How to choose a good acrylic bathtub: which is better and why, manufacturer ratings

The functionality of acrylic bathtubs is growing every year.By improving technology, manufacturers are releasing new bathtub configurations that successfully combine high performance parameters at an affordable price. But among the variety of assortments, it is sometimes not easy to make a choice.

Let's figure out what types of models are available on the modern market and discuss how to choose a good acrylic bathtub of decent quality. For this reason, in our article we present the main criteria that are important when choosing a suitable acrylic bathtub.

Features of manufacturing acrylic bathtubs

Acrylic bathtubs are composite products having a monolithic or layered structure. The material for their manufacture is polymer - injection molded or extruded sanitary acrylic.

The first is made by pouring a polymer melt into the space between two acrylic-inert panels, the second is obtained by pressing it through the slot-shaped nozzle of an extruder.

Molded options are stronger than extruded ones, but they are extremely difficult to recognize, and the criteria for differences are often unknown even to plumbing sellers.You can learn about the production specifics of the production of a particular bathtub only from the technical documentation.

The presence of antibacterial additives in the composition gives the material the ability to protect human skin from microbes.

Acrylic bowls are created from sheet blanks through vacuum molding, as a result of which they are given the shape specified by the design. To strengthen the walls and bottom of the product, they are coated on the reverse side with a reinforcing layer of extruded acrylic or reinforcing material.

Acrylic contains additives that prevent the spread of harmful bacteria on the surface of the bowl, and components that give the plastic high performance qualities

It is used as:

• polyurethane – durable non-toxic polymer that conducts heat poorly;
• fiberglass, the long threads of which enhance spatial rigidity in all directions;
• polyester resin - a less durable base that has an unpleasant chemical odor, which intensifies at high temperatures.

Despite the fact that fiberglass emits harmful substances when reinforced, many manufacturers still use it. Toxic volatile components still disappear before the product reaches the consumer.

The areas where technological holes are formed are treated with a similar polymer composition to strengthen the edges under nozzles and other equipment elements.

The frozen plastic structure acquires a glossy surface and high performance qualities, which determine the advantages of the finished products.

Excess plastic is removed from the frozen workpiece and the necessary holes are drilled for installation of technical equipment. The finished structure is installed on a load-bearing frame and thoroughly polished.

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic plumbing

The main thing that sets acrylic bowls apart from sanitary ware made of the same steel or cast iron is their unique shapes, which are unusual for other bathtubs.

Taking advantage of the polymer's ability to respond to high temperatures and remain flexible when cooled, manufacturers create different bowl configurations.

The variety of bowl designs is achieved thanks to the plasticity of the material, which can take any shape under the influence of high temperature

Among the undeniable advantages of acrylic bathtubs it is worth highlighting:

1. High strength. Modern technologies make it possible to create acrylic bathtubs that are almost as strong as steel and cast iron plumbing fixtures.
2. Low thermal conductivity. Polymer material retains heat well. The temperature of the water drawn into the bath practically does not change for half an hour.
3. Lightweight design. Bowls made of lightweight material weigh no more than 20-30 kg, so they do not cause difficulties in transportation and installation.
4. Maintainability. Chips, cracks and scratches on the acrylic surface can be easily restored using polish.

The minimal porosity of acrylic has a positive effect on the performance parameters of the product and simplifies caring for him.

Thanks to the polymer structure, the acrylic bathtub is able to perfectly absorb the noise that occurs when the bowl is filled under pressure with water from the tap.

Acrylic plumbing is not without its drawbacks. She reacts sensitively to powdered products and alcohol-containing preparations.Therefore, acrylic surfaces can only be cleaned using products that do not contain abrasive particles or aggressive chemicals.

Low-quality products with thin walls can bend under the influence of a person’s weight. And if a heavy object falls on them from a height, there is a high probability that a crack or even a hole will form.

Some users note that over time, under the influence of constant loads, the sides of the bowl may move closer together: with each year of operation, these deformations become more noticeable

In addition, the melting point of acrylic is only 160 °C. Therefore, under the influence of hot temperatures, the thin walls of a low-quality acrylic bathtub can be deformed.

To prevent this situation from occurring, first pour a little cool water into the bowl, and only then open the tap with a hot stream.

We discussed in more detail the pros and cons of an acrylic bathtub in this article.

Characteristics of sanitary products

To determine which acrylic bathtub is best, consider: high-quality plumbing fixtures are made from pure acrylic, while cheaper alternatives are made from two-part sheet.

