the advantages of steel structures. A lot of them.

pros

• High heat dissipation. Metal walls heat up very quickly. To heat the plumbing, just rinse it with hot water. True, the material cools down just as quickly, so it will not take long to lie down in water at a comfortable temperature.
• Little weight. Metal systems are, of course, heavier than polymer ones, but not by much. Models of similar size and shape weigh almost the same. This means that it is not difficult to transport and install them. Can be placed on fairly thin floors without reinforcement.
• Hygiene. The smooth finish does not retain dirt. In addition, it is insensitive to most harsh chemicals. But still, it is better not to abuse cleaning with coarse abrasives or preparations with acid.
• Durability. On average, plumbing lasts 15 years. With good care, this period increases.
• The price of metal systems is lower than that of cast acrylic or cast iron. Short-lived extrusion often wins in cost, but its quality is incomparably lower.

Minuses

• High heat dissipation, which contributes to rapid cooling.
• Bad soundproofing.
• Deformation of the product under the influence of water or human weight.

All of them are quite easy to level. So, installing supports with subsequent blowing of mounting foam removes all problems.

How to care for an acrylic bath

Such products are easy to clean, so those who decide to purchase an acrylic bath will not encounter problems. However, some rules must be followed.

First of all, you should use mild products (liquid or gel) to clean the baths. Such cleaners will easily rid the surface of the bath of dirt without damaging it. In no case should you use powder products or metal brushes; a soft sponge will be the best option.

You can not put a baby bath in an acrylic bath. According to the manufacturers, acrylic can withstand up to 600 kg, but it’s better not to risk it, because even if it withstands the load, it can be deformed or scratched. Shelves and other items hanging above the bath must be securely fastened, because if they fall, they can damage the product.

7 Where to order the installation and do I need options?

Experts do not recommend saving on installation. It is better to order it in a branded salon, from an authorized dealer or from a manufacturing company. You can be sure that the installation will be carried out by a specialist who is well acquainted with the products. He is guaranteed to know all its features.

Economy models do not have options. Well-known brands offer models with a built-in hydromassage system, chromotherapy water lighting, headrests, antibacterial coating. It's comfortable. All sorts of jets and lights turn the bath into a home spa.

Even a simple polyurethane headrest and a coating that repels germs and fungus increase comfort in use. But they will also significantly increase the price. Since acrylate, unlike cast iron and steel, can be easily molded into almost any shape, bowls often already have built-in ergonomic headrests, recesses for hands, shelves for gels and shampoos.It makes sense to use this advantage.

Bath shapes and sizes

Modern bathtubs are made from various materials, many of which allow you to give the product a wide variety of shapes. Therefore, it is not difficult to determine which types of baths will be best for a particular room. This factor allows not only to make the bathroom more aesthetically attractive, but also to rationally use the space, which is often very limited.

Rectangular or traditional bathtubs

Bathtubs of this form are produced from all possible materials. In addition to bathtubs of standard sizes 180×80 cm, there are models on the market with dimensions ranging from 120×70/75/80 cm, the so-called "sitting", to full-size 120/150/160/170/180×70-75/80.

Corner baths - assistants in optimizing space

Despite the apparent bulkiness and non-standard shape, it is the corner baths that help to use and organize the space of the bathroom more rationally, especially of a modest size.

But, when buying, you should definitely pay attention to the fact that they are:

• "right" and "left";
• symmetrical and asymmetric.

Corner symmetrical bath.

Corner asymmetrical bath.

They are mainly made of acrylic or steel, but on request they can also be made of artificial stone. There are also models made of artificial stone among them. Often they are equipped with hydromassage and other options. For bathrooms with sufficient space, it is very convenient to combine them with a shower cabin.

The size range of corner baths is quite wide and mainly depends on the symmetry of the shape, varying from:

• 120 × 120 cm to 180 × 180 cm - for symmetrical models;
• 120×60 cm to 190×170 cm - for asymmetric models.

Oval bathtubs - laconic style of forms

They are made from almost all basic materials for baths, they are distinguished by conciseness and softness of forms, which allows you to create an interior that is most conducive to relaxation and relaxation. Especially for this purpose, most models of this form are equipped with hydro or air massage. But in them, as a rule, there are no armrests and headrests, as well as special elements for sitting. The size range is diverse, but if we talk about standards, then they are in the range of 140 - 210 cm.

