10 tips on how to choose an acrylic bathtub: sizes, thickness, manufacturers

A curious situation has developed in the acrylic bathtub segment: even with good theoretical training, you can buy an expensive model that will last only 5-10 years. How to choose a high-quality acrylic bathtub from a variety of models so that it pleases the eye for a very long time, is comfortable during water procedures, and at the same time costs an amount acceptable for the family budget, and let's talk. To do this, the editors of the StroyGuru website have summarized information on the selection criteria for hot tubs and manufacturers, and also compiled a rating of the best models.

No. 1. Acrylic baths: advantages and disadvantages

We'll talk about production technology a little later. First, let's find out the main advantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• light weight and easy to transport;
• a huge variety of shapes and sizes . Traditional rectangular and oval, round and corner, with lighting or hydromassage – acrylic bathtubs are available in a wide range, so you can choose the right product for a bathroom of any size. Moreover, at the production stage, the acrylic mass can be painted in the desired shade - we get a crazy assortment;
• acrylic retains heat , so the water in such a bathtub will cool slower than in cast iron or steel, by about 10C per 30 minutes;
• good sound insulation properties . If you were annoyed by the noise of water filling a steel bathtub, now your nervous system can rest - acrylic dampens noise well;
• smooth, pleasant surface that is easy to clean;
• excellent antibacterial properties. Mold will not appear on such a bathtub;
• sufficient strength, ease of restoration.

Now about the disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs :

• the cost is slightly higher than for cast iron and steel bathtubs;
• acrylic is inferior in strength to cast iron, so when installing it, you can’t do it with legs alone - you need a frame that will additionally support the bathtub and take on the load from the water and the bathing person;
• falling heavy objects can damage the surface of the bathtub;
• It is not recommended to use abrasive detergents - scratches may remain on the bathtub;
• Acrylic is not very resistant to high heat. We are talking about a temperature of +1600C, but under normal operating conditions this drawback will not manifest itself.
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The durability of an acrylic bathtub depends on many factors. A high-quality, albeit not the most expensive, sample can withstand active use for 10-12 years, and with proper care - even more.

It is difficult to say which bathtub is better, acrylic or cast iron, since much depends on the budget and the requirements put forward. If you don’t need sophisticated forms, and the budget for purchasing plumbing fixtures is small, then you can opt for the cast-iron option, but today such bathtubs are still being massively replaced by more modern acrylic ones.

ABS bathtubs

— Tell me, please, in more detail?

The first material is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a type of plastic. A very common material that has two cool characteristics - it is durable and inexpensive. Therefore, it is used to make many different products, such as fountain pens, rulers, bumpers, baseboards, car panels and much more, including bathtubs. And just during the manufacture of bathtubs, those shortcomings begin to appear, which in the case of a panel for a car were not fundamental at all.

Since the material is porous, it is quite difficult to care for. It gets dirty quickly and is difficult to wash. It is not resistant to ultraviolet radiation, which is why such a bath quickly turns yellow. Under the influence of temperature changes (cold and hot water), this material greatly increases in volume, and as a result of internal stress, cracks inevitably appear in the products. ABS is not resistant to coloring liquids, it is quite slippery and odorous. But, perhaps, its most important drawback is that bathtubs made of ABS are not repairable and cannot be updated. If we start polishing such a bathtub at home, the factory shine will go away and it will become matte. The lifespan of a bathtub made of such material is, in principle, calculated in decades, but, most likely, after 2-3 years it will completely lose its appearance.

The advantage of ABS material is its low cost. The price of baths varies from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. Our market mainly consists of such products. Of course, these baths are also needed, for example, in a rented apartment, in a country house, or when a person has just taken out a mortgage. In these cases, no one will buy an expensive option, but will prefer something more budget-friendly. But, if we have invested in tiles, good plumbing fixtures and want the beauty in our bathroom to last at least 10 years, this is not our option.