One-, two- and three-layer bowls

The difference is in the hardness of the coating and in performance indicators. Products made from injection molded polymethyl methacrylate sheet, a material with the chemical nomenclature PMMA, can last more than 25 years.

Their bowls are repairable, scratches can be simply polished. The extrusion version will last 5 - 7 years less. Their damaged surface can only be restored liquid acrylic.

Cheaper analogues with a more porous structure, made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), will only operate for 6-8 years. This is provided that the plumbing does not come into direct contact with UV rays. They cannot be repaired.

A quality plumbing fixture should have a double cut: the first is pure acrylic, the second is reinforcement made of polyurethane or polyester resin

The range of acrylic products includes bathtubs made using the co-extrusion method, i.e. joint extrusion through the extruder nozzle. The inner layer of this sandwich version is made of a thin layer of PMMA.

The outer layer, which is 10 times thicker than its inner counterpart, is made of ABS and plays the role of a load-bearing reinforcing structure.

The presence of three layers in multilayer products indicates low quality of the product, since none of the load-bearing layers will essentially be able to adequately cope with its responsibilities.

When choosing three-layer products, be prepared for the fact that they will soon become cracked and lose color. But in such a situation, you can use this method of restoring the bathtub as installation of acrylic liner.

Variety of shapes and colors

Acrylic bathtubs are made from a polymer that can take on different shapes.

On sale you can find models of the following shapes:

• round and oval;
• rectangular;
• corner design;
• asymmetrical with sinuous contours.

Rectangular bowls are chosen for standard small-sized bathrooms. Such models have a lightweight frame and only one side panel.

Thanks to a wide range of sizes, you can choose plumbing fixtures that can be easily integrated into a room of any size, while making the joint adjacent to the wall as inconspicuous as possible.

Corner baths are great for medium-sized rooms. They are produced in two variations: left-handed and right-handed.

The free side of the corner bowl model can be either straight or rounded, have a convex or concave shape

Oval and round bowls require a lot of space because they are not installed against the wall in the center of the room. But such models are capable of creating a truly luxurious atmosphere in a spacious bathroom.

Shades of color can also be completely different. To do this, manufacturers add colors of any color of the rainbow to the transparent material.

In addition to traditional white models, buyers are increasingly choosing colored bowls, creating a harmonious interior when arranging a bathroom.

The choice of color palette is determined by the taste preferences of the buyer.

If we consider the psychology of color, then each of them can have a certain effect:

• Red bowls Give the owner a feeling of security. According to psychology, many people subconsciously associate this color with the womb.
• Green colors associated with nature. They are ideal for those who suffer from insomnia.
• Yellow baths neutralize negative emotions and lift your spirits.
• Blue color, associated with the water element, helps to remove negativity by moving away from conflicts that occurred during the day.

Baths black color, although they combine stylishness and respectability, they are not suitable for all psychotypes of people.

Black color, symbolizing humility and conscious abstinence from anything, is associated with severity, giving the bathroom interior a touch of sophistication and elegance.

When choosing a bathtub of a certain color, keep in mind that some colors absorb the shape, for example: white or yellow. Others, on the contrary, are absorbed by it, for example: black and blue colors.

Expert advice on choosing models

Like any product, acrylic plumbing fixtures need to be chosen correctly, paying attention to seemingly insignificant details. By adhering to the proposed list of criteria, you can simplify your task of choosing plumbing fixtures.

Criterion #1 - design dimensions

When deciding which bathtub with an acrylic bowl to choose, first of all decide what dimensions the structure should have in order to fit freely into the bathroom space.

The choice of bath modification is determined by the size of the space allocated for its placement and the location of the plumbing system pipes

Please note that the maximum length of the product is not equal to the length of the inner bowl. So, when purchasing a bathtub 1.6 meters long, you should understand that the length of its bowl will not exceed one and a half meters.

We recommend that you read more about standard bath sizesso that when purchasing you do not make a mistake with the dimensions.

Criterion #2 - wall thickness and number of layers

When examining the model in the store, check the thickness of the material. Keep in mind that in the side cut the acrylic thickness is maximum, and along the walls it is much less.

To identify thin spots on the walls of the bowl, shine a flashlight through the product. Ideally, the walls should not allow light to pass through. The presence of a translucent layer indicates a fake polymer.

