Which acrylic bathtub is better to choose

The development of technologies leads to the emergence of new materials, which, in terms of the totality of characteristics, are at least not inferior to the old ones, and sometimes even surpass them. For example, polymers. They appeared not so long ago, but they are actively entering our life. And now they are used to make dishes, pipes, packaging, sanitary ware, etc. If we talk about the bathroom, then cast-iron or steel baths are increasingly being replaced with acrylic ones. But in order to choose an acrylic bathtub and not regret it, you need to know some technological nuances, as well as the rules for handling this material.

The shape of acrylic bathtubs can be different

Pros and cons of acrylic bathtubs

Even before the repair, you have to decide which acrylic bathtub to choose. To make it easier, let's weigh the positive and negative qualities of acrylic bathtubs. We will talk about good quality products, not cheap fakes.

Pros of replacing a steel or cast iron bath with an acrylic bath:

• Low weight. A medium-sized acrylic bathtub weighs about 12-15 kg, so it can be carried by one person. This reduces shipping costs and makes installation easier.
• Low heat capacity. Even in the cold season, acrylic feels like a warm material. It is more pleasant to stand and sit on it than on metal, it heats up quickly. Many times faster than steel or cast iron.
• Sanitary acrylic is a low-porous material, but even when wet it is not slippery.
• There is almost no sound when drawing water.
  

  Nozzles for hydro and aero massage are well built into acrylic

These are positive aspects. Now about the shortcomings, they are also serious. In order not to regret the decision made, choose an acrylic bathtub, being aware of all the nuances. So, the disadvantages of acrylic baths:

• Acrylic needs special care. You can use only special non-abrasive products, wash the container only with soft rags, do not use graters, hard washcloths, etc. To wash acrylic bathtubs, do not use products containing ammonia and chlorine, bleaching additives (that is, washing powders are also undesirable). To wash away stubborn dirt, a special composition is simply left on the surface for a while and then washed off.
• Under load, the bottom bends slightly, which causes the walls to move. For this reason installation of an acrylic bath produced according to a special algorithm - on standard or additional stops (bricks). The gap between the side or wall is closed with a special plinth or tile, but everything must be done according to the recommendations of the manufacturers.
  

  The acrylic bathtub is installed on a special frame that supports its shape

• The container must be handled carefully - acrylic is scratched. For example, under the basins it is necessary to underlay some kind of fabric, not to stand in the bathtub with shoes on, etc. If it is high-quality sanitary acrylic, the 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 peeling of the protective coating.
• If something heavy falls into the bathtub, chips may appear on the surface. They can be repaired, but only if they are quality acrylic.
• The acrylic bathtub has thin movable walls. And although the frame is brought under the sides during installation, it will not be possible to fully lean on the edge of the bath. Moreover, you can't sit on its edge. This trick is only successful for people with low weight.
  

  Only a light weight person can sit on the edge

All these shortcomings are from the field of operation and maintenance, but it is worth knowing about all these nuances, so as not to be aware of the purchase.

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 may differ 3-5 times. It is not so much a matter of manufacturers' “appetites” as of production technology. Acrylic baths are made in three ways:

1. The so-called injection baths. The finished form is filled with acrylic. After it has hardened, the front surface is covered with a layer of fiberglass, filled with epoxy resin. The thickness of the acrylic layer with this method of production is the same - there are no thinner areas in the places of bends / bends. Since sanitary acrylic is expensive, baths made using this technology cost a lot.
   

   There are no layers on the cut of the casting bath

2. Made of acrylic sheet. In this case, the acrylic sheet is heated over the mold to softness, after which, with the help of vacuum, it is "sucked" into the mold and remains in it until it cools. Acrylic bathtubs made with this technology have different thicknesses. At the bottom, where the most active wear is usually taking place, the acrylic thickness is less, since the sheet stretching in this place is maximum. But, with good quality of the source material, the thickness of acrylic here is 3-4 mm, which is quite enough for long-term operation.
3. Extrusion or composite baths. Strictly speaking, these are not acrylic baths, 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, it is better not to buy these "works". The fact is that plastic and acrylic do not have very good adhesion and different temperature expansion. As a result, during operation, the protective surface peels off, the acrylic layer cracks, begins to peel off. It is for these products that there are many negative reviews.
   

   A very thin white layer - this is the acrylic layer in this instance

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

You can also see the thickness of the acrylic in the area of ​​the drain hole. It is clear that the thicker the white layer, the better. Another indirect sign of good quality is a large mass. It happens that baths from the same manufacturer have the same size, but the difference in weight is about 50%. The heavier one usually has more acrylic. Well, one more indicator is the price. Good acrylic baths are never cheap. Plumbing acrylic is an expensive material. The more it is, the more expensive the bath is. So "cheap and high quality" is not about this product.

Since it is impossible to outwardly understand by what technology this or that bath is made. Therefore, manufacturers supply their products with passports, which describe the manufacturing method, installation procedure and conditions, and the method of care. Before buying, you need to study this information and only then buy. And then, if everything suits you.

What's better

As you understand, the most expensive containers made using injection molding technology. They have a long service life and are easy to care for. Some manufacturers give them a 10-year warranty (subject to the installation and maintenance recommendations). This is a great choice, but not everyone can afford them. A good option is acrylic sheet bowls. They are quite reliable and have a relatively low price. Both options are good because they can be repaired if scratches or chips form.Scratches are polished, and chips are filled with a repair compound.

Composite baths are the cheapest segment, but they cannot be repaired. Chips and scratches will remain forever. There is one more thing: when using cheap acrylic, the surface is porous, dirt gets clogged into the pores. It is very difficult to remove it, because potent agents cannot be used. So it is difficult to care for such bathrooms. Even if the acrylic layer does not crack, they lose their appearance quickly.

