How to choose a bath? Recommendations for selection according to material, shape and size

We choose a bath. Cast iron bath

The production of cast iron bathtubs was mastered in the 19th century, and since then cast iron has been the leader in this field. Cast iron is a complex process, which is why there are not so many bathtub factories around the world. However, the products are still in high demand, so production volumes do not decrease - and this despite the emergence of alternatives to the cast iron bath.

Cast iron is a very reliable material, therefore, in a cast iron bath, special attention is paid not to it, but to enamel. The aesthetic appearance of the bath and its service life depend on the quality of the enamel and its application.

Leading manufacturers cover cast iron bathtubs with a layer of enamel with a thickness of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. The technologies used are different: both advanced and conservative (for example, in some industries, manual coating of bathtubs with enamel is practiced).

Enamel is applied in several layers, using first liquid and then powder enamel for fixing. Modern cast iron bath enamels can be both glossy and matte. In addition, colored enamels are also used. By the way, some manufacturers add silver ions to the composition of the enamel, which helps to purify the water collected in the bath. When deciding which bath to choose, you need to know about the pros and cons of each type of this plumbing equipment.

Cast iron baths: the pros

Cast iron bathtubs are very "quiet" as they are not subject to vibration and do not resonate when struck. The sound of running water is muffled.

Cast iron has a low thermal conductivity, so the bath itself is not too cold, and the water drawn into it cools slowly.

Cast iron bath with glossy enamel is easy to clean: the surface has no pores, so dirt does not accumulate. You can use almost any detergent, with the exception of those that contain acids.

Cast iron baths: disadvantages

Cast iron bathtubs are very massive and heavy, and this causes inconvenience during transportation and installation. However, when dismantling and removing the bath, difficulties also arise. It is worth noting that imported cast-iron bathtubs often weigh less than ours. Foreign manufacturers, in order to reduce the weight of the bath, reduce the thickness of the cast-iron walls. Baths do not get worse from this, but they do not lose too much weight either.

Enamel, no matter how good it is, is still vulnerable.If you drop something heavy into the bath, a piece of enamel may break off. Cast iron bath enamel restoration with your own hands at home is almost unrealistic. Time also leaves its mark on the enamel: it wears out, it can darken.

As already mentioned, cast iron casting is a complex process, which is why the forms of cast iron baths do not differ in particular variety. As a rule, these are traditional rectangular bathtubs. However, among the imported cast-iron bathtubs there are those that have alternative forms, but there are not as many of them as we would like.

Cast iron bathtubs are also available with hydromassage, but they are more difficult to install than, for example, acrylic whirlpool tubs. As for the cost of cast iron bathtubs, it is quite democratic and accessible to everyone. Simple models of cast iron baths can be purchased from 7-8 thousand rubles, complex models of imported bathtubs with additional functions and elements will cost an average of 15 thousand rubles.

Cast iron baths serve for a very, very long time, unless, of course, the enamel is handled carefully.

Jacob Delafon Adagio cast-iron bathtub for one person, without additional functions. The average price is 25 thousand rubles.

Comparison of acrylic and steel bath

Steel bathtubs are a good alternative for those who for some reason feel distrustful of modern acrylic and traditional cast iron bathtubs. They are made of ordinary steel, coated with enamel, or stainless steel.

Enamelled steel is much cheaper than stainless steel, so the second option is not in high demand, although it is a safe, environmentally friendly material that does not corrode.

When comparing which bath is better - acrylic or steel, consumer reviews vary.First you need to highlight the disadvantages and advantages of the bath from this material.

Advantages of a metal bath:

• Low cost
• Strength and durability, the term of which is up to 15 years.
• High resistance to temperature extremes, aggressive chemical cleaners.
• Variety of forms
• A light weight
• The smooth surface of the enamel does not allow bacteria to multiply.

Disadvantages of a steel bath:

• Small thickness of metal. Under heavy loads, the walls of the iron bath can be deformed, and cracks and chips can appear on the surface of the enamel.
• Poor thermal insulation, leading to the fact that hot water in such a bath cools quickly.
• Noisy when taking in water
• Because of their light weight, steel tubs are less stable.
• The smooth surface of the bath is slippery
• Steel bath must be grounded
• Possibility of flying

A reliable steel bathtub has a weight of 30 to 50 kg., bathtubs are less than 30 kg. and with low cost, as well as walls less than 3 mm. are a poor quality product.

Comparison with acrylic bath

Steel bathtub with legs

If we compare which bath is better - steel or acrylic, then a clear advantage of steel will be the low price and the resistance of its surface to scratching.

