Taking a bath is definitely a great way to relax. But choosing a bathtub can be really challenging. Due to the fact that bathtubs are not very easy to replace, you should find as much information as possible about the bathtub you are planning to buy in order to be absolutely happy with your final choice.
In fact, a bathtub can be made of many different materials including porcelain enameled steel, acrylic, cast iron as well as fiberglass and cultured marble. Some bathtubs come with an affordable price tag, while others are extremely expensive.
An acrylic bathtub is one of the most favorite options available on the market today. These tubs are made of acrylic sheets that are vacuum-formed and reinforced with fiberglass. Acrylic bathtubs have gained huge popularity among homeowners. Let’s dig deeper to find out what makes these tubs really worth buying.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Affordable
If your budget is tight, but you still want to remodel your bathroom, buying an acrylic bathtub is exactly what you need. The average price for an acrylic bathtub is about $500-$1000. In fact, bathtubs made strictly only of fiberglass are cheaper, but they are less durable. Fiberglass is a brittle material. It is also porous in nature. That’s the main reason why fiberglass-only tubs absorb water on a regular basis and are prone to cracks. Fiberglass-only bathtubs are just a short-term solution. Sooner or later, you will have to replace this tub.
Acrylic material is a bit more expensive than fiberglass, but it is definitely stronger and can preserve a high-quality look for many years to come. No doubt, an acrylic bathtub is a good investment. Besides being an affordable option, an acrylic tub has some other advantages that make this bathtub the most common choice for modern homes.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Resistant to Cracking
Acrylic bathtubs are highly durable. Plus, they will not develop cracks. It is extremely important just because a crack in your tub may result in a leak that can cause a lot of other unpleasant problems.
Acrylic is a non-porous material that doesn’t absorb water. As a result, your acrylic bathtub with not crack or warp like a fiberglass-only tub. With standard cleaning and maintenance, an acrylic bathtub will look perfect and last for a long period of time.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Easy to Repair
It’s worth mentioning that improper maintenance may lead to scratches or even cracks appear on the surface of your acrylic bathtub. There is no need to worry if such a problem occurs. The acrylic bathtub repair is usually simple and not expensive.
You can hire a specialist who can do this job for you quickly and effectively. The professional will clean the tub thoroughly before making any repairs. A damp sponge and a dishwashing liquid are used for this purpose. Using any abrasive cleaning cloth or chemicals is not recommended. The cleaning pads and chemicals should be gentle enough. Otherwise, even more damage can be done to your acrylic bathtub.
After cleaning the tub, the specialist will fix scratches by using fine-grit sandpaper. Then, it is necessary to wipe the area with a damp sponge. Once it has been completed, the professional will apply a polishing compound. The damaged area will be polished and buffed with a clean, soft cloth. Do not forget to rinse your acrylic tub with warm water and enjoy the results. Keep in mind that minor scratches can be quickly and easily removed by non-abrasive toothpaste.
Even if your tub becomes dull and gets worn out over time, there is still a chance to breathe new life into it. You may wonder whether an acrylic bathtub can be painted or resurfaced. In fact, your tub can be refinished in case it is not severely damaged.
Re-glazing is a great option for people who do not want to replace the tub. During this process surface imperfections are easily removed and your tub gets a perfect look once again. The procedure is very quick and usually takes a day to complete.
Remember that re-glazing your acrylic tub professionally will cost you about $200-$650.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Lightweight
In comparison with the other tubs, acrylic bathtubs are really lightweight. Thus, cast iron tubs are very heavy and weigh 300 pounds on average. Acrylic tubs weigh only 75 pounds. That’s why these tubs can be easily transported and installed without extra floor support. In some cases, cast iron tubs can’t be installed in upper-story bathrooms due to their huge weight. So, the vast majority of homeowners choose to buy acrylic tubs to avoid any installation problems.
The weight of a cast iron tub is probably the most serious disadvantage that makes people refuse from installing it. Moving this tub is extremely difficult. It usually requires several people. And if some plumbing issues occur in the future and the cast iron tub has to be removed, the repair will be more difficult as well.
Obviously, an acrylic bathtub is a better option if the tub weight really matters to you.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Highly Durable
Acrylic bathtubs are known for their durability and strength. They can last for many years especially if they are reinforced with fiberglass.
Due to its incredible durability, an acrylic tub will last about 15 years until it gets significantly scratched and faded. However, with proper maintenance, this tub may last even longer.
It’s well-known that cast iron tubs are the most durable and can last for decades. But even this advantage doesn’t make cast iron bathtubs a perfect choice for every home.
A cast iron tub usually comes with a heavy price tag. These tubs are two or even four times more expensive than acrylic tubs. The installation is more expensive as well.
If you are on a budget, this is definitely not the best option for you. Plus, the cast iron tubs can rust if the enamel is chipped or cracked.
Acrylic Bathtubs Retain Heat
When it comes to choosing a bathtub, heat retention properties are another important factor to consider. As it has been already mentioned, an acrylic tub has a smooth non-porous surface.
