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

Expert Advice

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

• Before you buy 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 inspect your favorite model and inquire about the thickness of the material. A slice on the end of the rim, which has two layers of acrylic and reinforcement, indicates a PMMA structure, the presence of three layers indicates that the product is made of ABS.
• Be sure to take into account the fact that the cut along the side shows the maximum thickness of acrylic, respectively, the walls are much thinner. Special attention is paid to side cuts of curved edges.
• It is required to check the bottom and walls of the bath for roughness and bumps. The acrylic bathtub has a gloss-perfect inner surface.
• No odors should come from the surface, including from the outside. A pungent odor is an indicator of poor quality materials and non-compliance with manufacturing technologies. Perhaps the presence of slightly toxic substances.
• Acrylic bathtubs are mounted on an auxiliary supporting frame. It is necessary that this metal frame be of high quality, and with a margin can withstand the weight of a person and the water necessary for taking a bath. Disassembled or welded construction includes supports at the corners of the tank, intermediate ribs and legs adjustable in height.
• When buying an acrylic bath, you should focus on the democratic price range. Plumbing with an excellent reputation has a price that is fully consistent with quality.
• Provide safe use - cast acrylic models on which you do not need to apply an anti-slip coating or use special rugs.
• Even quality acrylic bathtubs have disadvantages. For example, products are sensitive to powdered products and alcohol-containing preparations. Therefore, in order to preserve the appearance of plumbing for a long time and to avoid the appearance of scratches on the surface of the bath, compositions 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 bathtubs are composite models with a highly layered or monolithic structure. Designs are made of polymer - extruded or molded acrylic.

There are two ways to make acrylic bathtubs. The budget option is the model 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 longer-lasting are baths made from pure polymethyl methacrylate having a service life of 10 to 12 years.

What should be the thickness?

The durability, wear resistance and life of the model are affected 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 from about 6 to 8 millimeters. Low-grade and low-cost products have acrylic walls with a thickness of 2 to 5 millimeters.

Often, in order to increase the thickness of the walls and the base, the bath is coated on the back with a reinforcing layer such as extrusion acrylic or reinforcing material.

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

Determining the thickness of the reinforcement is only possible visually from the end of the acrylic bathtub. In case of doubt about the reliability of the design, the central part of the bowl can be slightly pressed with your hand. Good material should be resilient and not bend

How to choose the optimal shape and size?

Due to the plasticity of the acrylic material, in addition to the distinguished classic models, 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 perform sanitary ware with interesting shapes. Therefore, such acrylic baths are chosen correctly and carefully.

From the size of the plumbing, its comfort and performance completely depend. Given the requirements of the most convenient use, there are optimal parameters.

Acrylic bathtub should have a height of 65 to 70 centimeters from the floor. These values ​​are well suited for both adults and children.

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

Depth is measured from the bottom drain to the overflow level. This determines how much water can be poured. Basically, the depth limit is from 50 to 60 centimeters. Too much depth is uncomfortable for those lying in the bath. Due to its 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 growth of the highest of all family members. If the model is not equipped with a headrest, then its length can exactly match the height of a bathing person. In the presence of a head restraint, for a person 1.8 meters tall, it is appropriate to choose an acrylic bathtub from 165 to 170 centimeters.

Against the background of a steel and cast-iron bathtub, acrylic bowls stand out due to unique shapes. Using the unique properties of a polymer material that responds to high temperature extremes and remains flexible in the event of cooling, manufacturers are able to achieve a wide variety of configurations.

For a small bathroom, typical of a city apartment, a compact rectangular model is perfect. A similar sanitary product 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. Classical bathtubs sometimes include items in the form of side handles or armrests.

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

A spacious room involves the installation of any model. An interesting solution is the acrylic bathtubs of a round or oval shape located in the center.

What strength is right?

Acrylic bowls have low strength as they are made of flexible and plastic plastic. For reinforcement, a reinforcing layer with epoxy is applied to the outside.The more layers during 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 the low weight of this plumbing involves simplified transportation, installation and dismantling during repair. The weight of the bath is thirty kilograms, and the cast-iron product weighs 80-150 kg.

What additional options to take?

Due to auxiliary parameters, acrylic bathtubs make the adoption of water procedures pleasant and comfortable. To improve the comfort during bathing, almost all plumbing is equipped with head restraints, supports or armrests.

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

Another option that children will especially enjoy 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 paints water jets 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 is common with a special shelf for a laptop or product with an integrated panel with a plasma TV. In the jacuzzi, Wi-Fi or a direct connection to the central system of a smart home is possible. Such acrylic bathtubs meet any preferences and requirements.

What about brands?

According to experts, it is recommended not to save on the purchase of an acrylic bath and give preference to proven brands that can last for many years.

The market represents a large number of models of different levels of quality and price category. Manufacturers offer plumbing made of acrylic of any color of the rainbow. A win-win and universal solution is a glossy snow-white bath. When choosing a non-standard colored bowl, a harmonious combination with other plumbing and the interior is important.

German and Italian designs are considered expensive and high-quality. These foreign manufacturers prioritize quality. Allocate plumbing 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 made 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, 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 indicators. For its manufacture, new technologies are applied. In 2000, the Russian company created the first rectangular bathtubs. In 2001, designs with angular and asymmetric bowls appeared. Taking into account the wishes of consumers, both economical tanks and expensive premium acrylic bathtubs are produced.

ROCA GROUP (Roca Group) - a brand from Spain with retail outlets located in 170 countries. One of the world leaders in the production of sanitary equipment.

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

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

Gemy (Jamie) - a company from Germany that produces devices from acrylic. Models belong to the premium class, are quality and reliable.

Belbagno (BelBango) is a trademark of Italy. Products are made in accordance with ISO standards and a guarantee of 10 years.

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

Bas (Bass) - is a leading manufacturer of acrylic devices with hydromassage in the CIS countries and Russia. In the creation of tanks used American and Italian equipment. Fonts are available in various shapes and sizes.

Aquanet (Aquanet) - a company from Russia, which focuses on the environmental friendliness and harmlessness of products. In terms of quality, 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 brand name SANTEK (Santek). The collection includes tanks of various shapes and sizes. The devices are equipped with European components and complemented by a hydromassage function.

Aquatek (Aquatec) - goods are manufactured using special vacuum molding equipment, which ensures the durability of acrylic plumbing. Brand advantage in full value for money. The tanks are light in weight, have good sound insulation and thermal conductivity, as well as easy installation.

Kolo (Kolo) is a Polish company that produces both concise and original acrylic bathtubs in accordance with German and Dutch quality standards. This company is famous for its many awards and safety certificates. Products are characterized by insufficient rigidity, which is why installation of hydromassage is impossible.

POOL SPA (Pool Spa) - a Spanish manufacturer of expensive acrylic bathtubs. Plumbing with a rich complete set and increased strength involves equipping with lighting, hydromassage and other additional elements.

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