How to choose an acrylic bathtub - purchasing rules

The modern plumbing market offers a huge number of models of acrylic bathtubs, differing in size, design, and quality. The decision on which acrylic bathtub to choose must be informed and take into account the various characteristics of the product.

Features of acrylic bathtubs

Manufacturing technology and materials

Acrylic is an inorganic adhesive rubber-like polymer from which bathtubs are made in the following way:

• Cast acrylic is produced by pouring the monomer (with dyes, hardeners, and other components) into prepared silicate molds and subsequent polymerization. This material is very durable.
• Extruded acrylic is produced by pressing, and as a result it has less strength and is prone to spontaneous cracking.

[note]Products made from extruded acrylic are suitable only for occasional use, for example, in the country, where it can last about 10 years. For use in a place of permanent residence, as evidenced by user reviews, a bathtub made of cast acrylic is better suited, the service life of which can reach 25 years.[/note]

Pros and cons of acrylic plumbing

Advantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• The products are durable and not fragile (unlike cast iron)
• Light weight, making them easy to transport and install
• Low thermal conductivity, allowing water to remain warm for a long time
• Ease of maintenance and repair
• A large assortment of colors that last the entire service life of the product
• A variety of shapes due to the plasticity of the material.

Disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• Easily damaged and scratched
• Wall deformation over time
• The need to purchase a special frame
• Higher price compared to steel and cast iron plumbing.

Choosing an acrylic bathtub

The dimensions and shape of the product must correspond to the dimensions and design of the room, and must also be selected based on the size of the people for whom it is intended. With the existing sewerage and water supply wiring, the connection parameters to it are taken into account.

Before choosing an acrylic bathtub in a store, it is recommended to check a number of its technical characteristics:

1. The surface of the product must be perfectly smooth and even - the presence of scratches, dents, and roughness indicates a defect.
2. The bottom of the bathroom should be smooth - the presence of “anti-slip” grooves and bumps, as a rule, hides the poor quality of the coating.
3. The bathroom coating should be uniform, without smudges or streaks, and of the same tone.
4. The thickness of the acrylic is determined by the edge of the side, which has a layered structure. The top layer is acrylic. Usually the thickness of this layer is 2-4 mm, less often – 6 mm. The larger it is, the stronger and more durable the product.

   A good product is distinguished by high quality acrylic

[note]You can also check the thickness of acrylic by shining a flashlight into the bathroom from inside. If it is translucent, the material is thin and can deform under load.[/note]

5. The quantity and quality of reinforcement is determined similarly to acrylic.
6. You can check the strength by knocking on the product in different places - the sound should be dull.
7. The bathtub should not emit any odors, including from the outside. The presence of a pungent odor indicates the low quality of the materials used and the manufacturer’s failure to comply with the technology - in some cases, the product may even emit slightly toxic substances.
8. One of the guidelines on how to choose the right plumbing fixtures can be its cost - it should not be very affordable. Products from manufacturers that have earned a good reputation in the market are priced according to their quality.

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Manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs

Plumbing manufacturers owe their popularity to the quality of their products. Deciding

Which company to choose an acrylic bathtub, you need to pay attention to brands that have an impeccable reputation among consumers and have been on the market for a long time. The most popular are Aqualux, Ravak, Сersanit, Jacob Delafon, Timo, Kolo, Novial, Pool Spa.

Product features of some brands:

• Ravak (Czech Republic) produces popular acrylic bathtubs in Europe with a wall thickness of 5-6 mm and a fiberglass backing, which provides them with high rigidity. The product range includes many asymmetrical, angular and designer models, but the company does not produce accessories for some of them.
• Cersanit (Poland) produces comfortable bathtubs that have an affordable price and a 7-year warranty. The 4 mm thickness of the acrylic product does not allow the installation of hydromassage.
• Kolo (Poland) produces models of both laconic and original shapes. The company's baths meet Dutch and German quality standards, have safety certificates, and many awards and medals. The rigidity of the product is not sufficient for the installation of hydromassage.
• PoolSpa (Spain) produces expensive bathtubs that are richly equipped, highly durable and ideal for installing lighting, hydromassage and other things.

The huge variety of these products on the world market allows you to resolve issues when purchasing acrylic bathtubs: how to choose a manufacturer, equipment, design, product sizes. We hope our article helped you understand the issue.