How and which bath is better to choose: an overview of options and recommendations for choosing

Cast iron bath - a tribute to tradition

Cast iron is the traditional material for making sanitary wash basins. Bathtubs of this material have been made for the last 100-150 years. They have a high mass, which is explained by the properties of the material, low thermal conductivity, high strength.

Cast iron bath

The white color of the baths is given by the enamel coating, which is quite difficult to care for in order to keep it in its original form. In modern models, instead of an enamel coating, a polymer coating is used, which is more unpretentious in maintenance. Cast iron models in the shape of the container are only oval and rectangular. These products offer the following benefits:

• Low noise. Compared to steel models, cast iron bathtubs are considered quiet.This means that the process of collecting water in such a container is quieter.
• Low thermal conductivity. The temperature of the water collected in a cast-iron container decreases by only 5-10 degrees per hour, which makes it possible to comfortably perform hygiene procedures, since the water cools slowly at this time.
• High strength. Cast iron is considered a durable, wear-resistant material, so the container made of it can withstand high loads without deforming.
• Long service life. A high-quality cast iron container will last 50 years, during which only cosmetic defects will appear on it.

Cast iron bathtubs can be called an unconditional classic. They appeared in the nineteenth century and have hardly changed since then. Cast iron models are in consistently high demand, despite their significant weight - on average, a cast iron bowl weighs about a hundred kilograms. But, on the other hand, such massiveness can also be considered as a plus - once installed, such a bathtub is unlikely to budge even under heavy load. Cast iron perfectly retains heat, the water in the bowl cools for a long time, which will be important for fans of long baths.

Manufacturing technology and advantages

As the name implies, this type of sanitary ware is made of acrylic - sheet plastic of special strength. The material is heated and pressed into the desired shape. The acrylic blank does not have sufficient static strength, so it is placed in a reinforcing frame. After this stage, the finished product acquires the required performance characteristics and can withstand significant pressure created by water and the human body.

When buying a new bathtub, the choice is usually between acrylic and familiar metal products.Undoubtedly, traditional cast iron bathtubs have stood the test of time and proven to be durable and reliable. However, this is already obsolete plumbing, which is being replaced by a new generation of acrylic products. They have excellent performance and have a number of advantages over other types of plumbing.

• Plastic has a low thermal conductivity. Water in an acrylic bath cools much more slowly than in a metal bath - by 1 degree in 30 minutes. In addition, when using cast iron products, a lot of thermal energy is spent on heating the bowl. Avoiding the need to add hot water while taking a bath can save you a lot on your utility bills.
• Acrylic is a plastic and impact resistant material (although it cannot be said that it is stronger than the enamel coating of cast iron products). An accidentally dropped heavy object will not damage the plumbing. If this still happens, the chip on the plastic can be easily restored with subsequent grinding.
• The ideally smooth surface ensures easy maintenance - it is enough to wash the bowl with water; in case of significant contamination, a mild detergent without abrasive particles is used.
• Products differ in high hygienic properties. At the manufacturing stage, antibacterial components are added to the acrylic raw materials, which prevent the growth of microorganisms on the surface of the bowl.
• The ability to give the acrylic sheet any shape allows you to produce products of various sizes and configurations. The difficulty of processing cast iron does not provide such wide design possibilities.
• A small weight, which means ease of transportation and installation is an additional pleasant advantage.Without accessories, the weight of an acrylic bath is no more than 45 kg, and a cast-iron product - 120 kg.

Cranes

The type of tub will determine the type of faucet you can install. Some bathtubs have faucet holes that can accommodate faucets or single taps, while others may require faucets to be installed elsewhere.

Always use the help of professional installers to make sure everything is installed correctly and safely.

Rectangular bathtubs usually have the option of installing faucets at one end or in the middle. Some freestanding bathtubs can also have faucets at the end or in the middle, although some will need to mount them on the wall or lift them off the floor.