Photo by ReRooms Acrylic bathtub Ravak in the ReRooms design project

No. 2. Technology and material for making an acrylic bathtub

The technology for producing acrylic bathtubs is quite simple. The acrylic sheet is heated to a temperature when the material acquires good ductility and fluidity. Then it is placed under a press, which forms the shape of the bathtub. The reverse side of the bath is reinforced with a composite; polyester resins with fiberglass, or polyurethane, are often used. After this, all the necessary holes are drilled.

Acrylic bathtubs today refer to two different types of products , which are made from different materials:

• bathtubs made of cast acrylic are the best option. Such products are created on the basis polymethyl methacrylate. The compound is poured into sealed molds and undergoes polymerization in steam ovens. Such bathtubs are very strong, wear-resistant and durable, lasting at least 10-12 years. Additionally, the acrylic bowl receives a reinforcing base;

• co-extruded acrylic bathtubs, or two-layer plastic, ABS/PMMA. ABS is acrylonetrile butadiene styrene, an elastic plastic that forms the base of the bathtub and makes up about 90% of its mass. PMMA is the already familiar polymethyl methacrylate, also known as acrylic, of which there is only 5-10%. Such baths also receive a reinforcing base. They are produced by simultaneous extrusion and combination of melts of two substances. ABS plastic has a porous structure, so it can absorb moisture to a small extent. If such a bathtub is used frequently, the base will quickly collapse. The thin acrylic layer also wears off quickly, so the durability of such bathtubs is low.

At first glance, it is obvious which bath is better to choose. Of course, the one made from cast acrylic, even if it costs more. This is true in cases where you select plumbing fixtures for an apartment or house where you live permanently. For a country house with seasonal living, you can safely take a bathtub made of ABS/PMMA - the savings will be noticeable, and wear and tear under variable loads will not be catastrophic.

Conscientious manufacturers and sellers will always honestly say what material a particular bathtub is made of. But what to do if doubts creep in and you want to make sure that you are not being deceived? Everything is simple - just count how many layers the bathtub is made of , and to do this, look at the edge on the side. A bathtub made of cast acrylic will have only two layers: acrylic and a reinforcing base. A cheaper option made from co-extruded acrylic is distinguished by the presence of three layers: acrylic, plastic and base.

Rating of leading manufacturers

Not all acrylic bathtubs receive high ratings from consumers. And most often these are low-quality products from Chinese manufacturers. Unscrupulous manufacturers disguise poor quality products as all sorts of bells and whistles.

When choosing a Chinese-made bathtub, do not give in to the temptation to compensate for the quality with additional options: you can do without musical accompaniment, but not everyone has the opportunity to replace the bowl after a year of service

It is believed that the best acrylic bathtubs are produced in Europe. This is confirmed by numerous reviews from users who successfully use the plumbing fixtures.

Among the manufacturers that have proven themselves in the plumbing equipment market, the four leaders are:

1. Vagnerplast , a Czech manufacturer, acts as a benchmark for others in the field of selling high-quality sanitary ware, using only European cast acrylic in its production. The product is guaranteed for a period of 10 years.
2. Pool Spa - a Polish company produces products that comply with the Dutch KIVA standard, the German DIN standard and has an ISO 9002 safety certificate. The product range includes both simple models from the Primo or Agualino series, and sophisticated options from the "Primo" or "Agualino" series. Relax" or "Laguna".
3. Jacob Delafon is a French manufacturer that produces certified products with a 7-year warranty. The key to its success is its comprehensive approach, which is confirmed by leading sales in foreign markets.
4. Riho - a Dutch company uses sophisticated technological equipment in production, which allows differentiated heating of the acrylic sheet to obtain the same thickness of the bowl walls. The company specializes in the production of compact and comfortable bowls of asymmetrical shapes.

The average price of plumbing fixtures from these manufacturers ranges from 8-15 thousand rubles. If the bathtub kit includes additional equipment, the cost, accordingly, increases to 20 thousand and above.

Among domestic manufacturers, the leading place is occupied by acrylic bathtubs of the “Triton” brand, which in terms of variety of functions and quality of material are not inferior to foreign analogues

In recent years, there has been growth dynamics in the production and sale of high-quality Russian-made products. The price of domestic products is one level lower, and the quality is practically not inferior to European ones.

