How to choose an acrylic bathtub: expert advice and answers to important questions

Expert advice

First, it is better to study the recommendations of specialists who will help you make the right choice:

• Before you purchase a product with an acrylic bowl, you should determine the size of the structure so that it fits freely into the bathroom.
• In the store, you need to carefully examine the model you like and inquire about the thickness of the material. A cut on the end part of the side, which has two layers of acrylic and reinforcement, indicates a PMMA construction, the presence of three layers indicates that the product is made of ABS.
• It must be taken into account that the cut along the side shows the maximum thickness of acrylic, respectively, the walls are much thinner. Special attention is paid to the side cuts of the folded edges.
• It is required to check the bottom and walls of the bath for roughness and unevenness. The acrylic bathtub has a perfectly smooth inner surface with a shine.
• No odors should be emitted from the surface, including from the outside. A pungent odor is an indicator of poor quality materials and non-compliance with production technologies. Even the presence of slightly toxic substances is possible.
• Acrylic bathtubs are mounted on an auxiliary support frame. It is necessary that this metal frame is of high quality, and with a margin can withstand the weight of a person and the water necessary for taking a bath. Expandable or welded construction includes tank corners, intermediate ribs and height-adjustable feet.
• Buying an acrylic bathtub should be guided by the democratic price category. Plumbing with an excellent reputation has a price that is fully consistent with the quality.
• Ensure safe use - models made of cast acrylic, which does not require anti-slip coating or special rugs.
• Even high quality acrylic bathtubs have disadvantages. For example, products are sensitive to powders and alcohol-containing preparations. Therefore, in order to preserve the appearance of the plumbing for a long time and avoid the appearance of scratches on the surface of the bathtub, compounds without abrasives and aggressive chemicals should be used for cleaning.

Check out more video tips from popular experts.

What is the best quality material?

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

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

How thick should it be?

The durability, wear resistance and service life of the model is influenced by the thickness of the outer acrylic layer. Depending on the brand, it ranges from 2 to 6.5 mm.

The wall thickness of expensive and high-quality bathtubs is approximately 6 to 8 millimeters. Low-grade and budget products have acrylic walls with a thickness of 2 to 5 millimeters.

Often, in order to increase the thickness of the walls and base, the back side of the bath is covered with a reinforcing layer such as an extruded acrylic or reinforcing material.

Fiberglass is used in the manufacture of the lower reinforcing layer. With its sufficient thickness, the product becomes tough, strong, does not deform under the weight of a person and is not afraid of heavy objects falling.

Determination of the thickness of the reinforcement is possible only visually on the end part of the acrylic bath. If in doubt about the reliability of the design, you can lightly press on the central part of the bowl with your hand. A good material should be elastic and not sag.

How to choose the optimal shape and size?

Due to the plasticity of acrylic material, in addition to the classic models highlighted, a large assortment of bathtubs of the most non-standard configurations and sizes began to appear. However, unlike standard designs, thin rather than thick acrylic is mainly used to make plumbing products with interesting shapes. Therefore, we choose such acrylic bathtubs correctly and carefully.

Its comfort and performance fully depend on the size of the plumbing. Considering the requirements of the most convenient use, there are optimal parameters.

An acrylic bathtub should be 65 to 70 centimeters high from floor level. These values ​​work well for both adults and children.

The average width of the structure can be from 75 to 80 centimeters. In this case, the individual constitution of a person is taken into account. For example, for people with a large physique, it is possible to purchase a bathtub with a width of 100 centimeters or more.

The depth is measured from the bottom drain hole to the overflow level. Thus, it is determined in what volume the water can be poured. Basically, the depth limit is from 50 to 60 centimeters. Too much depth is uncomfortable for the person lying in the bath. Due to the shallow depth, water will not cover the human body.

The average length is from 150 to 180 centimeters. The parameters of the font are matched to the height of the tallest of all family members. If the model is not equipped with a headrest, then its length can exactly match the height of the bathing person. If there is a headrest, for a person 1.8 meters tall, it is appropriate to choose an acrylic bathtub from 165 to 170 centimeters.

Against the backdrop of a steel and cast iron bathtub, acrylic bowls stand out due to their unique shapes. Manufacturers are able to achieve a wide variety of configurations using the unique properties of a polymer material that responds to high temperature extremes and remains flexible when cooled.

For a small bathroom, typical for a city apartment, a compact rectangular model is perfect. Such a sanitary ware is pressed against the far and side wall planes and closed with a protective decorative screen. Most often, such devices do not have additional options. The complete set of classic bathtubs sometimes includes elements in the form of side handles or armrests.

A design with an angular modification will ideally fit into a medium-sized bathroom. These models are distinguished by one curved wall, an angled seat and a bowl deployed at 45 or 90 degrees. The equipment is more advanced. In addition to handrails, a headrest and armrests, the kit includes a hydromassage, a shower head, a spout embedded in the side of the mixer and glass inserts. Due to the asymmetric acrylic bathtub with left-hand or right-hand execution, it will be possible to create an individual and stylish bathroom design.

The spacious room assumes the installation of any models. An interesting solution is acrylic bathtubs of round or oval shape, located in the center.

What strength is right?

Acrylic bowls are not as strong as they are made of flexible and ductile plastic. For strengthening, a reinforcing layer with epoxy is applied to the outside. The more layers during the reinforcement, the stronger the acrylic bath becomes.