Structural and frame strength

The strength of an acrylic bathtub largely depends on the method of its manufacture. That is, a bathtub, which was made using the technology of one-piece casting of PMMA acrylic, is able to retain its original shape when completely filled with water. If the bathtub is made of extruded two-component ABS/PMMA acrylic, then when completely filled, its walls may slightly deform. The main effect here is a thin layer of PMMA and a thick layer of flexible ABS plastic.

Regardless of the acrylic used, all bathtubs are installed on a special welded or prefabricated metal frame, which acts as a base and containment of the bathtub from excessive deformation when fully filled. At the same time, the design of the metal frame - the frame, to some extent also affects the cost of an acrylic bath.

The simplest frame is a welded or bolted metal "crate" that will be located directly under the bottom of the bath. That is, such a frame will withstand the vertical pressure of water and the weight of a bathing person, but it will not reinforce the side walls.

A more complex frame for an acrylic bathtub has elements in its design that reinforce the side walls of plumbing, which in total can extend the life of the entire structure.

But there is also one point here that can help determine the quality of the bath. The frame frame has support points (racks and legs). The more such racks, the less durable the bath itself is. If the bath itself is of high quality, then the frame has supports only in the corners.

What forms are the baths

Material is an important, but not always decisive indicator when choosing a bathroom

No less attention is paid to the shape of the product: it largely depends on the parameters and dimensions of the room where the model will be installed. Plumbing manufacturers offer customers both traditional and non-standard bathtubs of various configurations.

• Rectangular. The classic version of the bathroom, known to us since Soviet times. Such universal models are suitable for any room. They are made of various materials, usually mounted to the wall, but installation options in the center are possible. Sometimes they are sold with decorative panels that cover communications.

Important! Before buying a bath, do not forget to measure the door opening: if the model is wider, installation will be difficult

Corner. Good solution for limited bathroom space. The advantages of this form are small size, space saving (occupying one corner) and ease of installation.Corner models can be an isosceles triangle, rounded on one side, or an asymmetric design with different side lengths, be in left and right versions. The dimensions of the corner baths allow you to take a bath together. In addition, they are usually equipped with additional options - hydromassage, air massage system, chromotherapy, which makes the reception of procedures as comfortable as possible.

Oval. Popular since antiquity. Ergonomic shape and elegant appearance are their main advantages. Such models are installed on thin forged legs or a pedestal, against the wall.

Round. These bathtubs decorate the interior, they are comfortable and safe. They can be mounted in the middle of the room, against a wall or in a corner, built into the floor. However, this option is applicable only in large bathtubs due to volumetric dimensions.

Custom bathtubs. These are various design delights that cannot be attributed to any of the usual types: polygonal and other free forms. The purchase and installation of such models is usually planned together with the interior designer.

How to choose the right bath size

If you are going to install a bath, you need to decide not only on the shape, but also on the dimensions: you should be comfortable not only taking water procedures, but also being indoors. The standard parameters of classic bathtubs vary from 120 cm in length to 170. Height - 50-65, width - from 70 to 85 cm. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the dependence of the model parameters on the shape.

• Corner bathtubs with average dimensions from 120x120 cm to 180x180 cm (standard) and 120x60 cm to 190x170 cm (asymmetrical).
• Standards for oval baths are from 140 to 210 cm in length. Such products can be installed in small rooms.
• Round models with parameters from 140 cm to 170 are installed in bathrooms of non-standard sizes, where a free approach is expected from all sides.

When choosing, the needs and preferences of family members are taken into account. So, for example, a sitz bath with a depth of 70-80 cm will be comfortable for the elderly, while children will be comfortable in smaller, but spacious models. The bath width of 70-80 cm is optimal for people of average build.

Comparison of bathtubs by material

Bathtubs made from different raw materials have their own advantages and, accordingly, disadvantages.