A clear example of this is the Russian companies Radomir, Aquatek and Bas. All of them produce a wide range of sanitary ware, both affordable and more elite price categories.

By adhering to the conditions listed above, be sure that the acrylic bathtub you like and research will be the best. You won't have to go back to selecting a new model for the next twenty years.

No. 3. How thick should an acrylic bathtub be?

We will not surprise anyone if we say that the thickness of an acrylic bathtub and its durability are directly proportional . You can evaluate the thickness of a particular sample right in the store by looking at the end of the bathtub rim. Thickness ranges from 2 to 6.5 mm:

• products with a thickness of 2-3 mm are the cheapest, but are durable for 3-4 years;
• bathtubs with a thickness of about 4 mm under constant loads can last about 7 years;
• bathtubs with a thickness of 5-6.5 mm are long-lived and can last 10-12 years.

Sometimes you can find samples about 8 mm thick . They are expensive, and it is not easy to give them complex shapes. However, it often turns out that it is not acrylic at all, but several layers of plastic.

Summing up

When purchasing an acrylic bathtub, first read online reviews and identify the manufacturer. Check out the available assortment in stores and get to know the model you like in person. Ask the consultant to provide technical information; in addition, it is advisable to refer to the original source - the manufacturer’s website. Check out reviews online.

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No. 4. Pay attention to the reinforcing layer

If acrylic bathtubs were made without a reinforcing layer, they would not withstand heavy loads. Many people are accustomed to evaluating different bathtub samples, so to speak, from above, looking at the snow-white acrylic and analyzing the dimensions. It also doesn’t hurt to look “under the body” and look at the reinforcing layer. There are few options for its implementation:

• a layer of polyurethane , which is dark in color, has sufficient strength, is environmentally friendly and odorless. This is ideal for a bath;
• layer of a mixture of ester resins and fiberglass inferior in strength and characterized by an unpleasant odor, which manifests itself when heated to high temperatures. This reinforcement has a rough surface and sharp edges, so during installation you must be especially careful not to get hurt.
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The reinforcing layer should not be thin. This can again be assessed by the end of the side. However, some cunning sellers deliberately make the sides thicker, knowing that buyers who are knowledgeable and savvy in matters of choosing an acrylic bathtub will definitely look at the ends. The rest of the bath receives a thinner layer of reinforcing layer, so it doesn’t hurt to carry out additional experiments. You can lightly press the bottom of the bathtub and its walls with your hand: normally, the material should not sag.

For another check, you will need a flashlight or laser pointer. It is necessary to lean the switched-on flashlight against the bottom of the bowl and look from the back to see if the light penetrates. You can fold your palms and look into the hole formed between them to assess as accurately as possible whether some of the rays pass through the material. A sufficient layer of acrylic and reinforcement will not allow a drop of light to pass through. Remember that the thickness of the reinforcing layer must be uniform throughout the entire bathroom.

StroyGuru's editor's choice in terms of price and quality ratio (not advertising)

When preparing the material, the biggest problem was created by the last section of the article - none of the site team has their own acrylic bathtubs. After much discussion, we settled on the “Gemy” G9041 K model, made in China. Its average cost is 114.0 thousand rubles. Let us immediately note that for many Russians the price is prohibitive.

For us, the most important results of the comparison were: similar models from European manufacturers are sold from 450.0 to 888.0 thousand rubles. At the same time, the given price (114.0 thousand rubles) includes all modern “snacks”:

• aero- and hydromassage;
• built-in ozonation system;
• radio;
• telephone;
• electronic systems control panel.

But it was not only additional options that became the reason for the choice. The model has undoubted advantages:

• very large depth - 66 cm;
• complete set - no need to buy anything additional;
• the ability to create a romantic mood thanks to the built-in water lighting;
• anti-slip bottom coating;
• the presence of a seat in the configuration;
• ergonomic headrest;
• stylish design (the female part of the editorial staff really liked it);
• the opportunity to take a bath together (men already appreciated this).