Round bath - striving for the ideal

This is an exclusive form of bath. Depending on the size, it can be double or even multi-seat. The round shape of the bath is the most convenient for the installation and operation of hydromassage nozzles, therefore, its main purpose is not hygiene procedures, but a relaxation device.

But, regardless of the size, which can be from 140 to 210 cm in diameter, its installation requires a room with sufficient area, suggesting the possibility of access from all sides. They are mainly made from acrylic, less often steel, but to create exclusive models, quartz, artificial or natural stone, etc. are used.

In general, considering different types of baths, their differences, advantages and disadvantages, the choice should be made based on the needs of family members and their preferences, while not forgetting that installing a bath is a responsible matter, since it will have to be used for at least several years. The elderly and children require special attention.

For the first, a sitz bath with a depth of 60 to 80 cm may turn out to be a comfortable option, and for the second, on the contrary, a shallow, but quite spacious model will be more convenient.

In order for the adoption of water and / or hygiene procedures in the bath to be as comfortable as possible, it must have sufficient dimensions for this, the main of which are length and depth (the minimum standard width of 70-80 cm is optimal for people with a standard complexion). In order to make the bath deeper, but not more bulky, manufacturers use, for example, the method of arranging more sloping sides.

Advantages and disadvantages or how to care for an acrylic bath

Before deciding on the advantages of acrylic bathtubs, you should know the main characteristics and properties of the material from which they are made. So, acrylic has:

• high strength;

• plasticity, due to which it is easy to manufacture products of the most diverse shapes;

• lightness, guaranteeing low weight;

• sufficient density, excluding the formation of a porous structure;

• inertness to biological pollution;

• resistance to most chemical compounds, so that the care of an acrylic bathtub is neither a problem nor a difficulty;

• low thermal conductivity;

• resistance to mechanical stress and scratches (but this item is relevant only for high-quality models);

• satisfactory noise-absorbing ability, due to which water is drawn into the bath quite quietly and does not create a characteristic noise effect.

Bath restoration with liquid acrylic

The main advantages of acrylic bathtubs

Therefore, the owners of acrylic baths are happy to note such positive aspects of using them:

• the ability to keep the temperature of the water for several hours, since its average decrease (depending on the air temperature) is about a degree per half hour;
• the ability to withstand without consequences for the surface, the fall of small solid objects;
• acrylic bathtubs are warm, therefore they do not cause temperature discomfort, which is characteristic when the body comes into contact with metal;
• the question of how to clean an acrylic bathtub at home is not difficult for their owners, since most products are suitable for this. The only limitation is the use of abrasives. Bathtubs are not able to absorb contaminants that are easily removed from the surface after it has been treated with a cleaning compound;
• on such a bath, rust stains and limescale deposits do not form;
• light weight allows you to install it even alone;
• a variety of shapes and sizes make it possible to choose the appropriate model for rooms with different sizes and interior styles.

Another operational advantage is the possibility of surface restoration, but it should be noted that this only applies to minor damage.

Cracks, especially through ones, cannot be repaired.

As a repair compound, you can use a special grout or, for more complex cases, liquid acrylic. But restoring a bathtub with liquid acrylic is a rather complicated process and should be trusted to specialists.

Acrylic bath care

Everyone has flaws

Acrylic baths are not without them, and among the most important thing, many note an objective fact - the high cost of products.

From operational it should be noted:

• temperature restrictions.Since the melting point of high-quality acrylic is only 160°C, therefore, high values ​​are taboo for it, on average it is 70°C. But considering that no one takes a bath with such values ​​​​of a water thermometer, this disadvantage can be neglected;
• despite the fairly durable surface, it can still be scratched, and in this case, the danger comes from pets. Therefore, before bathing, for example, a dog, you should lay a special rubber mat;
• a short service life, not exceeding 20 years, for many is a weighty argument to refuse to choose this type of bath. But in this case, the stereotype associated with the durability of cast iron products most often works. Although, given the hygienic purpose of the bath, a period of 10-20 years is quite optimal and economically justified.