However, a metal bath can be deformed if its walls are too thin.

Thus, judging by the cost, a steel bath is better, but if it is possible to easily restore surface defects on its own, it is superior to acrylic.

An acrylic bathtub keeps heat inside for a long time, which is not typical for a steel bathtub.

Therefore, those who like to spend a long time in a hot bath should choose acrylic.Similar advice for those who prefer to choose a bath with various additional features, such as hydromassage.

In addition, a steel bath cannot compete with an acrylic bath in terms of its noise when collecting water, but if desired, if some efforts are made to soundproof a metal bath from its outside, this disadvantage can be partially eliminated.

In terms of coating durability, a steel bath wins against an acrylic one, since the latter has a soft top layer that is resistant to scratches and, moreover, to the effects of heavy objects. The enamel covering the metal bath is reliably “baked” into the top layer, which prevents the formation of various defects.

When choosing expensive models, both plumbing options, made of steel and acrylic, have equal indicators of strength and reliability, but high-quality acrylic bathtubs always cost more than metal ones of the same functionality.

Recommendations for choosing a steel bath

The thicker the walls of the steel bath, the more resistant it is to deformations, heavy loads, so you should choose it from metal with a thickness of at least 4 mm. and enamel coating of at least 1.5 mm. At the same time, the weight of a high-quality steel bath should not be less than 30 kg.

Some features should be taken into account for a solid steel bath installations due to its instability and lightness. For this, specialists are usually invited.

In general, it should be guided by personal preferences, in particular, the size and shape of the metal bath, as well as its combination with the rest of the bathroom interior.

Which acrylic bath set to choose?

Depends on the manufacturer. Many reputable companies include in the final price all the accessories necessary for installation: a metal frame, a drain-overflow, adjustable legs, if provided by the model, then a front panel with fasteners. Inexpensive models are often sold separately. After all, the low price attracts buyers to them. But then it turns out that it is necessary to buy in addition a number of necessary additions. The final price sometimes rises by 30-50%.

By the way, a frame made of a metal profile, which gives the sides additional rigidity, is considered an indispensable element only in Russia. Because there are too many thin, unstable products in our market. In Europe, where only cast acrylic systems are on sale, frames are not popular with buyers. Manufacturers do not include them in the package.

Freestanding bathtub 1Marka Classic

But if it is, the hot tub must come with an installation kit. A frame made of channels or square pipes, with all the necessary fasteners. At the same time, the minimum allowable metal thickness of the supporting parts for standard products with a length of 170 cm and a width of 70 cm is 2 mm. Larger containers should be equipped with a metal frame of 2.5-3 mm.

Cast iron bath

This material has been in demand for several decades. Bathtubs made of cast iron are reliable, as they are made of a durable high-quality alloy. On top of the product is covered with a double or triple layer of enamel. Cast iron bowls do not differ in a variety of sizes: Russian companies make tanks with a maximum length of 150 cm, and foreign companies increase them to 180 cm. The standard width of a cast iron bath is 70 cm, but there are also 90 cm.

Peculiarities

The main difference between cast iron baths and steel and acrylic ones is the wall thickness, which reaches 10 mm and makes the product heavier. The finished bowl weighs about a hundred kilograms. On the one hand, this provides the tank with strength and stability, and on the other hand, it significantly complicates its transportation and installation. Install a heavy bath only on concrete and reinforced concrete floors. If the house has wooden floors, it is better to refuse a cast-iron bowl.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the walls of the tank - the coating should be smooth to the touch, uniform, without tubercles and chips

If the enamel layer is thick enough, then with the help of a special polishing agent it is not difficult to restore the cast-iron bath: you can get rid of scratches and small cracks. For more complex cases, experts are invited.

Pros and cons

We highlight the main advantages and disadvantages in accordance with the selected criteria:

pros
Minuses
A cast-iron bath cannot be called eternal, but it serves a lot - from 30 years with proper handling. Some manufacturers claim that the product can last more than 50 years. To prevent cracks from forming on the enamel, it is worth protecting it from hitting with heavy objects (a chip can appear from a falling shower head or a metal bucket).
Cast iron bathtubs do not differ in a variety of designs. Production features do not allow the production of bowls longer than 1.9 m.
High-quality enamel on the surface of the walls allows the use of even aggressive cleaning agents and mechanical action, but such methods are required only for stubborn stains. For daily care, soft sponges and compositions without abrasives and acids are used.
The weight of the product makes it stable, but requires helpers to transport and install the bowl. It must be placed on a flat floor (preferably lined with ceramic tiles). The product comes with special legs or "lion's paws" that give the cast-iron font an elegant look.
The material is not sensitive to temperature changes, does not deform under the weight of a person. Also, pets can be washed in a cast iron bowl - there will be no scratches on the enamel.
Not everyone can afford a cast-iron bath - the price of quality fonts starts from 20 thousand.
The walls of the cast-iron bath have good sound absorption

