Which bathtub to choose: steel, acrylic or cast iron. Which bathtub is better - acrylic or cast iron? Comparing the main characteristics

Acrylic bathtubs are made of durable polymer reinforced in several layers. At the low tide stage, color is added to it, giving color to the bath.

The thicker the walls of an acrylic bathtub, the stronger it is; The recommended thickness is at least 5-6 mm.

Advantages of an acrylic bathtub:

Variety of shapes and sizes. An acrylic bathtub can be selected to suit any size of room and to suit your taste. When installing it in a corner, you can further save space.
Surface resistance to mechanical stress.
Color stability to any changes. The shade of acrylic can be chosen to suit your taste and in accordance with the interior design of the bathroom.
A light weight
Good, allowing you to maintain the temperature of the water in the bath for a long time.
Easy to clean - to clean the surface, simply wipe with a sponge and soapy water.
You can restore an acrylic bathtub yourself. Irregularities can be sanded, and chips can be filled with acrylic mass and cleaned.
Environmental friendliness and safety of the material. The surface of the bathtub resists the growth of bacteria and fungi.
The sound of water filling the bathtub cannot be heard.

Disadvantages of an acrylic bath:

An acrylic bathtub is not mounted into the wall during installation, i.e., only an attached method is possible, in which water may leak onto the floor due to insufficiently good sealing of the joints between the bathtub and the wall.
Over time, the white may turn yellow from exposure to tap water.
A high-quality acrylic bathtub is quite expensive, and cheaper analogues are susceptible to scratches, cracks and other defects on the surface. In addition, pets can also damage inexpensive acrylic plumbing fixtures.
When washing or soaking colored fadeable fabrics in hot water, the surface of the bathtub may become stained.
Do not use abrasive or strong chemicals for cleaning.
For non-professionals, making an acrylic bathtub is a rather complicated process, so you need to entrust it to a specialist.

Enough high price acrylic bathtub justifies its advantages - durability, strength, ease of maintenance and environmental safety of the material.

When choosing an acrylic bathtub, it is necessary to take into account that the higher the quality and the more reliable the manufacturer, the higher its cost will be.

At the same time, there is a guarantee that such a bathtub will last a long time, will not change its color, and cracks and chips will not form on its surface over time.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the availability fully equipped necessary, and also to ensure that the edges of the bathtub are level, otherwise differences in the height of its walls will be noticeable against the background of the tiles.

If an acrylic bathtub has wide and straight sides without slopes, at an angle of 90 degrees, water will run along them by inertia not into the bathtub, but onto the floor.

When choosing an acrylic bathtub with many different fittings and technological holes in models with hydromassage, you should remember that a large number flexible tubes Over time, water supply pipes tend to become clogged, becoming clogged with dirt and mucus.

Cleaning them must be regular and takes a lot of time. In addition, when installing such models, easy access to the water drain and the bottom of the bathtub from any side should be provided for possible repairs.

You should purchase a bathtub with a base made of metal mesh or fiberglass, with a wall thickness of more than five millimeters. It is better if it is made of cast acrylic rather than extruded - you can find out about this from the seller.

It would be a mistake to buy such plumbing fixtures from a manufacturer without a warranty and at a low price.

It is preferable to choose a bathtub with the simplest geometry, because for manufacturing complex shapes thin acrylic is often used. When choosing acrylic, you should pay attention to the fact that the fittings are metal and not plastic, this will increase its service life.

A good quality acrylic bathtub has a uniform color, uniform wall thickness, a smooth surface without any defects, and should not emit a strong chemical odor.

Comparison of acrylic and steel bathtub

Steel bathtubs are a good alternative for those who, for some reason, are distrustful of modern acrylic and traditional bathtubs. They are made from ordinary steel coated with enamel or stainless steel.

Enameled steel is much cheaper than stainless steel, so the second option is not in high demand, although it is safe and environmentally friendly pure material resistant to corrosion.

When comparing which bathtub is better - acrylic or steel, consumer reviews vary. First you need to highlight the disadvantages and advantages of a bathtub made of this material.