It's rare, but you can find a product that has no downsides. This is exactly the case here - neither buyers nor experts found any flaws in the “Gemy” G9041 K.

In conclusion, there is a huge selection of acrylic bathtubs in the plumbing market. Which model to choose is up to the buyer to decide. For our part, we provide as complete information (recommendations) as possible for each selection criterion, focusing on official documents from manufacturers, expert opinions and consumer reviews.

No. 5. What should be the surface of an acrylic bathtub?

The internal surface should be smooth, glossy and free of flaws in the form of scratches, bumps or roughness. All these defects are a sign of a fake or a product of not very high quality, which is unlikely to serve you faithfully for ten years.

Experts advise checking the quality of the surface by pressing your palm against the walls of the bathtub. The palm seems to stick a little to a perfectly smooth surface (a mirror is the best example), so with good acrylic there should be approximately the same effect.

Expert advice

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

• Before purchasing 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 ask about the thickness of the material. A cut on the end of the side with two layers of acrylic and reinforcement indicates a design made of PMMA, the presence of three layers indicates that the product is made of ABS.
• It is necessary to take into account that the cut along the side shows the maximum thickness of the acrylic; accordingly, the walls are much thinner. Special attention is paid to the side cuts of the curved edges.
• It is necessary to check the bottom and walls of the bath for roughness and unevenness. The acrylic bathtub has an ideally smooth inner surface with a shine.
• There should be no odors coming from the surface, including from the outside. A pungent odor is an indicator of poor quality materials and non-compliance with production technologies. There may even be the presence of slightly toxic substances.
• Acrylic bathtubs are mounted on an auxiliary support frame. It is necessary that this metal frame be of high quality, and with a reserve it can withstand the weight of a person and the water necessary for taking a bath. The dismountable or welded structure includes supports at the corners of the tank, intermediate ribs and height-adjustable legs.
• When buying an acrylic bathtub, you should focus on the affordable price category. Plumbing with an excellent reputation has a price that fully corresponds to the quality.
• Ensure safe use - models are made of cast acrylic, which does not require an anti-slip coating or special mats.
• Even high-quality acrylic bathtubs have disadvantages. For example, products are sensitive to powders and alcohol-containing products. Therefore, in order to preserve the appearance of the plumbing fixtures for a long time and avoid scratches on the surface of the bathtub, cleaning products should be used without abrasives and aggressive chemicals.

Watch more video tips from popular experts.

No. 6. Acrylic bathtub size

In terms of size, it’s more difficult to give advice. Everyone, when deciding which acrylic bathtub to choose, must take into account the size of the bathroom and their own requirements for the comfort of water procedures. The main thing is that the product is comfortable for all family members.

You can focus on the following ergonomic tips:

• the side of the bath should be located at a height of 65-70 cm from the floor. Adults, teenagers, and children can easily get into such a bathtub;
• the depth of the bath (the distance from the bottom of the bowl to the overflow hole) should be 50-60 cm. If the bath is shallower, the water may not cover the entire body; if it is deeper, you will have to hold your head awkwardly so as not to choke;
• the width sufficient for one person of average build is 75-80 cm, but there are a lot of wider products on sale;
• length usually ranges from 120 to 180 cm and can be even longer. The choice depends on the height of the family members and the available space in the bathroom. A bathtub 120 cm long is very inconvenient; in a bathtub 150 cm long, the knees of tall people will be bent, and a product 165-170 cm long with a headrest is perfect for people with a height of up to 180 cm.

On sale you can find simply gigantic bathtubs that can accommodate 2 or even 3 people at the same time. Such luxury costs a lot of money, and it cannot fit in every home.

Criterias of choice

Each buyer has his own criteria for choosing baths. Among them:

• the price of the bowl is for Russian consumers one of the main characteristics of purchased plumbing fixtures;
• the thickness of the acrylic bathtub, or rather its walls, directly affects the service life of the product;
• material - determines the strength of the font and its durability;
• sizes. In modern homes, where you can install a bathtub of any size, the length and depth of the bowls create comfortable conditions for taking water procedures. In “Khrushchev” and similar series of old houses, there is a different task: placing a bathtub in a limited space. Here, the small area of ​​bathrooms and combined bathrooms dictates the size of the plumbing fixtures;
• shape - affects the interior design of the room;
• strength - determines the service life of the product;
• the presence of additional options affects the bathing conditions.