Also, the material does not allow the water to cool down quickly, which is quite important for those who like to soak in hot water for a longer time. If desired, you can find a model with additional options

Notable Manufacturers

Bathtubs from European manufacturers (if we are talking about original products) are a priori of high quality, durable and safe.

Brands such as Roca (Italy), Villeroy & Boch (Germany), Riho (Holland), Jacob Delafon (France) produce various models of acrylic, cast iron and stone bowls. Their products are of high quality, meeting European quality and safety requirements. A distinctive feature is a wide price range: from fairly economical to premium models. However, even the most modest products from any of these manufacturers are quite expensive for the average buyer.

Of course, baths of standard sizes, the length of which is 150-160 cm, the width is from 70 to 80 cm, are most widely used. In such a bath, an adult can sit reclining, the bowl itself fits even in the bathrooms of Khrushchev.It is not surprising that the model "Nostalgia" with a bowl size of 150x70 cm from the company "Universal" is a real "hit" both in online and in regular stores.

The Russian manufacturer Triton produces a large number of asymmetric acrylic bathtubs with high-quality reinforcement. There are left and right bowls. All of them are equipped with a wide side-shelf, on which it is so convenient to place bath accessories and bathroom accessories, for example, from Fora.

The best manufacturers and suppliers of cast iron baths are Leroy Merlin (baths of their own production and other brands, from budget to more expensive), Jacob Delafon (white and colored, rectangular and oval cast iron baths in a different price range), Roca (a small collection of cast iron products , mostly oval), Elegansa (premium oversized bowls).

Lightweight and modern acrylic bathtub

When figuring out which bathtub to choose cast iron metal or acrylic, it is worth studying the quality characteristics of the products.

According to its properties, acrylic is a type of plastic that can easily take any shape, be painted in any color and can be easily reinforced.

Therefore, an important difference between acrylic bathtubs is that they are made in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, which makes it possible to install them in any room, even if the bathroom is very small.

If choose acrylic corner bath, then in this way, space is freed up along the wall, where you can install a sink, washing machine or bathroom furniture.

Since acrylic is very flexible, in the manufacture of a bathtub, it must be reinforced with a metal mesh or fiberglass to give the structure the necessary strength. Depends on the quality of the reinforcement the final cost of an acrylic bathtub. As a rule, products reinforced with a metal mesh are more expensive.

Acrylic sanitary ware can be made not only in standard white, but in all colors of the rainbow and their shades. Plumbing acquires color even at the production stage, when a dye is added to the molten mass, so over time the paint does not wash out and does not fade

However, when choosing an acrylic bathtub, you need to pay attention to color uniformity.

It is worth saying that due to the increased popularity of acrylic plumbing, many unscrupulous manufacturers under the guise of acrylic sell plastic products, the quality of which is much lower

Therefore, before buying a bath, pay attention to the following points when you choose it:

• the thickness of the walls must be at least 5 mm, in order to determine it, you need to feel the cut of the side, taking it with your fingers on both sides.
• along the entire length, the width of the walls should not differ, there should be no roughness and burr on the sides;
• mandatory presence of a reinforcing layer, check whether it is possible on the cut;
• when tapped, a quality product will make a dull sound;
• It is desirable to have a certificate of quality and a guarantee.

Also, you do not need to purchase a bathtub with dents and an uneven surface, which indicates a low quality of plumbing.

The better acrylic bath: pros and cons

Comparing whether an acrylic or steel bath is better, it is worth noting that the first option has many advantages over cast iron, among which are:

1. Lightweight - polymer is much lighter than cast iron, light weight (about 30 kg) facilitates delivery and simplifies installation.
2. High strength and reliability, despite the visual fragility.
3. Variety of shapes and colors. Manufacturing technology allows you to create a bath of a certain shape, width, length, height and color, so that it fits perfectly into the interior.
4. Multifunctionality. Some models are equipped with a jacuzzi, hydromassage, armrests and headrests.
5. The presence of a metal frame and connecting legs for stability.
6. The color of the bath is preserved for a long time without fading and the appearance of yellowness.
7. Some models have antiseptic properties.
8. Low thermal conductivity and a high level of heat capacity, that is, the surface of the bowl heats up very quickly, and the walls themselves and the water cool down very slowly.
9. High degree of sound absorption, that is, when filling with water, there is practically no noise.
10. Glossy, but at the same time non-slip inner surface, allowing you to carry out water procedures without special anti-slip pads.
11. At the same time, it is very easy and simple to take care of an acrylic bath. It is enough to regularly wipe it with liquid soap or gel-based cleaners.