Advantages metal bath:

Low cost
and durability, which lasts up to 15 years.
High resistance to temperature changes and aggressive chemical cleaning agents.
Variety of forms
A light weight
The smooth surface of the enamel does not allow bacteria to multiply.

Disadvantages of a steel bath:

Small metal thickness. Under heavy loads, the walls of the iron bath may become deformed, and cracks and chips may appear on the enamel surface.
Poor thermal insulation, leading to the fact that the hot water in such a bath quickly cools down.
Noisy when drawing water
Due to its light weight steel baths have less stability.
The smooth surface of the bathtub is slippery
The steel bath must be grounded
Possibility of plaque

A reliable steel bathtub weighs from 30 to 50 kg, bathtubs weigh less than 30 kg. and with low cost, as well as less than 3 mm. represent a low-quality product.

Comparison with acrylic bathtub

If we compare which bathtub is better - steel or acrylic, then the obvious advantage of steel will be its low price and the resistance of its surface to scratches.

However, a metal bathtub can become deformed if its walls are too thin.

Thus, judging by the cost, a steel bathtub is better, but in terms of the ability to easily restore the surface independently, it is superior to an acrylic one.

An acrylic bathtub retains heat inside for a long time, which is not typical for a steel bathtub.

Therefore, for lovers for a long time carry out in hot bath you should choose acrylic. Similar advice for those who prefer to choose a bath with various additional functions, for example, with hydromassage.

In addition, a steel bathtub cannot compete with an acrylic bathtub in terms of its noise level when drawing water, but if desired, if you make some efforts to soundproof the bathtub from the outside, this drawback can be partially eliminated.

For those who love comfort, a bathtub made of acrylic is more suitable - its surface is warm, pleasant to the touch, smooth, but not slippery.

In terms of durability of the coating, a steel bathtub outperforms an acrylic one, since the latter has a soft top layer that is not resistant to scratches and, even more so, to the impact of heavy objects. The enamel covering the metal bath is reliably “baked” into the top layer, which prevents the formation of various defects.

But all the listed disadvantages of both options apply only to low-quality and low-cost ones.

When choosing expensive models, both versions of plumbing fixtures - steel and acrylic - have equal strength and reliability indicators, but high-quality acrylic bathtubs are always more expensive than metal ones with the same functionality.

The thicker the walls of a steel bath, the more resistant it is to deformation and heavy loads, so you should choose it from metal with a thickness of at least 4 mm. and enamel at least 1.5 mm. At the same time, the weight of a high-quality steel bath should not be less than 30 kg.

The walls of the bathtub must be perfectly smooth, with uniformly painted enamel, without chips, cracks, or sagging.

Some features should be taken into account for the durable installation of a steel bath due to its instability and lightness. For this, specialists are usually invited.

In general, you should be guided by personal preferences, particularly the size and shape of the metal bathtub, and its combination with the rest of the bathroom.

Cast iron or acrylic?

Despite the variety of plumbing products offered on modern market, cast iron bathtubs remain the most popular among the average consumer.

Maybe this is a force of habit, since acrylic bathtubs are relatively new on the Russian market, or maybe it’s experience developed over the years.

Be that as it may, cast iron bathtubs can compete with acrylic and steel ones.

Iron casting is a complex process, but it is still not slowing down in the production of plumbing fixtures.

In order to compare which bathtub is better - acrylic or cast iron, you need to consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of a cast iron bathtub.

Advantages of a cast iron bath:

The high strength of cast iron allows you to achieve a service life of up to 50 years without being subject to deformation.
Large heat capacity, which allows you to maintain water temperature for a long time.
Possessing low vibration, cast iron has high noise insulation, which allows you to muffle the sound of pouring water.
Corrosion resistance
A cast iron bathtub can be mounted into a wall, not in an attached way, to create one with the tiles on the wall without visible joints.
Bathroom maintenance can include abrasive and harsh chemical cleaners without the risk of damaging the surface.
Affordable price
The wall thickness of modern cast iron bathtubs is smaller than before, which has made it possible to reduce their weight and increase the useful volume while maintaining quality characteristics. In addition, they are often equipped with comfortable handles and screw feet that allow you to adjust the height of the bath.