Cast iron

It was this material that in 1925 in Spain at the factory of the Roca brothers became the first for the production of bathtubs on an industrial scale. Cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon in the form of graphite or cementite. It is poured into a mold, then the metal base is removed, mechanically cleaned, provided with holes for draining and overflowing, primed, powdered with enamel powder and fired at high temperatures (about 1000˚) until a vitreous coating is obtained.

Advantages of cast iron baths:

• durability;
• structural stability and coating strength;
• slow heat transfer;
• soundproofing.

Flaws:

• big weight;
• monotony of forms.

Steel

more flexible than cast iron, it can be easily hardened, forged, welded and other machining methods

Bathtubs are made from two types of steel: stainless and structural. The thickness of the steel sheet is from 1.5 to 3.5 mm, which is much less than cast iron (5 mm or more).

Various forms of bathtubs are created by stamping under a hydraulic press. Then everything superfluous is cut off from the workpiece, holes are made and mounting brackets are welded.In a special workshop, a primer and top layer of enamel is applied to the bath, after which the product is fired at a temperature of 900˚.

Obvious advantages of the product:

• high strength;
• long service life and manufacturer's warranty (especially if the walls are thickened);
• light weight and reasonable cost.

Minuses:

• high thermal conductivity;
• the presence of noise when collecting water;
• copies with thin walls (1.8-2.3 mm) bend under the weight of large users and deform from impacts.

Acrylic

The manufacturing technology includes vacuum forming a heated acrylic sheet inside a sealed chamber, its subsequent processing with the application of several layers of fiberglass to the surface.

Advantages of acrylic products:

• light weight;
• heat preservation;
• a variety of models in shape, color and size.

Flaws:

• increased susceptibility to mechanical damage, cleaning products containing alkalis, acids and abrasive particles;
• deformation of the walls with strong heating;
• high-quality copies are usually expensive.

glass

an exclusive product that is extremely rare to find in plumbing stores

Often it is installed on a frame (metal, wooden) or combined with acrylic.

Main advantages:

• not inferior in strength to metals, able to withstand temperature fluctuations and the aggressive effects of chemicals;
• safety (natural material, there is no possibility for bacteria to multiply);
• the product creates the illusion of saving space and fits into any interior.

Minuses:

• difficulties during transportation and installation;
• cost from 100 thousand rubles.

Marble

Natural marble bathtubs are made from a single piece of stone. The bowl of the desired shape is cut using special equipment, then the surface is ground and polished.

Cast marble bathtubs are made on the basis of a combination of natural marble chips (80%) and various resins that hold it together (20%). At a certain temperature and humidity, a marble mixture is poured into the formwork (casting mold), which dries and crystallizes. After the final hardening, the formwork is removed, and the product is subjected to final refinement (elimination of minor defects, grinding, polishing). A special epoxy resin painted in the desired color - gelcoat - serves as a coating for the marble base, protecting it from the penetration of dirt and microbes, and increases the wear resistance of the product.

Product advantages:

• strength and resistance to abrasion;
• noiselessness;
• high thermal insulation and dielectric performance;
• the possibility of a variety of tinting molded models. Solid stone bathtubs have a unique color and pattern;
• simple repair.

Drawbacks:

• high price;
• afraid of hitting heavy objects.

When looking for a suitable model for your home, you should not opt ​​for the lightest or cheapest one - most likely, its manufacturer saved on something. All factors must be taken into account: product characteristics, room dimensions, user weight, care features. Only in this case, the purchase will not turn into a disappointment, and the new bath will become one of the favorite places for the necessary hygiene procedures and good rest.

Cast iron bathtubs

The oldest and traditional models, but are in redistributed demand today.Previously, they were made only due to the fact that the casting technology has been known since ancient times and does not require modern equipment.

A cast-iron bath can be found in any Soviet-built house.