This design will be a good solution for people with diseases of the back and joints, as bowls of a certain shape can be made to order.

However, acrylic designs are not without drawbacks compared to cast iron products:

1. Compared to a cast iron bath, the strength of acrylic models is much lower, and it depends on the degree of reinforcement.
2. The service life is only 10-15 years and depends on the quality of the product.
3. Easily damaged by sharp objects. However, it should be noted that such damage is quickly repaired during restoration.
4. It is not recommended to bathe pets, as their sharp claws can damage the coating, however, minor scratches can be easily removed with a polish.
5. Afraid of open fire. Acrylic can melt even from an unextinguished cigarette.
6. Afraid of abrasive particles and chemical cleaners.
7. The high cost of acrylic plumbing, the price minimum starts from 9-10 thousand rubles.

Disadvantages of an acrylic bath

Now, let's talk about the cons. One of the significant disadvantages of this model is considered to be low strength and instability to surface damage. To prevent scratches in the bathtub, it is worth using special mats. 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 too high, 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 makes more sense to choose an inexpensive cast-iron bathtub than to buy an acrylic one.

Design Features: Cast or Sandwich?

There are two types of acrylic plumbing on sale. They are fundamentally different from each other. Some are made from a single sheet of cast polymethyl methacrylate. The sheet is given a given shape and reinforced on the reverse side with fiberglass. It is these bowls that receive acrylic certification in Europe, and the guarantee for them is usually at least 10 years.

The material for other types of products is similar in cross-section to a three-part sandwich: a polymer or fiberglass reinforcing layer, a thick layer of ABS plastic, and a thin layer of acrylate. They do not enter the Western market, because they are not certified there due to non-compliance with quality standards. But we have them quite widely. Their main advantage over cast analogues is their low price. But since the acrylate layer in such baths is thin, there is no need to talk about durability.

Triton freestanding bathtub

The frame must be made of stainless materials or coated with anti-corrosion paint. Frame supports are also important. If the bowl is installed simply on the legs, then when pressed, the rim may not withstand. Weight can be obtained from the seller and compared by weight of models of the same type from different companies. 100% acrylate will be heavier than plastic. Also, more weight indicates the thickness of the reinforcing layer, the presence of chipboard at the bottom. It makes no sense to check the side for clearance with a flashlight, since any fiberglass will shine through. Polyurethane will not let light through. But it makes sense to press on the bottom - it “walks” or remains static - this is a way to check the gain of the chipboard. The certificates will indicate the material from which the product is made. This will save you from buying a "sandwich". Check the presence of a protective film, it saves surfaces during transportation.

Advice: if you buy plumbing for a country house where you only visit, or save money for a big repair in a couple of years, you can temporarily buy a “sandwich”. But if you need the purchase to serve for a long time, do not spare money on casting. This is an investment for many years.

Getting to know competitors

Acrylic or cast iron tub, which of them deserves to be called, if not ideal, then optimal? Before trying to answer this question, you need to get acquainted with each product.

Cast iron bathtubs

They have been known for a long time, so everyone has an idea of ​​​​how such models look like. The mass production of these products made of cast iron began at the end of the 19th century in Spain. Since then, a lot of water has flowed, the appearance and configuration of the bowls have undergone major changes. Primitive first samples were replaced by fonts of various shapes, equipped with armrests or handles. The "top of perfection" - cast-iron bathtubs with hydromassage systems, but such innovations are very expensive, even compared to acrylic structures.

If we consider the classic models, they are produced in different sizes: the smallest have dimensions of 700x900 mm, the most spacious - 900x1800 mm. The shape remains familiar and as comfortable as possible - smooth, streamlined. Rarely produce round and corner models, but their price can "pass" for 50,000 rubles. Classic fonts are still more in demand. They are mounted on sturdy metal legs. Supports can be open, or disguised decorative panels.