Flaws:

Heavy weight, which creates difficulties when moving and installing.
Uniformity of forms. Cast iron bathtubs are mostly made in rectangular or oval shapes.
restoration of enamel in case of chips or cracks
Over time, the enamel coating may wear away. The porous surface easily becomes dirty, turns yellow, and over time, stains that are difficult to remove can form.
A cast iron bath takes a long time to heat up.

A cast iron bathtub is a durable sanitary ware with an affordable price, but rather monotonous models and heavy weight.

Comparison with acrylic bathtub

A cast iron bathtub is the best option for those who prefer a traditional bathtub with a regular shape, since all models are the same. In contrast, an acrylic bathtub will ideal option for lovers of unusual plumbing fixtures with different shades.

The affordable price of a cast iron bathtub makes it attractive to the average person, while high-quality acrylic sanitary ware is quite expensive.

A cast iron bathtub, unlike an acrylic one, is easy to install - it can be adjusted to fit the walls, mounted in the tiles, and to accommodate uneven floors using screw feet.

IN acrylic bath the water remains warm longer than in cast iron, and the sound of water being drawn is quieter. If you hit the surface of the bathtub, acrylic can be easily restored, but difficulties may arise with cast iron.

But if you choose ease of care for your plumbing fixtures, you should go with the first option, since the porous surface of cast iron requires some effort in cleaning.

An acrylic bathtub is superior in surface hygiene, but cast iron is superior in durability.

The advantage of acrylic sanitary ware is its weight, which gives a lot of advantages when loading a bathtub into an apartment and when it is necessary to move it, unlike cast iron.

The functionality of an acrylic bathtub offers a lot of possibilities for integrating additional fittings, jets for hydromassage, which is not possible in a standard cast-iron bathtub. However, this will require additional investment and maintenance.

Unlike acrylic, a cast iron bathtub can be installed on our own without involving the help of specialists.

Despite the strength of a material such as cast iron, it is necessary to take into account that when exposed to a pinpoint impact from a heavy object, cracking will occur along the entire length with the impossibility of restoration, unlike acrylic.

Summarizing all of the above, the following can be said in favor of an acrylic bathtub versus a cast iron one: easy local restoration, flexibility of shapes, sizes, shades, variety of functionality and light weight.

In turn, cast iron has the following advantages: long service life - up to 50 years, reliability and stability, no surface deformation, not subject to sagging under heavy weight.

How to choose a cast iron bath

Before purchasing a cast-iron bathtub, you must make sure that its parameters correspond to the dimensions of the bathroom, including the doorway, otherwise dismantling it cannot be avoided.

The enamel must be smooth and shiny, without chips, scratches and sagging, otherwise further growth of chips and yellowing of irregularities cannot be avoided. Its thickness must be at least 1.2 mm.

It is necessary to ensure that the sides of the bath are symmetrical and level.

Thus, steel bathtubs are an economical option, cast iron bathtubs are reliable and traditional, and acrylic bathtubs are distinguished by a variety of shapes, modern design, and the possibility of easy restoration.

Despite the variety of models and materials from which modern bathtubs are made, it is necessary to pay attention to their quality and manufacturer, based on personal preferences and financial capabilities.

The opinion of experts can be found in the video:

A bath with herbs, oils or salt will help relieve fatigue and tone muscles after physical activity and a busy day. Therefore, it is difficult to underestimate the effective effect of water procedures on the entire body. When setting up a new room for a bathroom, or simply deciding to replace an old bathtub model with a more modern analogue, you may encounter some difficulties when choosing. After all, manufacturers offer consumers a huge choice. They differ in the material used in their manufacture, as well as in size and shape. In this article we will look at which bathtub is better: cast iron or acrylic.

