Despite the growing popularity of showers, traditional baths are not losing ground. After all, they are created for complete relaxation and restorative sessions using essential oils, sea salt or aromatic foam. In terms of comfort, the latest generation models are in no way inferior to hydroboxes. But it's important to know which bath is betterso as not to make a mistake with your choice and enjoy water procedures for a long time.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the material and manufacturing technology. Not only the operational characteristics of the bowl, but also its appearance, as well as transportation and installation options depend on these parameters.
Today baths are made from:
- cast iron
- become
- acrylic
- kvarila
- tempered glass
- stone – natural or artificial
- tree
- copper
Steel, cast iron and acrylic are the most widely used - they are used both in mass production and for the production of luxury products. The remaining materials are intended for creating designer models, mainly in the singular.
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.
Installation
According to the installation method, bathtubs are divided into:
2.1 Wall-mounted
Installed close to at least one wall. Typically, the open outer side of such a bathtub is covered with decorative panels or covered with ceramic tiles.
2.2 Built-in
It is mounted in a recess in the floor or in a special podium, built into a niche. It has certain requirements for the interior and plumbing connections.
2.3 Freestanding
Installed anywhere in the room. They have beautiful outer walls. Mounted on the floor or on legs. This bathtub looks elegant and modern.
Asymmetrical corner baths are:
- Right-handed
- Left-handed
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.
Control
Hydromassage baths are equipped with two types of controls:
- Electronic – with remote control and touch panel.
- Pneumatic - with buttons and handles.
The first option is more comfortable, as it allows you to choose the hydromassage program and intensity. The second is less functional, but more reliable.
What should the thickness be?
The durability, wear resistance and service 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 approximately 6 to 8 millimeters. Low-grade and budget products have acrylic walls with a thickness of 2 to 5 millimeters.
Often, in order to strengthen the thickness of the walls and base, the back of the bathtub is covered with a reinforcing layer such as extruded acrylic or reinforcing material.
Fiberglass is used in the manufacture of the lower reinforcing layer. If it is sufficiently thick, the product becomes rigid, strong, is not subject to deformation under the weight of a person and is not afraid of falling heavy objects.
Determining the thickness of the reinforcement is possible only visually from the end part of the acrylic bathtub. If you have doubts about the reliability of the design, you can lightly press the central part of the bowl with your hand. A good material should be elastic and not bend
Results
I would like to voice a few more important points that you should pay attention to when choosing:
- the enamel coating must be even and smooth, without smudges, protrusions or damage;
- The style of plumbing should match the overall design of the room. It is necessary to choose wisely not only the material and shape, but also decorative elements: color coating, image on the outside, curly legs. It is also better to immediately choose a mixer so that the devices are combined with each other;
- at the same time, it is worth buying a siphon to ensure compatibility and avoid difficulties during the installation of the bathroom;
- if you choose a Jacuzzi, then pay attention to the pump power. The optimal power is 1 kW per 250 liters of water.
What do you prefer: a bath or a shower? What material do you think is better for a bathtub?
How to choose the optimal shape and size?
Thanks to the plasticity of acrylic material, in addition to the selected classic models, a large assortment of bathtubs of the most non-standard configurations and sizes began to appear. However, unlike standard designs, to make plumbing products with interesting shapes, thin rather than thick acrylic is mainly used. Therefore, we choose such acrylic bathtubs correctly and carefully.
Its comfort and performance completely depend on the size of the plumbing fixtures. Taking into account the requirements for maximum convenient use, there are optimal parameters.
An acrylic bathtub should have a height of 65 to 70 centimeters from the floor level. These values are suitable 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 the person is taken into account. For example, for people with a large build, it is possible to purchase a bathtub with a width of 100 centimeters.
The depth is measured from the bottom drain hole to the overflow level. This way it is determined 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 bathtub. Due to the shallow depth, the water will not cover the human body.
The average length is from 150 to 180 centimeters. The parameters of the font are selected to suit the height of the tallest member of the family. If the model is not equipped with a headrest, then its length can exactly match the height of the person bathing. If there is a headrest, 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 their unique shapes. Using the unique properties of the polymer material, which responds to high temperature changes and remains flexible when cooled, 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. Such a plumbing product is pressed against the far and side wall planes and covered with a protective decorative screen. Most often, such devices do not have additional options. Classic bathtubs sometimes include elements in the form of side handles or armrests.
A design with a corner modification will ideally fit into a medium-sized bathroom. These models are distinguished by one curved wall, a corner seat and a bowl rotated 45 or 90 degrees. The equipment is more advanced. In addition to the handrails, headrest and armrests, the set includes a hydromassage, a shower head, a faucet spout embedded in the side and glass inserts. An asymmetrical acrylic bathtub with a left- or right-hand design will allow you to create an individual and stylish bathroom design.