Price factor

You can buy an acrylic bowl for 3.5 thousand rubles, and for more than 850.0 thousand rubles. Let us immediately recall the popular wisdom: a good thing cannot be cheap. Therefore, you should immediately dismiss options with a bathtub costing up to 10.0 thousand rubles. It's a composite. And its service life is about 5 years.

In this case, after a couple of years, problems will begin with the inner surface: it will begin to become cloudy and rub through to the underlying plastic layer (regular maintenance slowly wears off the acrylic coating, which in cheap options is only 0.2-0.3 mm). Therefore, professionals advise that it is better to buy a steel bathtub for little money - it will last longer and there will be less hassle in maintenance.

Acrylic bathtubs need to be chosen in two price sectors:

• composite - in the range of 10.0-14.0 thousand rubles. (more expensive composite models are inferior in comparison with inexpensive plumbing fixtures made of cast acrylic, and therefore the option of purchasing bowls made of pure acrylic for a slightly higher price seems more practical);
• cast acrylic - 20.0-30.0 thousand rubles.

With available free financial resources, there are no price restrictions - you can choose a bathtub according to your taste: size, shape and the availability of additional options.

Thickness

A unique situation has arisen in the construction industry where the wall thickness of acrylic bathtubs is the most important performance indicator. Even for all types of insulation, this evaluation criterion is behind the heat capacity. But the whole point is that for plumbing fixtures, the thickness of the bowl determines the price, and is also responsible for the strength of the product. Continuing the chain, it is logical to write that the durability of the bathtub also depends on the criterion. After all, anyone of sound mind and sober memory understands that a product made of thicker material is stronger, and, therefore, more durable.

This is where a catch awaits the unprepared buyer. In the case of acrylic bathtubs, everything is a little different. Thus, a bathtub made of composite acrylic with walls 5 mm thick will last almost half as long as a bowl made of cast acrylic 4 mm thick. Therefore, before purchasing the model you like, you first need to look at the cut. If there are 3 layers: acrylic inside, ABS plastic in the middle, and a reinforcing layer on the outside, then this is an extruded material. Such models of plumbing fixtures have very good strength, but a short service life. Two layers for bathtubs made of 100% acrylic.

Therefore, there should be two completely different approaches to assessing wall thickness.

1. With composite bowls, it is not the thickness of the material from which the bath is made that is important (although this is also worth paying some attention to), but the size of the acrylic layer on the surface. Ideally it should be 0.4-0.5 mm. But it is impossible to verify this in practice. Therefore, manufacturers do not bother with this topic, putting on sale products with a coating layer of 0.2-0.3 mm.
2. Bathtubs made of pure acrylic with a wall thickness of 5-7 mm will last 15-20 years, 4-5 mm - 10-15 years, up to 4 mm - about 10 years (depending on the frequency of water procedures). Accurate data can only be obtained by measuring the wall in the area of ​​the cut hole for the overflow. The sides show the original thickness of the sheet (during the vacuum forming process the sheet is stretched, becoming thinner), and at the drainage point there is an average value of the thickness between the sides and the walls (the bottom does not stretch as much).

Dimensions

The dimensions of acrylic bathtubs are important for two reasons.

1. In Soviet-built houses, the area of ​​combined bathrooms and bathrooms is limited. Therefore, for such premises, first of all, you need to look at whether the purchased plumbing fixtures will fit into the space vacated by the old bathroom.
2. The length, width and depth of the bowl affect the conditions for taking water procedures - correctly selected sizes make it possible to lie in the bath very comfortably.