Rectangular bowls with rounded corners are considered traditional, but products of round, square and even asymmetrical shapes are often found. They are made of cast iron, steel, ceramics, acrylic and natural stone.

Despite the appearance of new materials on the market, models made of acrylic and cast iron remain the most common among consumers. Below are all the advantages and disadvantages of these plumbing products.

Cast iron baths

Advantages of a cast iron bath

It has the following characteristics: excellent strength, high thermal conductivity, as well as excellent wear resistance - it easily “tolerates” mechanical stress. Thanks to thick walls (up to 8 mm), this product is able to retain heat for a long time, which, in turn, will allow the bather to enjoy more time hot water.

Such a bathtub will not be subject to deformation from the fall of any objects, and the bottom will not bend under the weight of water and human weight.
Another advantage is excellent sound-absorbing properties material - the sound of pouring water is practically inaudible.
The enamel is applied to the bowl in several layers, which makes the coating resistant to abrasion and allows the use of cleaning products that contain abrasive components. A cast iron bathtub will last long years, while maintaining its shine in its original form.
The stability of the product depends entirely on its weight, so it gives a feeling of reliability. The cast iron bathtub is equipped with legs made of the same material, which are capable of holding a massive bowl motionless.

Modern bathtubs, compared to similar models produced in Soviet times, have become much lighter, thanks to thinner bowl walls. Domestic and foreign foundries assure that such a bath will last at least 25 years, but this is only a guaranteed service life. We can say that the service life is almost unlimited.
Many consumers are mistaken, considering this material for the production of bathtubs to be obsolete. Today they are manufactured not only rectangular shapes with classic rounded corners, but also quite unusual silhouettes. In addition, they can be equipped with headboards, handles and even hydromassage functions. Therefore, choosing a model in accordance with the overall style of the bathroom will not be difficult at all.

Disadvantages of cast iron baths

The main disadvantage of such baths is their very impressive weight. The most compact model can weigh 80-90 kg, and the larger one can weigh up to 190 kg. Undoubtedly, such an indicator will cause some inconvenience, for example, when lifting a cast-iron bathtub onto the floor.
Although it is worth noting that, on the other hand, their massiveness guarantees stability and reliability during operation. And the categorical statement that this is a negative characteristic of these samples is not entirely correct.
It will be quite difficult, but possible, to restore an enamel coating that has been damaged or has lost its original appearance due to a long service life. To do this, you need to remove the old layer of enamel and rust, then prime the surface of the bowl and paint it with special enamel in several layers.
The complexity of cast iron does not allow the production of bowls of complex, unusual shapes, so the range is very limited. But, nevertheless, traditional baths have their buyer - a lover of the classics.

Tip: before purchasing, you should carefully inspect the cast iron bathtub for chips and cracks on the enamel surface. The surface must be flat and smooth, uniformly colored, without streaks. Although slight waviness is allowed, since cast iron itself has natural roughness.

Cost of cast iron baths

You can buy a medium-sized cast-iron bathtub from a Russian manufacturer for around 9.5 thousand rubles.
An Italian model with similar characteristics will cost 11 thousand.
A similar product from France costs about 17,000 rubles.

Manufacturers of cast iron bathtubs

Just a few decades ago, only domestic plumbing fixtures were available to consumers. Today, models from manufacturers from far abroad are widely represented.

Bathtubs from Russian manufacturers fall into the middle price category. In accordance with GOST, they are produced in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades; such products mainly have standard sizes and a classic shape.
For example, the Kirov Plant produces models with rounded edges and wide sides that allow you to install sliding curtains. The model range includes products of small and medium dimensions, as well as samples whose bathing volume can be up to 200 liters.

The baths of the Novokuznetsk foundry are distinguished by clear, strict contours, but with elegant outlines of the bowls. Each model is equipped with legs that allow you to adjust the required height. The use of new technologies allows the enamel to be applied in three layers, which, in turn, ensures a high level of wear resistance and durability of the coating.