The spacious room allows for the installation of any model. An interesting solution is acrylic bathtubs of round or oval shape, located in the center.
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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.
Steel bath
It has the disadvantages of both types of baths and has almost no advantages. But the king of cheap options. Much better than cheap acrylic.
Pros of steel baths
- The enamel is almost as good as cast iron, much stronger than acrylic.
- Low cost with acceptable quality.
- Low weight and easy installation.
Cons of steel baths
- The choice of sizes is only slightly larger than cast iron, only rectangular in shape.
- Cold, they cool down quickly, but they also heat up quickly.
- Slippery.
- Once damaged, it is almost impossible to repair.
- They ring when filling with water.
We only recommend it if you have a limited budget.
What additional options should I take?
Due to the auxiliary parameters, acrylic bathtubs make taking water procedures pleasant and comfortable. To increase comfort while swimming, almost all plumbing fixtures are equipped with headrests, stands or armrests.
The most popular and healthy addition is the Jacuzzi model. In addition to the usual properties characteristic of an acrylic bathtub, the jacuzzi is equipped with hydromassage, which is a relaxing and healing procedure for the human body. A similar hydromassage effect occurs when air is mixed with water jets supplied through the nozzles. By turning the nozzles the direction of the jets changes. These sprayers can be located on the sides or built into the bottom of the bowl.
Another option that children will especially enjoy is air massage. Water jets mix with directed air currents, resulting in the formation of bubbles on the surface.
There is also chromotherapy. Using this function, directional lighting colors the water jets in certain shades, which, in combination with hydromassage, helps to enhance the beneficial effect on the human body.
Modern acrylic models are equipped with elements such as game consoles or radios. The system is controlled by a hydraulic switch or control panel. Plumbing fixtures with a special shelf for a laptop or a product with an integrated panel with a plasma TV are common. The jacuzzi has Wi-Fi or a direct connection to the central smart home system. These acrylic bathtubs meet any preferences and requirements.
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:
- 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- 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.
What about brands?
According to experts, it is recommended not to save money when purchasing an acrylic bathtub and to give preference to proven brands that can last for many years.
The market presents a large number of models of different quality levels and price categories. Manufacturers offer plumbing fixtures made of acrylic in any color of the rainbow. A win-win and universal solution is a glossy snow-white bathtub. When choosing a non-standard colored bowl, a harmonious combination with other plumbing fixtures and the interior is important.
German and Italian designs are considered expensive and high quality. These foreign manufacturers prioritize quality. There are plumbing products from the company GNT (Germany), Sunranz (Germany), Artcheram (Italy) or Novellini Elysium (Italy). Acrylic bathtubs are very durable with an average price from 55,000 to 200,000 thousand rubles.
Simplified and cheap acrylic products are produced by Turkish or Chinese companies. Of course, there is also functional plumbing from the company EAGO (Eago) from Hong Kong, but if we are talking about ordinary market models, then it is possible to purchase an acrylic bathtub at a price of 6,000 to 30,000 thousand rubles.
Vote
Which bath did you choose?
Gemy G9041 K
0.00 % ( 0 )
Roca Newcast Gray
5.81 % ( 5 )
Villeroy&Boch Squaro Edge 12
17.44 % ( 15 )
Cezares Fi
3.49 % ( 3 )
Astra Form Marlborough
6.98 % ( 6 )
Kolpa San Bell E2
1.16 % ( 1 )
Roca Continental
5.81 % ( 5 )
Riho Future
12.79 % ( 11 )
AM PM Like
16.28 % ( 14 )
Cersanit Joanna
6.98 % ( 6 )
Roca Swing
11.63 % ( 10 )
Degree of coating protection
This point is quite closely related to product care, so let’s repeat it a little. As already mentioned, the enamel used to cover cast iron is distinguished by a smooth surface, resistance to various reagents and mechanical stress. When making high-quality cast iron bathtubs, specialists carefully check the quality of the enamel at each stage, applying it in a layer of 0.8 to 1.2 millimeters. Firing occurs at a temperature of 110 degrees. So the protection of such a bath is “one hundred percent.”
The enamel on steel bathtubs is also of good quality, but due to its thinner layer, the protective coating is somewhat less reliable than in cast iron products.
Acrylic is quite fragile; it does not like having something heavy thrown on it. Because of this, cracks may appear. Which, of course, are quite amenable to restoration, but all this adds trouble. In addition, stains from various dyes and scratches very easily remain on the surface of acrylic. Of all the coatings, acrylic should be treated most sparingly.
Cast iron bath
Steel bath
Acrylic bath
Results. And again the team with cast iron bathtubs wins the gold medal; second place, according to tradition, goes to steel bathtubs; third place goes to acrylic bathtubs.
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.