Polyester resins reinforce the acrylic sheet. In order to make the structure even more durable, it is appropriate to use a reinforcing metal frame and a bottom or reinforced chipboard. Due to its low weight, this plumbing provides for simplified transportation, installation and dismantling during repairs. The bath weight is thirty kilograms, and the cast iron product weighs 80-150 kg.

What additional options should I take?

Due to the auxiliary parameters, acrylic baths make taking water procedures pleasant and comfortable. To increase comfort while swimming, almost all plumbing equipment is equipped with headrests, supports or armrests.

The most popular and healthiest supplement is the Jacuzzi model. In addition to the usual properties typical of an acrylic bath, the Jacuzzi is equipped with a hydromassage, which is a relaxing and wellness procedure for the human body. A similar hydromassage effect occurs when air is mixed with water jets supplied through the nozzles. Turning the nozzles changes the direction of the jets. These nozzles can be located on the sides or built into the bottom of the bowl.

Another option that children will especially like is air massage. Water jets mix with directed air currents, due to which bubbles form on the surface.

There is also chromotherapy. With this function, directional illumination colors the jets of water in certain shades, which, in combination with hydromassage, enhances the beneficial effect on the human body.

Modern acrylic models are equipped with elements such as game consoles or radios. Control the system with a hydraulic switch or control panel. Plumbing with a special shelf for a laptop or a product with an integrated panel with a plasma TV is common. In the jacuzzi, Wi-Fi or direct connection to the central smart home system is possible. These acrylic bathtubs meet any preference and requirement.

What about brands?

According to experts, it is recommended not to save money when purchasing an acrylic bathtub and to give preference to proven brands that can last for many years.

The market presents a large number of models of different quality levels and price categories. Manufacturers offer plumbing made of acrylic of any rainbow color. A safe and versatile solution is a glossy snow-white bathtub. When choosing a non-standard colored bowl, a harmonious combination with other plumbing and interior is important.

German and Italian designs are considered expensive and high quality. Quality is a priority for these foreign manufacturers. Plumbing is distinguished from the company GNT (Germany), Sanranz (Germany), Artcheram (Italy) or Novellini Elysium (Italy). Acrylic bathtubs are very durable with an average price of 55,000 to 200,000 thousand rubles.

Simplified and cheap acrylic products are produced by Turkish or Chinese companies. Of course, there is also functional plumbing from the companyEAGO (Eago) from Hong Kong, but if we are talking about ordinary market models, then it is possible to purchase an acrylic bathtub at a price of 6,000 to 30,000 thousand rubles.

Rating of the most common brands that are popular:

TRITON (Triton) is a company represented by Russia. All plumbing has good technical performance. New technologies are used for its manufacture. In 2000, the first rectangular baths were created by a Russian company. In 2001, designs with angular and asymmetrical bowls appeared.Taking into account the wishes of consumers, both economical tanks and expensive premium acrylic bathtubs are produced.

ROCA GROUP (Roca Group) is a brand from Spain with sales outlets located in 170 countries. One of the world leaders in plumbing equipment.

1MARKA (1Brand) - this company creates acrylic products according to a unique principle. Stylish and comfortable models guarantee complete relaxation and immersion in a cozy atmosphere. Cast acrylic of German quality with high reliability is used for production.

CERSANIT GROUP (Cersanit Group) is a Polish brand of acrylic fonts with an antibacterial coating. The tanks are of particular quality and are equipped with the latest technology.

GEMY (Jamie) is a company from Germany that produces acrylic devices. The models belong to the premium class, are of high quality and reliable.

BELBAGNO (BelBango) is a trademark of Italy. Products are manufactured in accordance with ISO standards and a 10-year warranty.

RAVAK (Ravak) is a Czech manufacturer of acrylic bathtubs, offering high-quality units at an affordable price. Czech products are in great demand thanks to the author's design concept, which was awarded the Red Dot Design Award.

BAS (Bass) - is a leading company in the production of acrylic devices with the function of hydromassage in the CIS countries and Russia. The tanks are built using American and Italian equipment. Fonts are available in various shapes and sizes.

AQUANET (Aquanet) is a company from Russia that focuses on environmental friendliness and harmlessness of products. In terms of quality, the products compete with European brands, but at the same time they are distinguished by an affordable price.

LLC "CERAMICA"- a company producing devices under the SANTEK brand (Suntec). The collection includes tanks of various shapes and sizes. The devices are equipped with European components and supplemented with a hydromassage function.

AQUATEK (Aquatek) - products are manufactured using special vacuum forming equipment, which ensures the durability of acrylic sanitary ware. The brand advantage is in full value for money. The tanks are lightweight, have good sound insulation and thermal conductivity, and are easy to install.

KOLO (Kolo) is a Polish company that produces both laconic and original acrylic bathtubs in accordance with German and Dutch quality standards. This company is renowned for many awards and safety certifications. The products are characterized by insufficient rigidity, which makes it impossible to install a hydromassage.

POOL SPA (Pool Spa) is a Spanish manufacturer of expensive acrylic bathtubs. Plumbing with a rich set and increased durability presupposes equipping with lighting, hydromassage and other additional elements.

Practical acrylic bathtubs, despite their relatively recent appearance on the plumbing market, quickly found their place in bathroom interiors. Due to the unacceptable cost, the devices remained unavailable for a long time. Today, acrylic models are in world positions. Due to the indisputable advantages of the material, such tanks are recognized by manufacturers as luxury sanitary ware.