According to the advice of experts in the field of ergonomics, the optimal parameters for bowls are:

• the height of the side above the floor level is 60-70 cm. These values ​​are ideal for all family members: children, adults, the elderly;
• depth - 50-60 cm (measured from the bottom overflow point to the drain). When studying this parameter, you need to take into account that a shallow bathtub does not allow you to immerse the entire body of a bathing person in the water, and a too deep bathtub is uncomfortable due to the position of the head - it is inconvenient to hold above the surface of the water;
• length - 150-180 cm. It is selected according to the height of the tallest person in the family and must correspond to him. If there is a headrest, the length can be reduced by 10-15 cm;
• width - 80-100 cm. For obese people, the parameter increases by 10 cm.

How comfortable the length of a bathtub creates for the average person is well illustrated by the pictures below.

Attention: the illustration is taken from open sources. Unfortunately, there is a gross error on it: the overflow is not shown, and therefore the depth does not correspond to reality.

To summarize:

• The specific dimensions of the font are influenced by the height and physique of the owners. Indeed, in a standard bathtub (length 170 cm), a tall person will either sit or lie with his legs bent;
• The given figures allow you to understand how to choose the right acrylic bathtub in terms of dimensions for the owner’s physique.

Form

The plasticity of polymer materials allows the bowls of home baths to be given a wide variety of shapes. Casting is carried out using the vacuum thermal molding method. This production technology does not allow complex shapes to be obtained from a sheet of cast acrylic 7-8 mm thick - the raw material is not able to repeat all the bends of the template. Therefore, when purchasing plumbing fixtures with complex geometry, you need to remember that their wall thickness is only 3-4 mm, and therefore the risks of deformation and mechanical damage increase significantly. If such a moment does not bother you, then thanks to the original forms of plumbing fixtures you can get an interesting bathroom design.

An analysis of demand shows that bathtubs with classic, rectangular shapes still lead in popularity. In second place are corner fonts with symmetrical and asymmetrical bowls. They are mainly bought for houses of old construction - a font with a large volume of water can be “squeezed” into a tight space.

Round and oval plumbing fixtures can only be installed in spacious rooms - they require a lot of space. Due to their originality and exclusivity, such forms are also in demand.

All other bowl casting options are mainly purchased for design projects.

Strength

The material from which acrylic bathtubs are made does not itself have sufficient strength for use (although the composite is more advanced in this regard than pure acrylic). Therefore, the outside of the bowl is reinforced with a reinforcing layer of fiberglass, which is dissolved in epoxy resin, or polyurethane foam (PPU). There are a few points to consider here:

• Using polyurethane foam to strengthen the body of a bathtub allows you to obtain more durable products, while being completely safe for human health. The problem is the higher cost of reinforcement;
• polyurethane resins in combination with fiberglass are not inferior in strength to polyurethane foam. Significantly cheaper. A persistent, pungent chemical odor inhibits application;
• Epoxy resins with dissolved glass fiber have an affordable price, there are no problems with environmental friendliness, but their strength is also lower. Therefore, if it is necessary to increase the strength of the font, several reinforcing layers of epoxy are applied or polyurethane foam is used, which is almost equivalent in strength and price.

Some Russian manufacturers additionally strengthen the walls and bottom of composite baths with chipboard linings, covering them with epoxy resin. Such products are considered by specialists to be second-tier bathtubs (very cheap).

You can check the quality of the reinforcement with a smartphone flashlight. It is believed that the sides should not be visible. But this is in theory. In practice, even with famous brands, not everything is smooth. Let's hope they know what products they are offering to the buyer.

Additional options

Unlike cast iron bathtubs, acrylic bowls allow you to install many additional options:

• headrests;
• pens;
• different stands;
• aero- and hydromassage, turning the bathtub into a jacuzzi. In this case, the nozzles can rotate, changing the direction of the jets;
• diode lighting that tints water jets in certain colors, which in combination with hydro and aeromassage enhances the beneficial effects of water procedures on the human body (the experts who proposed such a lighting system claim that it has anti-inflammatory properties and also stimulates blood circulation);
• built-in plasma TVs, game consoles, telephones, speakers for listening to music, etc.;
• connecting via Wi-Fi to a smart home system and much more.