Cast iron is used in production technical specifications comply with the provisions of GOST 4832-95. The metal is classified according to the mass fraction of silicon and sulfur; magnesium is added to increase physical performance. Casting is done in molds, pressure technologies are used to reduce the number of air pockets. Steel baths were not made at that time due to the lack of rolled sheets with suitable ductility characteristics, the steel could not be stretched within the proper limits.

New cast iron bath

Due to the fact that the inner surface of the cast-iron bathtub is far from the required parameters, an increased amount of expensive enamel is needed to level it, and this significantly affects the price increase. True, there is also a positive side of the coin - a thick layer of enamel lasts much longer than a thin one on steel bathtubs.

Cast iron bathtub with oval cornice against brickwork

Benefits of cast iron bathtubs

Manufacturers can boast of only one advantage - a cast-iron bath retains heat for a long time. Taking into account the temperature in the bathroom and the volume of water, the temperature drops by 5-10°C per hour, which allows you to increase the time for comfortable taking water procedures. True, we are not talking about any savings in thermal energy. In order for the water temperature to be comfortable, it must be poured very hot, this is required to heat a large mass of cast iron. Only after that, he slowly gives it back to the cooling liquid.

Bathtub with legs

As for strength, this concept is very conditional. No one argues that thick cast iron can withstand considerable effort, but the enamel is damaged. Consumers do not want to use a bathroom with a damaged coating, it will have to be repaired. Any repair always has much worse results than factory enameling, it is done at high temperatures, the quartz melts and glass is formed. It must be borne in mind that all so-called liquid enamels are just ordinary paints, at best two-component. The best way out is to completely change the cast-iron bath.

Cast iron bathtub with legs in a blue and white bathroom interior

Disadvantages of cast iron baths

There are much more of them, but manufacturers prefer to remain silent.

1. Big weight. The minimum mass of a cast-iron bath is 70 kg, the maximum may exceed 200 kg, taking into account the volume of water, the maximum weight increases even more. Cast iron bath is installed on four legs, the entire load acts on small points. This puts forward high requirements for the strength of the foundations, it should only be concrete or reinforced concrete. As a result, cast-iron bathtubs are strongly discouraged from being installed in rooms with wooden floor beams. And the finishing flooring can only be made of durable ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware. Such requirements significantly limit the scope of use of cast iron baths.

2. Limited form options. All bathtubs made of cast iron are only rectilinear. The fact is that it is technologically difficult and often economically unprofitable to make complex molds for casting. Cast-iron baths are inferior to all other types of plumbing in a variety of forms.

3. Expensive additional equipment.Hydromassage cast iron units are manufactured by Aqualux, Goldman, Artex, Puscho, Castalia, Jacob Delafon, Roca, Timo, Novial. The price of cast-iron hot tubs can reach up to 180 thousand rubles, although you can choose a simpler model (we advise you to familiarize yourself with the updated bath rating), with fewer functions, nozzles and for only 31-50 thousand rubles.

   Modern models of cast-iron baths have special handles on the side surfaces to facilitate the use of the bath by the elderly.

In an effort to keep up with modern technology, some manufacturers cover the inner surfaces of cast-iron bathtubs with plastic materials and, through a successful advertising campaign, increase the price of their products. Inexperienced consumers do not know that plastic coatings are significantly inferior to high-quality enamel in all respects.

cast iron bathtubs

Cast iron bath

Thinking about which bath is better to choose, many turn their attention to reliable and very durable cast iron products: this time-tested option is incredibly convenient. Water in a cast iron bath is drawn almost silently, and then does not cool for a long time

As a rule, cast iron is covered with smooth enamel, which does not retain rust and dust, which greatly facilitates the care of this product.

However, there are several disadvantages that cast iron baths differ in. It is almost impossible to determine which ones are better to take: in any case, it will not be easy to install such a heavy bathtub, since they are heavy.In addition, the manufacturing technology of cast iron products somewhat limits the variety of models: it is technically impossible to manufacture products with a complex configuration from it.

Cast iron bathtub with legs

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.