Having installed an acrylic bathtub in your apartment, you should say goodbye to the practice common among a large number of the population, using it as a container for soaking laundry.

Under the influence of the coloring pigments of shedding things, it can change its color, but not evenly, but fragmentarily and, to get rid of this defect, it will not work out even with time.

In this situation, it is impossible to repair acrylic bathtubs at home or restore them. As a rule, they either change it, or, if the other performance characteristics are normal, they use it until its resource runs out.

Advantages

If you choose the right design, it will last 10-20 years. You can extend the life of your car with proper care.In this case, the shade will not fade or change, and scratches will not be noticeable on the surface. Any minor defects are eliminated by cleaning with fine-grained sandpaper.

Many people prefer non-traditional cast-iron bathtubs, and acrylic products, which is explained by the many advantages., namely:

ordinary household products are suitable for cleaning the bath;
acrylic bath is very light, so you can bring it into the apartment yourself

The weight of this design is on average 20-30 kg;
an important advantage is a large selection of colors and shapes, so you can find a bath that fits perfectly into the interior of the bathroom;
if you want to install the design of the original form, it can be made to order. Naturally, in this case, the price will be quite high;
acrylic is considered a "warm" material

Accordingly, it retains the temperature for a long time;
the surface of the acrylic bath is very smooth, which makes water procedures really comfortable;
no water noise will be heard during the filling of the bath.

Disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs

Along with the advantages described above, do not forget that acrylic is plastic and it has some disadvantages and features:

• the service life of such a product is much less than that of cast-iron bathtubs (10-20 years, while metal bathtubs serve from 50 years and more);
• low resistance to temperature changes. Acrylic products, especially of poor quality (made of thin plastic), are susceptible to deformation at high water temperatures;
• high risk of mechanical damage due to the fragility of the material. With a heavy load, the bathtub can sag and the bottom “walk” or crack.Therefore, obese people are not recommended to purchase such products from the economy segment. The better the product, the more weight it can withstand;
• high sensitivity to chemicals. Not all household chemicals for plumbing are suitable for cleaning acrylic surfaces, as some components of the composition can literally corrode the top layer. Also, abrasive powders should not be used, because they scratch the top layer;

Attention! To care for the surface, you need to use special chemicals or prepare solutions yourself based on acetic acid and lemon juice, which will not only clean the bath, but also disinfect it.

high material cost. This is not surprising, because acrylic is a hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly material that can be produced in any color, size and shape, unlike cast iron products. Therefore, the price of acrylic plumbing is much higher. Of course, you can find the entire price segment in the assortment, but if we talk about quality, then the better it is, the higher the cost.

All these shortcomings do not represent any catastrophe. If we compare them with the advantages, it becomes clear that with the right choice of a quality product, proper installation and proper care, the bathroom will be decorated with an original, shiny product of any color and size to the taste of the owner.

Given all the advantages and disadvantages of the product, when choosing, you need to pay attention to all the markings on it. Manufacturers indicate on the bath its strength, service life (with care and proper care), melting point and allowable water temperature, and weight load

In summing up, I would like to say that acrylic is a relatively young material, but has already gained immense popularity all over the world.

It is impossible not to take into account the variety of models, lightness, strength and ease of installation of the product. The main thing is to clean it in a timely manner and not bring the bath to cracks or scratches.

• Acrylic bath care
• How to choose a cast iron bath
• Bathroom in beige tones
• The use of wall paneling for finishing the bathroom

What are the advantages and disadvantages of steel baths?

If you have no desire to install a heavy cast iron bath or you do not trust a material such as acrylic, you should pay attention to steel products. Steel bathtubs are not very popular among the population, but we can say with confidence that in vain. Many people know only the disadvantages of this material, but the product has much more advantages.

Many people know only the disadvantages of this material, but the product has much more advantages.

Steel bathtubs are not very popular among the population, but we can say with confidence that in vain. Many people know only the disadvantages of this material, but the product has much more advantages.