When buying a bathtub with bells and whistles, you should remember that high-quality additional options are only available from well-known brands.

We looked at the criteria by which you can determine which acrylic bathtub is of better quality. The process can be simplified if you know the best manufacturers in advance.

No. 7. Shape and color of acrylic bathtub

Unlike cast iron, acrylic allows you to create bathtubs of almost any shape. The most common baths are:

• rectangular is a classic that will be appropriate in almost any bathroom. Such products are quite convenient, but many may accuse them of being simple;
• oval bathtubs – also a fairly common option, it looks more interesting than rectangular bathtubs, in terms of convenience and compactness they are on par;

• round bathtubs look very impressive, they have decent dimensions, but there will be enough space for swimming. Such products will decorate the bathroom, but will be appropriate only in fairly large rooms;
• Corner baths allow you to use every square centimeter of the room to your advantage. In addition, they look very good, but due to the increased width in the corner area, some problems may arise during washing;
• asymmetrical bathtubs complex shapes will make the interior unique and emphasize your own taste. A special chic is a bathtub with a transparent glass insert. The main problem with asymmetrical bathtubs is the difficulty in finishing after installation, so when purchasing, it is better to immediately take a special panel that will act as a screen.

The choice of the shape of an acrylic bathtub entirely depends on the area of ​​the room and everyone’s personal preferences . To some extent, the shape is also influenced by the chosen interior style.

As for the shade , glossy snow-white is a universal, win-win option. If you want to move away from this standard and choose a colored bathtub, then think carefully about how harmoniously the bowl will combine with other plumbing fixtures and the interior. Bathtubs in bluish and turquoise tones look good, giving the water a marine tint, but you need to be very careful with all the color options. The rule “measure seven times, cut once” applies here.

Reviews

It took me a long time to choose a bath. In the end, I bought acrylic and did not regret it. The main thing in choosing is a wall thickness of at least 6–7 mm. <…> Does it hold heat enough? to pamper for about 30 minutes. No deformations were detected when completely filled with water and the weight of the human body. One small drawback is that after bathing and draining the water, soapy water stains remain on the walls, but they can be removed even with a simple rag. The scratch can also be removed - almost with a rag. Satisfied. Don't buy Chinese steel for this money! and cast iron will be 2 times more expensive!

1111https://www.woman.ru/home/Interior/thread/3854246/

Nowadays there are bathtubs made from acrylic sheet 2-4 mm, less often - 6 mm. You don’t need to trust the seller’s word, you need to check these numbers yourself. All the sides are layered, everything can be seen perfectly.

Vladimir Evteev https://idealnijdom.ru/kak-vybrat-kachestvennuyu-akrilovuyu-vannu/

A hot tub is a breeding ground for infections. Therefore, a disinfection system is the main requirement. The noise of such a bath will only relax the deaf. The complete impression is that you are flying on a tractor. The bathtub itself is extremely unreliable by design, which makes its installation extremely controversial. Any plans to have a bathtub built into the trim may cause problems with bathtub renovations in the future. Only an island installation will create a uniquely repairable bathtub. There is, however, the option of installing it above the ladder, which will eliminate the need for a curtain and a seal with the wall.

cineman https://forum.cok.ru/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21277

No. 8. Metal frame for acrylic bathtub

The bathtub, made of cast acrylic, is able to retain its shape when filled with water. A bathtub made of ABS plastic with an acrylic coating may be slightly deformed under water load. In any case, the bathtub bowl requires reinforcement with a special welded or prefabricated metal frame. After installation, the frame is hidden behind decorative overlays or tiles. Typically, manufacturers complete bathtubs with suitable screens so that everything looks harmonious, and conscientious companies make screens from the same acrylic as the bathtub itself. Some companies, trying to save money, make the screen out of plastic, and then the surface of the bowl and the lining can vary quite significantly.

The cheapest option is a welded or prefabricated structure that covers only the bottom of the bath and takes on the vertical water pressure. A more reliable and expensive frame also has side elements that will support the walls of the bathtub.

