Which acrylic bathtub is better to choose

The development of technology leads to the emergence of new materials that are at least as good as the old ones in terms of characteristics, and sometimes even surpass them. For example, polymers. They appeared not so long ago, but they are actively entering our lives. And now they are used to make dishes, pipes, packaging, plumbing products, etc. If we talk about the bathroom, cast iron or steel bathtubs are now increasingly replaced by acrylic. But to choose an acrylic bathtub and not regret, you need to know some technological nuances, as well as the rules of handling this material.

Pros and cons of acrylic bathtubs

Even before the repair has to solve the question of what kind of acrylic bathtub to choose. To make it easier to decide, let’s weigh the positive and negative qualities of acrylic bathtubs. We will talk about good quality products, not about cheap fakes.

Pros of replacing a steel or cast-iron bathtub with an acrylic one:

These are the positives. Now about the disadvantages, they are there and serious. In order not to regret the decision, choose an acrylic bathtub should be aware of all the nuances. So, the disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• Acrylic needs special care. You can use only special non-abrasive means, wash the container only with soft cloths, do not use rubbers, hard washcloths, etc. To wash acrylic bathtubs can not use means containing ammonia and chlorine, bleaching additives (that is, washing powders are also undesirable). To wash a strong contamination, a special composition is simply left on the surface for some time, and then washed off.
• Under load, the bottom deflects a little, because of which the walls move. For this reason, the installation of an acrylic bathtub is made according to a special algorithm – on the standard or additional stops (bricks). The gap between the curb or wall is closed with a special skirting board or tiles, but everything must be done according to the recommendations of manufacturers.

  

• Handle the vessel carefully – acrylic scratches. For example, under the basins it is necessary to underlay some cloth, do not become in the bathtub in shoes, etc. If it is a high-quality sanitary acrylic, scratches are shallow and do not interfere with operation, moreover, they can be sanded using special polishing pastes. In cheap composite models scratches remain forever, and can also cause delamination of the protective coating.
• If something heavy falls into the bathtub, the surface may have chips. They are repairable, but only if it is a quality acrylic.
• Acrylic bathtub has thin movable walls. And although during the installation under the sides under the frame, fully lean on the edge of the bathtub will not work. Moreover, you will not be able to sit down on its edge. This trick is possible only for people with low weight.

  

All these shortcomings from the field of operation and care, but all these nuances are worth knowing, not to be aware of when buying.

How much does an acrylic bathtub cost

When choosing an acrylic bathtub, the question of cost invariably arises. The fact is that the price for a bowl of approximately the same size can differ by 3-5 times. The matter is not so much in the “appetites” of manufacturers, as in the technology of production. Acrylic bathtubs are made in three ways:

1. So-called casting bathtubs. The ready-made mold is poured with acrylic. After its hardening, the front surface is covered with a layer of fiberglass, poured epoxy resin. The thickness of the layer of acrylic in this method of production is the same – there are no thinner areas in places of bends / kinks. Since sanitary acrylic is expensive, bathtubs made with this technology cost a lot.

   

2. From sheet acrylic. In this case, a sheet of acrylic is heated over the mold until soft, and then, with the help of a vacuum, “sucked” into the mold, remains in it until it cools. Acrylic bathtubs made by this technology have different thicknesses. At the bottom, where there is usually the most active wear, the thickness of acrylic is less, because the stretching of the sheet in this place is maximum. But, if the quality of the source material is good, the thickness of acrylic here is 3-4 mm, which is quite enough for long-term use.
3. Extrusion or composite bathtubs. Strictly speaking, these are not acrylic bathtubs, but many unscrupulous sellers also call them acrylic. A bowl is formed from a sheet of ABC plastic, its front surface is covered with a layer of acrylic. Usually these are the cheapest products – plastic is cheap, acrylic is often used cheap. Despite the low price, these “works” are better not to buy. The fact is that plastic and acrylic do not have a very good adhesion and different thermal expansion. As a result, during operation, the protective surface peels off, the acrylic layer cracks, begins to peel off. It is on this product that there are many negative reviews.

   

So in order to choose a good quality acrylic bathtub you need to understand what technology it is made on. Determine this “by eye” is unrealistic. You can try only by indirect signs to understand whether it is good or not very good. The most accessible indicator is the strength of the sides. If they sag and look unreliable, it is better not to take this copy.

You can also look at the thickness of acrylic in the area of the drain hole. Clearly, the thicker the white layer, the better. Another indirect sign of good quality is a large mass. It happens that bathtubs of the same manufacturer have the same size, but the difference in weight is about 50%. The one that is heavier, usually has a greater amount of acrylic. Well, and another indicator is the price. Good acrylic bathtubs are not cheap. Sanitary acrylic is worth – expensive material. The more it is, the more expensive the bathtub. So “cheap and quality” – this is not about this product.

Since it is impossible to understand externally, on what technology is made this or that bathtub. Therefore, manufacturers provide their products with passports, which describe the method of manufacture, the order and conditions of installation, the method of care. Before buying it is necessary to study this information and only then buy. And that is, if you are satisfied with everything.

What is better

As you understand, the most expensive containers made by casting technology. They have a long service life, they are easy to care for. Some manufacturers give them a 10-year warranty (if you follow the recommendations for installation and care). This is an excellent choice, but not everyone can afford such baths. Not a bad option – bowls made of sheet acrylic. They are quite reliable, have a relatively low price. Both options are good in that if scratches or chips are formed, they can be repaired. Scratches are polished, and chips are filled with a repair compound.

