Pros and cons of acrylic bathtubs
In addition to beauty and convenience, the bathtub must meet quality requirements. The main selection criteria are parameters such as material, size, design, brand. The first point is already capable of puzzling. What to choose: marble, glass, faience, steel, acrylic, cast iron, metal? Increasingly, the modern buyer’s choice is choosing an acrylic bathtub. Opinions and reviews about the material are varied and ambiguous. To draw the right conclusions for yourself, you need to study all the advantages and disadvantages of the product and compare it with other options.
The content of the article
What kind of bathtub material is acrylic?
It is known as "organic glass". Reinforced plastic is made from acrylic. The composition adds disinfecting components necessary to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, powders to give the finished product various shades and other components, thanks to which the material acquires its valuable properties.
Acrylic bathtubs are made from polymethyl methacrylate. The improved composition is actively used in the manufacture of other modern plumbing equipment. Products are characterized by durability and low weight. This makes installation easier and makes their use more comfortable.
Interesting! Acrylic is distinguished by its ability to maintain temperature for a long time, it is easy to care for. Manufacturers use the plasticity of the material to implement any bold decisions. You can find a variety of shapes and sizes of acrylic bathtubs.
Advantages of acrylic in plumbing
To make the right choice, you need to thoroughly study the benefits of such products.
Variety of designs
The category of acrylic bathtubs includes:
- cast, two-layer acrylic - PMMA;
- plastic with acrylic coating PMMA-ABS;
- quaril is a complex composition of acrylic resin, quartz sand and modifying additives.
The following design solutions are offered to buyers:
- Rectangular. The model has a nice design, fits well into standard rooms, but is not original.
- Oval. The classic shape is suitable for any interior.
- Asymmetrical. The model allows you to transform a room, make it stylish and unusual.
- Angular. This variety allows you to compactly equip a small room, enliven and decorate the interior.
- Round. The models are large in diameter and are suitable for large bathrooms.
Easy to care for
Ease of care is one of the advantages of an acrylic bathtub. The structure and smooth surface prevent dirt from penetrating into the pores of the material, which makes cleaning much easier. To avoid damaging the surface, do not use cleaning agents or detergents that contain abrasive material. Small particles scratch acrylic and dirt accumulates in places of damage, causing blackness. Also, abrasive agents cause “abrasion” of the beautiful gloss.
Keeps warm for a long time
Acrylic bathtubs retain heat well. Hot water does not cool down for a long time and you can enjoy the process much longer than in a bathtub made of other materials. The low thermal conductivity of the product is comparable only to the properties of cast iron bathtubs.
Interesting! An experiment was conducted on the cooling rate of water in metal and acrylic baths. The temperature in acrylic products decreases by one degree in half an hour, and metal containers lose one degree in five to seven minutes.
Noise suppression
There is no loud rumbling sound when drawing water. The reduced noise from the jet is a big plus; such a small detail makes using an acrylic bathtub more comfortable.
Relative resistance to common bath damage
The material is characterized by resistance to external influences. He does not corrode, does not absorb dirt, there is no danger of the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Are there any disadvantages?
Along with the undeniable advantages, one cannot fail to mention the existing disadvantages of products made from this material.
“Dislike” of high temperatures
The water temperature should not be too high. It is not recommended to use above 60 °C. When in contact with boiling water, the walls of the bathtub may become deformed and the coating may darken.
Mechanical fragility
Acrylic is characterized by reduced strength. It is important to install the bath without distortion. It is better to make a reliable support under the bottom. The usual legs are not an option in this case: an overweight person, standing in the center of the bathtub, is able to bend the bottom. Even when the product is used by a person of normal weight, the bathtub can “play” and vibrate. When a heavy object falls, a hole or crack may form on the surface.The defect can be eliminated, but the situation is unpleasant.
Chemical sensitivity
Acrylic cannot come into contact with aggressive chemicals and is “afraid” of abrasives. Bathtubs made of other materials can be cleaned with almost any means, but if you have an acrylic bathtub, you will have to carefully select the chemical compositions.
Reference! To reduce the frequency of working with such aggressive substances, it is recommended to wipe the bathtub with a sponge and liquid soap after each use. After this, rinse the surface thoroughly with water. With this method of care, residues of foam and dirt will not accumulate on the surface, and the shine and cleanliness of the product can be preserved for a long time.
Price
The cost of modern acrylic bathtubs cannot be called an advantage. A product made of high-quality acrylic has a high price, while the service life ranges from 15–20 years.
If you appreciate the advantages of acrylic, consult the store salesperson about the existing options and their features. By choosing a purchase taking into account all the recommendations, you can enjoy a beautiful and high-quality product for a long time.