What's better

As you understand, the most expensive containers are 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 installation and maintenance recommendations). This is an excellent choice, but not everyone can afford such baths. A good option is bowls made of sheet acrylic. They are quite reliable and have a relatively low price. Both options are good because if scratches or chips form, they can be repaired. Scratches are polished, and chips are filled with repair compound.

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

Chips may appear, but they can be repaired

If you want to choose a good quality acrylic bathtub, take the time to go to exhibition centers to see and touch samples from different manufacturers. When inspecting, pay attention to the thickness of the walls. 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 inspecting, estimate how much the declared thickness of the acrylic layer corresponds to reality.

If you have chosen several brands, inquire about certificates before purchasing. Serious companies provide acrylic paper and also certify their products according to European and international standards. The presence of such papers is one of the signs of the seriousness of the campaign, and their absence is a reason to wonder whether you are about to buy a fake.

No. 9. Additional functions of an acrylic bathtub

The main advantage of acrylic bathtubs is the ability to equip them with a lot of additional functions and turn an ordinary bathroom into a kind of spa. Typically, the following options may be present as additional features:

• jacuzzi. Everyone is accustomed to calling acrylic hydromassage bathtubs jacuzzi after the name of the Italian Jacuzzi, who is the author of this idea. The operating principle of such a bath is as follows. A special motor takes some of the water from the filled bath and returns it to the bowl through special nozzles that mix water with air. An aerated stream of water, supplied under pressure, creates a massage effect, relaxes and tones muscles, and allows a person to relax. When choosing an acrylic bathtub with hydromassage, pay attention to the quality of the nozzles - ideally they should be metal, not plastic. Also pay attention to the nature of their placement. It is advisable that the pump does not make much noise during operation. Naturally, the water pressure from the nozzles must be regulated;

• chromotherapy often combined with hydromassage, but can be used separately. This is achieved through blue LED lighting with prismatic reflectors built into the side walls of the bathroom. In theory, this effect on the skin stimulates blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of future chromotherapy procedures by looking at a bathtub. It all depends on the power of the backlight and its focusing;

• There are bathtubs that can be built into a smart home system via Wi-Fi, but for many these capabilities still seem like an unnecessary extravagance, and there is some truth in this.

If your goal is to buy an acrylic bathtub with hydromassage, then preference should be given only to large, trusted manufacturers, since we are talking about a rather complex system.

How to decide on the manufacturer

Among the Russian, largest and most advanced manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs, the products of Bell Rado, Doctor Jet, Aquatek, Radomir stand out, this also includes the products of the Russian-German company Aquatika. Each of these manufacturers is considered the largest, for this reason, in pursuit of status and prestige, each of these manufacturers tries to produce only high-quality plumbing fixtures. On average, an acrylic bathtub produced in Russia costs from 45,000 rubles to 75,000 rubles.

Among foreign manufacturers, priority in quality, and how could it be without this, Germany and Italy hold the palm in prices. These are plumbing fixtures from companies such as Sunrans, GNT (Germany) and Artceram, BelBagno, Novellini Elysium (Italy). The quality of acrylic bathtubs is very high, but the average price starts from 55,000 rubles and can reach up to 200,000 rubles.

With more reasonable prices and fairly high-quality products, plumbing fixtures from Czech, Polish, and Spanish manufacturers are represented on the Russian market. Among Czech products, the most popular brand is Ravak. The price segment of plumbing fixtures from these countries has a very wide range from 7,000 rubles to 50,000 rubles, depending on the specific model and its functionality.

A very simple and cheap acrylic bathtub can be purchased from manufacturers in China or Turkey. Of course, they also have brands, for example, Eago (Hong Kong), but if you take an estimate of the models that are presented on the market, you can come to the conclusion that for 6,000 - 30,000 rubles, it is quite possible to purchase plumbing fixtures.

What material is of the highest quality?

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

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

What strength is suitable?

Acrylic bowls have low strength because they are made of flexible and pliable plastic. To strengthen, a reinforcing layer with epoxy is applied to the outside. The more layers of reinforcement, the stronger the acrylic bathtub becomes.

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