The first stage in the manufacture of a bath is pouring cast iron into a mold. The workpiece obtained in this way is cleaned, removing all irregularities. Then it is treated with an anti-corrosion compound, covered with powdered enamel. Then the bath is sent to an infrared oven, where the powder is melted under the action of high temperatures, evenly covering the bowl with a snow-white protective layer. For the safety of washing people, the bottom is left rough.More expensive models are equipped with softened headrests and handrails. These accessories can be purchased separately and for budget models.

When choosing a cast-iron bath, one must take into account that the wall thickness of high-quality models is at least 5 mm, for Russian and Chinese - 7-8 mm. The second important point is enamel

From well-known manufacturers, it is quite strong and reliable: to ensure the durability of the coating, they apply at least two layers of protective paint. The service life of such cast iron products is several decades.

acrylic models

These bowls appeared in Russia relatively recently: the first products became available to customers three decades ago. Despite the short period, acrylic structures have long been popular. First of all, this is the merit of the material that forms the basis of such bathtubs. Polymethyl acrylate is an organic colorless resin. Its other name is organic glass.

When exposed to high temperatures, this material is able to take any shape. During cooling, it hardens, becomes as strong as possible. Acrylic products are given different colors with the help of a pigment powder. The first Plexiglas bathtubs began to be produced shortly after the end of the Second World War - in 1948. The novelty quickly gained popularity, but it did not reach Russian consumers soon - only in the 90s.

The first stage in the production of acrylic bowls is the production of a polymer mass. To significantly improve the characteristics of such containers, various additives are added to its composition. All products have their own degree of wear resistance. To ensure maximum strength, the body of the bathtubs is reinforced with fiberglass or coated with epoxy resin.The most responsible manufacturers do it differently: their bathtubs consist of several layers of acrylic.

The second method is the manufacture of a base from durable ABC plastic, on which an acrylic polymer mass is applied. The simpler the shape of the model, the stronger the bath is considered. The reason is that the durable material is difficult to take sophisticated forms. High-quality products have walls at least 6 mm thick. To check the bowl, you can knock on it. If the walls are thin, then the sound will be quite loud. This phenomenon allows us to suspect that the reinforcement stage was skipped, or the reinforcement was carried out poorly.

6 Basic requirements

Comfort while swimming directly depends on how the basic requirements were taken into account when choosing. This is not only the quality of the material, design and shape, but also taking into account the dimensions. What requirements must plumbing meet - below is a complete list.

1. The bathing tank should be as spacious as the area allows.
2. The ideal length is calculated by the height of the tallest person in the whole family. The length of a standard bathtub is not always suitable for tall people and may cause uncomfortable use.
3. The length should be such that when plunging into the water, the knees of a person are covered with it. Without water, this can be checked quite easily - the level of the knees should be below the overflow hole.
4. The width is selected according to the same principle, so that while bathing, each member of the family can comfortably fit in the bowl. As a rule, the width of classic rectangular models is suitable for most people with an average build, but for the convenience of residents with a large build, it is advisable to look for non-typical options that are wider and more spacious.
5. Depth is also a matter of individual preference. If a very deep font is installed for it, it is necessary to provide a podium so that you can easily climb up for swimming.

Acrylic or cast iron bath: which is better?

It all depends on what qualities attract future owners more. If you want to purchase a reliable, durable structure at an affordable price, which is easy to install and maintain, then the choice is obvious. This is a traditional cast iron container.

When maximum comfort, both during transportation and during operation, is at the forefront, and the durability and cost of the product do not play a big role, then acrylic construction is the best option.

So that the purchase of any of the models does not cause disappointment in the future, it is better to follow a few tips:

be sure to check the completeness - the presence of legs for cast iron, a set for fixing an acrylic product;
make a choice in favor of a well-known manufacturer and not even look in the direction of obscenely cheap models;
before the purchase pay attention to the thickness of the enamel coating near the drain hole;
choose a product with walls of at least 5 mm.

What others think about this, you can find out by watching this video:

Conclusion

The bathtub is the main decoration in the bathroom. If you need to replace your old product with a new design, then you can choose a bath cast iron or acrylic. Cast iron is a heavier material that provides excellent stability to the tub. Acrylic bathtub is lightweight and more attractive.In addition, making a choice in favor of a container made of such material, you can easily choose a product that will be in harmony with the design of the room.

Before you go to the store for a container for water procedures, you should read the advice of experts on the right choice of this product. Then you can avoid mistakes when buying a bath. The purchased product will last a long time and provide comfort when taking water procedures.