Composite tubs are the cheapest segment, but they are not repairable. Chips and scratches will remain forever. There is one more point: when using cheap acrylic, the surface is porous, dirt is clogged in the pores. It is very difficult to remove it, because strong means can not be used. So it is difficult to care for such bathtubs. Even if the acrylic layer is not cracked, they lose their appearance quickly.

If you want to choose a good quality acrylic bathtub, do not spare time, go to the exhibition centers to see and feel copies of different manufacturers. When inspecting pay attention to the thickness of the walls. On the cut in the area of the sides can assess how well reinforced the container, also here you can see the thickness of acrylic. When inspecting, estimate how much the declared thickness of the acrylic layer corresponds to reality.

If you have chosen several brands, ask about certificates before buying. Serious companies provide papers on acrylic, as well as certify their products according to European and international standards. The presence of such papers – one of the signs of the seriousness of the campaign, and their absence – a reason to think: whether you are not going to buy a fake.

Acrylic bathtubs best manufacturers

There are many obscure and some number of proven firms on the market. Firms with a name sell their products more expensive. This is due to the fact that the unknown firms, trying to conquer the market, simplify the technology, find ways to save money. What does this lead to? Often to problems during operation. Therefore, even with a limited budget, it is desirable to choose an acrylic bathtub known brand. In this case, you will know exactly what you are paying for.

Ravak (Ravak) – good quality

If you need a good quality acrylic bathtub, pay attention to the products of the Czech company Ravak. In production, sanitary sheet acrylic is used. But the technology is refined in such a way that the temperature of heating the sheet in different zones is different. As a result, the thickness of acrylic is the same everywhere.

To increase the strength of the containers, the finished acrylic bathtub is reinforced. Ravak reinforces some models with metal mesh (glued from the bottom on the already finished containers), but more often use several layers of fiberglass cloth, which is lubricated with water-repellent composition. In any case, the total thickness of the walls of the acrylic bathtub is obtained solid, even with a significant load they are not very “walk”.

In the assortment of this company there is a large number of bathtubs of classic, asymmetric and unusual shapes. Since it is problematic to find a curtain for unusual shaped containers, some models are completed with curtains (glass sliding). At once you can get a bath and shower.

To choose sanitary ware was easier, bathtubs are produced as part of the collection. Most often in addition to the bathtub is offered a washbasin. Such a pair is usually perfectly matched in style and shape, since they are designed together. Also offer support (frame), siphon with overflow device, headrest and front panel (screen). So at Ravak you can not only choose an acrylic bathtub, but also pick up accessories for mounting and installation.

Cersanit (Cersanit) – decent quality for a small price

Polish company Cersanit produces sanitary equipment made of porcelain / earthenware and acrylic. Prices, compared to other European manufacturers, are somewhat lower, quality – at the top. The abundance of shapes and sizes is pleasing. There are containers of usual rectangular shape, there are rounded, streamlined. They can be installed near the wall, in the corner, in the center of the room. Separately it is worth mentioning the line Cersanit Pure. The surface of these bathtubs is covered with a composition containing silver ions, which provide antibacterial protection.

At Cersanit enterprises, the bathtub bowl is molded from Lucite acrylic sheet. To make it more rigid, the vessel is reinforced with additional plates in loaded places. To ensure that during operation the surface does not lose its shine, the inner part is filled with a layer of resin.

To the quality of acrylic baths Cersanit usually has no complaints, but in reviews note a strong odor, which for a long time is not weathered. If you need inexpensive but high-quality sanitary ware, you can choose an acrylic bathtub from the Polish company Cersanit.

Kolo bathtubs

Another Polish company Sanitec produces sanitary ware under the brand name KOLO (Kolo). Acrylic bathtubs of this brand are also made of sheet acrylic, then reinforced with fiberglass. They come complete with adjustable legs, can be equipped with a drain/overflow system, screen, accessories – headrest, handles.

If you want to choose an acrylic bath by convenience, take a closer look at the products of this company – they have different ranges using interesting solutions. For example, the line Kolo Komfort (Kolo Komfort) has a beveled edge, on which it is convenient to lean back when taking a bath. They are made anti-slip fluted bottom, they have large sizes (in length from 150 to 170 cm). Also this line can be completed with a headrest and a seat, which are fixed on the sides of a special shape.

Line Kolo Mirra differ in shape – outside they are rectangular, and the inside is asymmetrical. Also have large sizes – from 150 cm to 170 cm in length. They can be equipped with handles for easy lifting and headrests.

Spring series tanks are characterized by an unusual shape with benches inside. These protrusions can also be used as tables or shelves for bath accessories. High quality acrylic is used in the production of this series.

Appollo – Italian-Chinese products

Like many European companies, Appollo has moved its production to China. The quality of products has not become worse, and the price, due to cheaper labor, has become more competitive.

Among the products of this company there are interesting models with glass inserts (AT-9050L, AT-9076T, AT-9075T). Such fonts look unusual and stylish and are in solid demand. Many models have holes in the sides for installing faucets not on the wall, but on the side. And some models are equipped not only with a drainage system, but also with faucets. In others you can pick up for an additional fee branded faucet of your favorite shape.

On request, the font is completed with hydromassage, aeromassage, chromotherapy (change of colors of illumination in a certain rhythm). The mode of operation of all “additives” is adjustable. In the basic configuration are height-adjustable legs and headrest.

Russian manufacturers

Not bypassed the production of acrylic bathtubs and Russian campaigns. Their products are mainly in the middle price segment. They are not as expensive as the products of Europeans, but the quality is also inferior, although there are campaigns that have good reviews. Here are the most famous firms and a brief characterization of the products:

In general, it is also possible to choose an acrylic bathtub of Russian manufacturers. Perhaps some modifications will be required during installation, but the vessels themselves, in general, have not bad characteristics.