This surface can keep water hot for a longer period of time in comparison with some other bathtub surfaces.
That means that an acrylic bathtub will provide you with a splendid opportunity to soak in hot water for as long as possible. It’s worth mentioning that acrylic tub stays warm to the touch even if there is no hot water in it.
Acrylic Bathtubs Come in a Variety of Shapes, Sizes and Colors
Acrylic is known to be a malleable material. That’s why, acrylic bathtubs come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, sizes and styles. You will definitely find the tub that fits your bathroom style and even exceeds your expectations.
If you would like to add some elegance to your bathroom, buying an acrylic freestanding tub is the right thing to do. In fact, freestanding tubs have a lot of advantages you can enjoy. This tub can be put almost anywhere. If there is enough space in your bathroom, you can even put the tub in the middle of the room. A freestanding tub will also create the illusion of more space making your bathroom look fantastic indeed.
If your bathroom is large, you can choose an acrylic corner tub. This tub will give you a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. The corner tub is not just about bathing. It is about relaxing and enjoying the hot water after a hard working day. However, you should remember that this tub usually takes more time to fill up. Plus, more water is required for the bathroom of this size.
There is another type of acrylic tubs that is really worth considering – alcove bathtub. It’s worth mentioning that the term alcove refers to the installation and not the size or shape of the tub. This tub is surrounded by walls on three sides and is usually installed into a recess of your bathroom. The three sides of the bathtub are unfinished, while the fourth side is finished with a tub apron. Alcove tubs are highly efficient and provide homeowners with comfortable bathing experience. Alcove tubs are extremely popular and can often be seen in modern homes.
If you are still not sure which type of acrylic bathtub to choose, think about drop-in tubs. This bathtub doesn’t have to be placed against the wall. It can be put anywhere in your bathroom. A drop-in bathtub is a tub placed inside a frame, the outer structure of which can be finished with tile, stone or other material you prefer. As a result, the plumbing and all sides of the tub are hidden. A drop-in tub provides a deeper water level. So, it is perfect for people who really like soaking in hot water for a long period of time.
When it comes to the sizes of acrylic tubs, they differ as well. The average size of alcove and drop-in tubs is 60 inches in length, 32 inches wide and 18 inches tall. Oval freestanding tubs are usually 60 inches long, 41 inches wide and 24 inches tall. The average size of a luxurious corner bathtub is 60 inches in length, 60 inches in width and a height of 22 inches.
Due to the fact that acrylic tubs are highly versatile, they can be offered in a wide variety of colors. So, you will definitely find the tub that will complement the whole design of your bathroom making it look stunning indeed.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Easy to Clean
The vast majority of homeowners prefer acrylic tubs not just because they are very beautiful and comfortable. These tubs are very often selected because they are easy to clean and maintain. In comparison with the other bathtubs, an acrylic tub is the easiest tub to clean. Due to a non-porous, smooth surface, this tub is stain-resistant.
With proper cleaning, your acrylic tub can last for many years. Keep in mind that you should use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning agents only. Otherwise, scratches will appear on the surface of your tub.
In order to clean an acrylic bathtub gently, some homeowners prefer to use natural products such as baking soda, lemon and vinegar.
When your acrylic tub gets dirty, you can fill it with hot water and add 2 cups of vinegar. The vinegar will loosen the dirt within 15 minutes causing no damage to your tub.
Cleansing your acrylic tub with baking soda is another effective way to get rid of dirt and make the tub look beautiful and shiny again. Baking soda removes soap scum, mold and mildew. You can also use borax instead of baking soda to achieve even better results. Remember that you shouldn’t use any rough sponges to scrub the surface of the acrylic tub.
Use a soft cloth or sponge instead. Fresh lemon juice can easily help you remove hard-water deposits from the surface of the acrylic tub. Do not forget to rinse the tub after cleaning it.
If you are just planning to buy an acrylic bathtub for your home, there are some important things to consider before making a decision.
What to Know Before Buying an Acrylic Bathtub
No doubt, a bathtub is a centerpiece in every bathroom. That’s why it has to look fabulous. It is extremely important to choose the tub that matches the overall design of the room and your personal style.
The shape of your bathroom is one of the most important factors to consider. You should select the shape that will suit the needs of all family members. The size of the tub is crucial as well. It should match the proportions of the bathroom to make the room nice and cozy.
If you are going to spend a lot of time in the bathtub, make sure that the tub you choose fits your body. You should also consider the depth of the tub if you are planning to bathe small children in it.
We wrote an additional post about the steps in purchasing an acrylic bathtub, check it out here!
For people who seek quality, durability and affordability, buying an acrylic bathtub is definitely the right choice. This tub will add elegance, luxury and style to your bathroom providing you with the highest levels of comfort and relaxation.
We wrote an additional post about how to choose
Read more about the key advantages of acrylic bathtubs below:
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Bathtubs
What are the Pros and Cons of Using an Acrylic Bathtub?
Acrylic Bathtubs Pros And Cons: What Homeowners Need To Know