The thickness of the walls can be easily checked by ear. You just need to knock on the wall: a high-quality bathtub will have a dull sound.

When making bowls, it is considered normal to use acrylic sheets 6-8 mm thick, but some manufacturers, in an effort to reduce the cost of the product, use a thinner sheet

Pay attention to the cut of the curved edge of the side. It should not be single or triple.Ideally, the cut should show only two layers: the first is acrylic, the second is reinforcement.

The main thing when choosing is not to forget that there is a direct dependence of the cost of a plumbing fixture on the thickness of its walls. Expensive high-quality models have wall thicknesses in the range of 6-8 mm. The wall thickness of low-grade products and budget models does not exceed 2-5 mm.

More recently, an interesting type of polymer plumbing has appeared - a quarry bathtub. We have analyzed its characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in detail in our other article.

Criterion #3 - surface appearance

The presence of burrs and roughness on the surface can only be determined experimentally. Run your hand along the bottom and walls of the device. If any are found, the quality of the plumbing leaves much to be desired.

For quality products, the surface should be perfectly smooth and have a characteristic shine.

The strength of a plumbing fixture largely depends on the shape of the structure: the more complex the configuration, the lower the strength

To feel the reliability of the structure, press in several places on the surface of the bathtub.

Criterion #4 - quality of the structure frame

The frame is a metal frame under the bottom, the main purpose of which is to withstand the weight of a person and water pressure. It can be made in the form of a welded or collapsible structure.

The complex frame included in the package of acrylic bathtubs with bowls of non-standard shape is equipped with additional cross members that strengthen the walls of the structure along the perimeter

In high-quality rectangular models, a frame is often not provided and is installed only for bowls that have a non-standard shape.The metal structure gives rigidity to the walls of the bowl and makes it possible to secure equipment for connecting systems.

The presence of a frame in an inexpensive acrylic bathtub model may indicate low quality of the product. Without an extensive frame mounted around the perimeter of the structure, a filled bathtub can simply become deformed.

We recommend that you read the manual for making a bathtub frame with your own hands.

Criterion #5 - additional instrument options

Plumbing fixtures made of acrylic are often equipped with additional options. They make the process of taking water procedures more enjoyable.

On sale you can find models equipped with an ultrasonic source or a system for supplying ozone to a water jet, which have a beneficial effect on the whole body

Most common functions:

• Hydromassage. An effect that occurs when air is mixed with water jets supplied through nozzles. Used as a relaxing and healing procedure. We recommend that you look at the material on choosing a whirlpool bath.
• Aeromassage. An effect in which directed air flows mixed with water jets form air bubbles on the surface. This type of procedure is very popular among children.
• Chromotherapy. A function in which water jets are colored in a certain shade by directed light. Together with hydromassage it enhances the beneficial effects on the body.

The nozzles can be located in the bottom of the bowl, supplying air upward and creating a smoothing effect, or built into the sides. The direction of the jet can be easily changed by turning the nozzles.

Depending on the capabilities of the hydromassage system, the nozzles can be turned on in groups, providing a local effect, or all at the same time

If desired, the bath can be equipped with a radio and game consoles. To control the systems, a hydraulic switch or remote control is used.

But such options can more often be found in spacious bathrooms with round and angular bowl shapes. In standard rectangular models, they are less often installed for the reason that in a cramped space it is extremely inconvenient to install and subsequently maintain additional equipment.

Almost all modern models are equipped with stands and headrests that increase the level of comfort while swimming.

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 – the Czech manufacturer acts as a reference point 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 – the Polish company produces products that comply with the Dutch KIVA standard, the German DIN standard and have an ISO 9002 safety certificate.The product range ranges from simple models from the “Primo” or “Agualino” series to sophisticated options from the “Relax” or “Laguna” series.
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 – the Dutch company uses sophisticated technological equipment in production, which makes it possible to differentiate the 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.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

What to look for when choosing a model:

How to protect yourself from low-quality plumbing:

When buying plumbing fixtures, you should not chase the cheapest. By choosing products from trusted manufacturers, you will protect yourself from disappointment in the low quality of the product.

Are you using an acrylic bathtub? Tell us what brand you purchased. Are you satisfied with the price-quality ratio and how difficult is it for you to care for the acrylic surface of your plumbing fixtures?

Or are you still wondering whether to buy an acrylic bathtub? Do you still have unresolved questions after reading the material? Ask our expert for advice - we will try to help you.