Chips may appear, but they are being repaired

If you want to choose a good quality acrylic bathtub, take the time, go to the exhibition centers to see and touch specimens from different manufacturers. When examining, pay attention to the wall thickness. On the cut in the area of ​​the sides, you can evaluate how well the container is reinforced, and the thickness of the acrylic is also visible here. When examining, estimate how much the declared thickness of the acrylic layer corresponds to reality.

If you have chosen several brands, ask for the certificates before buying. Serious firms provide acrylic paper, as well as certify their products according to European and international standards. The presence of such securities is one of the signs of the seriousness of the campaign, and their absence is a reason to think: are you going to buy a fake.

Acrylic baths the best manufacturers

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

The forms are very different. There are wall, corner, freestanding

Ravak - good quality

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

To increase the strength of the containers, the finished acrylic bath is reinforced. Ravak reinforces some models with a metal mesh (glues them from below to ready-made containers), but more often they use several layers of fiberglass fabric, which is coated with a water-repellent compound. In any case, the total thickness of the walls of the acrylic bathtub is solid, even with a significant load, they do not really "walk".

Collection for small bathrooms - Ravak BeHappy

The assortment of this company includes a large number of bathtubs of classic, asymmetrical and unusual shapes. Since it can be problematic to find a curtain for containers of an unusual shape, some models are equipped with curtains (glass sliding ones). You can immediately get a bath and shower.

To make it easier to choose the bathroom fixtures, the bathtubs are produced as part of the collection. Most often, a washbasin is offered in addition to the bath. Such a pair usually matches perfectly in style and form, as they are developed together. They also offer a support (frame), a siphon with an overflow device, a headrest and a front panel (screen). So at Ravak you can not only choose an acrylic bathtub, but also pick up accessories for installation and installation.

Cersanit (Cersanit) - decent quality for a low price

The Polish company Cersanit produces sanitary ware made of porcelain / earthenware and acrylic. Prices, in comparison with other European manufacturers, are somewhat lower, the quality is high. Pleased with the abundance of shapes and sizes. There are containers of the usual rectangular shape, there are - rounded, streamlined. They can be installed near the wall, in the corner, in the center of the room. We should also mention the Cersanit Pure line.The surface of these baths is coated with a composition containing silver ions, which provide antibacterial protection.

At Cersanit factories, the bath bowl is molded from Lucite sheet acrylic. To make it more rigid, in loaded places, the container is reinforced with additional plates. So that during operation the surface does not lose its gloss, the inner part is filled with a layer of resin.

Cersanit - good quality, but often has a "chemical" smell

There are usually no complaints about the quality of Cersanite acrylic bathtubs, but the reviews note a strong smell that does not disappear for a long time. If you need inexpensive but high-quality plumbing, you can choose an acrylic bathtub from the Polish company Cersanit.

Kolo baths

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

If you want to choose an acrylic bathtub for convenience, take a look at the products of this company - they have various lines with interesting solutions. For example, the Kolo Komfort line has a beveled side, on which it is convenient to lean with your back while taking a bath. They have an anti-slip grooved bottom, they are large (in length from 150 to 170 cm). Also, this line can be equipped with a headrest and seat, which are fixed on specially shaped bumpers.

Forms - any. There are even doubles

The Kolo Mirra line is distinguished by its shape - they are rectangular on the outside and asymmetrical on the inside. They are also large - from 150 cm to 170 cm in length. They can be completed with handles for comfortable lifting, headrests.

Spring series containers are distinguished by their unusual shape with benches inside. These projections can also be used as tables or shelves for bathroom accessories. High quality acrylic is used in the production of this series.

Appollo - Italian-Chinese products

Like many European firms, Appollo moved production to China. At the same time, the quality of products did not become worse, and the price, due to the cheaper labor force, became 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. Moreover, some models are equipped not only with a drain system, but also with mixers. In others, you can pick up a branded mixer of the shape you like for an additional fee.

If you want to choose an acrylic bathtub with a custom look, Appollo has glass inserts

On request, the hot tubs are equipped with hydromassage, air massage, chromotherapy (changing the colors of the illumination in a certain rhythm). The mode of operation of all "additives" is regulated. The basic configuration includes height-adjustable legs and a headrest.

Russian manufacturers

The production of acrylic bathtubs and Russian campaigns did not pass by. 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 companies and a brief description of the products:

• Aquatek. Acrylic is used of good quality, but the walls of the containers are thin, and under load they “walk”. There is a frame (made of aluminum pipe), which should give them more rigidity, but according to reviews, there is not enough slats in it, so the bottom and sides still sag. With proper care, acrylic does not change color, but it is easily scratched.
• Triton. Acrylic is very good - it does not change color, hardly scratches.But the trouble with the package is not a very good frame, the drain / overflow system that comes with the kit has a short thread (it may have already been changed), therefore it is difficult to install it without leaks.
  

  If there is no frame, you can make it yourself

• 1MarKa (1Marka). The owners of these acrylic bathtubs complain about the strong smell that lasts for a long time. There are complaints about the uneven frame, there are even uncooked places, unevenly bent guides for the glass curtain.
• Bas (Bass). If we talk about containers without additional devices, then they have good reviews: the bottom is anti-slip (into a pimple), easy to clean, not scratched. As disadvantages, design flaws are indicated: the frame is not of the best design, in models with a mixer installed on the side, water flows through a hose under the bath.

In general, you can also choose an acrylic bathtub from Russian manufacturers. It may require some modifications during installation, but the containers themselves, in general, have good characteristics.