1. The main advantage, without a doubt, is the cost of a steel bath. Their price is much lower than analogues made of cast iron and acrylic. For many, this factor is decisive when choosing a product.
2. Another indisputable advantage is strength and durability.
3. They don't peel off enamel. Since the enameling process takes place at a very high temperature. These bathtubs do not lose their original brilliance and whiteness even after several decades.
4. They are easy to transport and install due to the lightness of the product.
5. High level of wear resistance. Their surface is not subject to high temperature differences. They are also not sensitive to cleaning household chemicals. You do not have to think about how to clean your bath.
6. Wide range of products. The model range of this type of goods on store shelves is provided in a wide range.
7. If you need a model with extraordinary dimensions and dimensions, then you can find one among steel samples.

No one will argue with the statement that steel, like any other material, has disadvantages along with advantages.

1. If steel products have insufficiently thick walls, then the product will be subject to deformation. And this, in turn, will lead to damage to the enamel, its chips and cracks.
2. A material such as steel has a high thermal conductivity. This means that the water in such a bathroom will cool much faster than, for example, in cast iron or acrylic.
3. Lack of soundproofing. When a jet of water flows into a large metal bowl, it will be an excellent resonator. Not only households will be aware of your intentions to take water procedures, everyone living in neighboring apartments will also know about it.

As you have already noticed, this plumbing has much less minuses than pluses.

Pay attention to the following fact! The above disadvantages can be easily dealt with. The steel bath must be mounted in such a way that its outer surface is hidden behind a decorative panel. A layer of mounting foam applied on the outside of the plumbing unit will be an excellent sound insulator.

A layer of mounting foam applied on the outside of the plumbing unit will be an excellent sound insulator.

When choosing steel products, pay attention to the thickness of the walls. If the wall thickness is less than 3 mm, do not expect that such a device will last you a long time.

When buying, you need to take into account your preferences, as well as all the pros and cons of products. You need to purchase the product that suits you according to all the criteria, and not rely on advertising on TV.

Advantages of acrylic coating

Acrylic bathtubs surpass their competitors in popularity due to the following advantages:

• A wide variety of shapes and sizes of acrylic tanks allows you to assemble complex jacuzzi structures based on acrylic with different modes of water supply (hydromassage), lighting.
• It is easier to choose an acrylic bathtub for any interior, they are available in different colors, sizes and designs.
• Polymer acrylic has a low thermal conductivity compared to metals, the water in such a container cools more slowly.
• If the bathtub is damaged, it is easy to restore it by cleaning and polishing the deformed area; after long-term operation with the appearance of numerous scratches, the surface can be updated with polishing.
• Acrylic products are lightweight, easy to install with your own hands.
• Acrylic is a good dielectric, the bath does not conduct electricity and has a high degree of electrical safety compared to metal products.
• Acrylic prevents the formation of colonies of bacteria and the appearance of mold.
• It is easy to take care of a polymer bath with the help of common household chemicals, dirt is easily removed from a smooth polished surface.
• Acrylic does not form rust stains from the use of water with a high iron content, the material does not support the formation of limescale.
• Acrylic surface is less slippery than enameled metal - this increases safety when using it.
• The service life of acrylic reaches 20 years or more.
• The average cost of a simple acrylic bath without hydromassage is about $100, which is affordable for any consumer.

Design features of high-quality acrylic bowls

Disadvantages of acrylic

Acrylic is not resistant to high temperatures. Acrylic used in baths has a melting point of 160 degrees Celsius. Of course, she probably won’t experience this temperature during operation, but there are cases when a bathtub filled with hot water is deformed, which is more typical for economy class acrylic bathtubs. If a heavy object is dropped into such a bath, the surface may crack, or a pothole may form. Of course, this is not critical and maintainable, but the situation will definitely not cause joy. Plus, under the weight of a person’s weight, she can play, which creates minor discomfort.

For acrylic, you need to purchase special cleaning products. It cannot be cleaned with ordinary acid-containing detergents and abrasives! This will lead to the formation of scratches, and in the future to turbidity and discoloration. Care of a surface from acryle demands a minimum of aggressive chemicals and strong mechanical influences. The price-quality ratio of this product is quite debatable. A high-quality bath is quite expensive, and the service life does not exceed 20 years (subject to compliance with the rules of use and cleaning). Therefore, for an economy bathroom option, it would be more reasonable to look at analogues made of steel.