Acrylic shower tray - types and features of choice

Recently, acrylic shower trays are considered the most successful option for shower enclosures. This is due to a number of their advantages over products made from traditional materials. Below we take a closer look at the main features of these plumbing fixtures and their types, as well as learn what to look for when choosing them.

General information

First of all, it should be said that acryl is the everyday name for a group of polymeric materials made on the basis of derivatives of methacrylic and acrylic acids, as well as some polymeric compositions.

The ancestor of this material was the well-known plexiglas, which was invented back in the 1930s. Over time, this material has been improved and acquired some other properties.

Externally, sanitary acrylic, which will be discussed further, most of all resembles ordinary plastic.

Among its main properties are:

• Environmentally friendly - the material is absolutely harmless to humans.
• Resistance to household solvents and acids.
• Bacteria do not multiply on the surface.
• Able to withstand significant mechanical loads.
• It has a glossy surface that does not tarnish for a long time.

I must say that not only shower trays are made from sanitary acrylic, but also baths, sinks, kitchen worktops, etc. Thus, acrylic, despite the fact that it appeared quite recently, quite successfully competes with cast iron, ceramics and other traditional sanitary materials. .

Features of acrylic pallets

As mentioned above, the products in question from acrylic have many positive qualities.

Below are the main ones:

• Thermal conductivity - when hot water gets on the bowl, it instantly warms up, as a result of which it becomes more comfortable to take a shower. Thanks to this, acrylic deep shower trays of 80x80 and larger areas can be used for bathing young children.
• Uniformity - due to the fact that the product has no enamel or other coating, over time it is not covered with stains and stains. In addition, scratches do not cause damage to the coating.
• Surface does not absorb dirt, as a result, it is easier to take care of the sanitary device with your own hands.
• In the process of taking a shower, the tray does not make noise, unlike enamelled counterparts.
• High heat resistance, therefore, even very hot water does not affect the life of the product.
• Light weight which simplifies transportation and installation of the bowl.
• Lower price, than on analogues of ceramics and other traditional materials.
• In case of serious mechanical damage, the acrylic surface can be restored using a special repair kit.. Minor scratches can be easily sanded. Thanks to this, the acrylic tray can retain its original appearance for many years.

• There is a wide range of products on the market, differing in form and other parameters.. Thanks to this, you can choose a plumbing fixture that best suits your individual needs.

It should be noted that acrylic pallets look very attractive and modern. Therefore, the great popularity of these products is connected not only with their practicality, but also with aesthetic qualities.

disadvantages

The disadvantages of acrylic plumbing fixtures are much less than their merits, however, for objectivity, we also give them:

• Like all plastics, acrylic is easily scratched. True, this disadvantage is easy to fight.
• Some types of pallets can sag under the weight of the human body, as a result of which they need additional fasteners. True, this lack of deprived products with an additional reinforced layer.

Tip! To avoid scratches on the walls of the acrylic tray, you should avoid washing dirty shoes, bicycle tires, dog paws, etc. in it. If you still find sand at the bottom of the bowl, you need to wash it off with a stream of water before taking a shower.

As we see, these products do not have any critical flaws.

Kinds

Currently on sale you can find a large selection of acrylic pallets.

Their main differences are in the following points:

• Form;
• Dimensions.

Below we take a closer look at all types of these devices.

The form

The most common currently are pallets of the following forms:

• Rectangular (square).
• Angular - represent a triangular design, the outer edge of which is usually rounded.

With regard to the choice of form, it depends on the parameters of the bathroom, as well as the place where the shower will be located. For example, if the bathroom is small, it is better to give preference to the angular form. If there is enough space, then the best option would be a rectangular pallet 80 by 80 cm and more.

Dimensions

One of the main parameters of choice are the dimensions of the structure, and in particular its area. Depending on the size, the pallets are conditionally divided into three types:

The choice of size also depends on the size of the bathroom. If there is enough free space, you can install a booth with a large or medium-sized bowl. If the bathroom is small, then the only way out is to install a small corner or rectangular pan.

In addition to the size of the bowl an important parameter is the height of the side.

Such important points as:

• Ease of operation of the shower.
• The functionality of the sanitary device.

The most convenient to use are flat pallets, since you can step on them without stepping over the side. This is especially important for people with disabilities and retirees. In this case, a high board can even be dangerous.

However, it is not always possible to install a flat bowl, as it is built directly into the floor. Accordingly, the sewer pipe for connecting the flat pallet must be located below its level.

Therefore, in apartments, pallets are installed at a certain height above the floor. At the same time the minimum height of a side makes 4 cm.

As for the functionality, this parameter, on the contrary, wins the deep pan, since it is possible to draw water into it. Thanks to this, the sanitary device can be used, for example, for washing things, bathing children, etc.

Therefore, when choosing, it is necessary to decide what is more important - usability or functionality. I must say that, depending on the height of the side, acrylic trays are also divided into three types:

Tip! If you do not know what depth to choose a plumbing fixture, it is better to prefer pallets with sides of medium height.

Installation Features

As a rule, acrylic pallets are supplied with adjustable legs, brackets and other elements that provide quick installation. In fact, the bowl fits on the frame. The assembly scheme of this frame contains instructions for installing a sanitary device, which is always included in the kit.

After assembling the frame and fixing the bowl to it, a siphon is installed. The latter can be attached or purchased separately.

After installation of the structure, it is necessary to adjust the position of the legs so that the bowl is located strictly in the horizontal plane. The gaps between the walls and the bowl are filled with mounting glue.

Note! Before installing the pallet, it is necessary to bring a sewer pipe to connect the siphon.

I must say that models with a low side can be a one-piece design, which is installed directly on the floor. In this case, the space between the bottom of the bowl and the floor is filled with mounting foam.

Here, perhaps, all the features of mounting an acrylic tray.

Conclusion

Acrylic shower trays are a reasonable choice, as they combine excellent performance, attractive appearance and low cost. The only thing is, when choosing, it is necessary to choose a suitable model of a sanitary appliance so that it meets all individual requirements and wishes.

You can read more information on this topic from the video in this article.