How to choose an acrylic bath: expert advice
how to choose an acrylic bath. We will provide an overview of the manufacturers, as well as describe the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic baths.
For the manufacture of the strongest bath, sheets no thinner than 5–6 mm are used. The number of reinforcing layers is easy to figure out - they are similar to rings on a tree trunk (just look at the edge of the board). The more, the better.
Choosing a good acrylic bath you need to be prepared for the fact that it will cost much more. Savings in this case is inappropriate, since a thin acrylic bath can not cope with the load or pressure of water and burst.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each material has both advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic is no exception. However, expert advice contains a unanimous opinion that acrylic baths are the best among their counterparts made from other materials.
Among the advantages of acrylic:
- High strength.
- Low weight for easy transport and installation.
- Ability to keep warm for a long time.
- Varied color palette.
- Hue remains unchanged throughout its life.
- The ability to purchase a bath of any desired shape.
Among the shortcomings of the material:
- Acrylic is scratched. But, especially they should not be afraid, as the standard repair kit, which can be found in any plumbing store, allows correcting the situation.
- Regardless of how carefully the bathroom was strengthened, sooner or later the deformation of its walls begins.
- Acrylic bath must be equipped with a durable frame, as the usual 4 legs are not enough to install it.
- High price. The price of an acrylic bath is higher than steel and sometimes cast iron. Not everyone thinks that this is a disadvantage, since this is the case when quality depends on price.
Product price
To understand in more detail the issue of the cost of an acrylic bath, you need to make an analysis by manufacturers:
- Chinese-made products can be purchased for 5 thousand rubles.
- The Russian manufacturer will cost at least 7-8 thousand rubles.
- It is possible to count on the western quality, having in stock the sum not less than 10 thousand rubles.
The price depends on the quality, shape and configuration of the bath.
So, a corner bath will cost a bit more than a regular one. And additional features such as hydromassage, lights and chrome handles will inevitably add several thousand to the total cost of the bath.
Characteristics of acrylic baths
So, what is the difference between a quality acrylic bath and an ordinary plastic tub? First you need to carefully examine the surface of the bath you like - it should be perfectly flat and smooth.
If at the bottom there are roughness, bumps or dents, then you should not believe the stories that this was done specifically for security reasons (so that the client does not slip). In fact, this is a marriage!
A perfectly smooth acrylic bath and a slippery surface are completely different concepts, as the legs seem to “stick” to a real acrylic coating.
The next thing you should pay attention to is the color of the bath. If there are divorces, it means that you are offered to buy low-quality plastic.
To check the thickness of the bath fit an ordinary flashlight. If the faint glow of the flashlight is visible from the opposite side, then before you is not the highest quality product with a very thin acrylic layer.
In addition, you can check the quality of the bathroom with your own sense of smell.
If a strong chemical odor emanates from the outside of the bath, then you should simply pass by. The quality acrylic layer is odorless.
Care
To damage the surface of the acrylic bath does not require any special actions, it is enough just to wash the paws of the dog with unsharp claws. Acrylic bath is not suitable for washing dishes, soaking clothes, equipped with metal parts and washing animals.
But, if the scratch still appeared, do not be upset. To eliminate it, you will need:
- Sandpaper No. 0 and liquid polish, if the damage is not serious.
- Repair kit (acrylic matching the color of the bath), if the acrylic was scratched deep. It is advisable to purchase this tool in the same store and on the same day when you purchased the bath, so that you do not have to look for and pick it up.
If you choose the above recommendations when choosing an acrylic bath, you can get a quality product. Bath procedures will bring you pleasure for many years, and the bath will not need to be repaired.