As for foreign manufacturers, models from France and Spain are widely represented on the market.

Spanish cast iron bathtubs have always been of excellent quality, original design and streamlined shapes. The bottom of the bowl is treated with an anti-slip compound, but may also have special notches. For convenience during operation, each model is equipped with side handles.

The best cast iron bathtubs from France are famous for their high-quality enamel - perfectly smooth, durable, resistant to mechanical stress. Titanium white included in the composition paint and varnish material, provide exceptional whiteness of the product and integrity of the layer. The unique anti-slip coating is fully responsible for the safety of your stay in the bathroom. For more than a century, the Jacob Delafon brand has occupied a leading position.
More expensive products include luxury, but practical baths Finnish and Italian manufacturers.
Well, the budget niche is occupied by models made by Chinese manufacturers.

Acrylic bathtubs

Advantages of an acrylic bathtub

One of the main advantages of such bathtubs is the huge variety of shapes. The manufacturing technology is quite simple, essentially it is a heated sheet of synthetic polymer placed in a mold. Therefore, manufacturers have the opportunity to provide consumers with a wide range of these plumbing fixtures.

The material itself allows you to make a bowl that follows the shape of the human body. You can choose a model like traditional look, and multifunctional equipment with increased comfort: with aero- and hydromassage, lighting, and so on.
Due to the low weight of the product, transportation and installation/disassembly is carried out without any difficulties. An acrylic bathtub is initially warm, which ensures that the water cools slowly.
The appearance is also important; here you can choose a screen that will hide the unsightly lower part and give a more aesthetic appearance to the bathroom.

The inner surface of the bowl is non-slip, pleasant to the body and hygienic. Maintenance is simple and there is no need to comply with any special requirements. The only thing is that cleaning products should not contain chlorine or abrasive substances.
If over time the color of the bathtub surface changes or scratches form, these defects can be easily eliminated by grinding. More serious damage caused by mechanical shock can be repaired with a repair kit, which can be purchased at any hardware store.

Disadvantages of an acrylic bathtub

Essentially, it is a product made of plastic, fiberglass reinforced or reinforced with resins. The quality of the reinforcement determines whether the bottom of the bathtub will bend due to hot water or deforms under human weight. Violation of integrity can also occur from a blow or fall of a heavy object, for example, a shower head.
An acrylic bathtub quickly loses its original shine, and scratches and abrasions appear during use. In addition, when colored laundry is soaked, the surface may become stained; this is due to the fact that some manufacturers do not follow the manufacturing technology.
The frame on which, in principle, the bathtub will stand is responsible for stability. This design must be reliable and treated with an anti-corrosion compound.
Styrene, used in production as a hardener, can emit an unpleasant odor. It is especially intensified if you fill the bowl with hot water. Over time, it will, of course, fade, but you should be aware of possible allergic reactions in young children and the elderly.

Adviсe

You should purchase a bathtub from a manufacturer that has proven its products to be the best. Fly-by-night firms can use cheap substitutes.

It is necessary to carefully check how uniform the thickness of the bowl is; to do this, just shine a flashlight on all sides of the bath. The inner surface must be painted uniformly, without streaks.

Don’t be shy to smell the product; the absence of smell indicates its quality.

The range of prices is simply huge, so you shouldn’t be lazy; you need to carefully study the technical characteristics and compare the cost of the models you like.

Price of acrylic bathtubs

The price depends on the wall thickness, the number of protective layers and whether the model is equipped with additional functions.

Buy a compact oval-shaped bathtub without frame and front panel Russian production possible for 4-6 thousand rubles.
The cost of a model from Poland will be 6,500 rubles.
Netherlands - from 7,000 rub.
The most expensive elite-class models (complex shapes, with lighting, a frame made of expensive materials, and so on) from a domestic manufacturer will cost 90 thousand rubles, an Italian one - 270,000 rubles.

Manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs

IN last years More and more often, consumers are choosing acrylic bathtubs; increased demand is due to positive technical characteristics. Although in Europe such plumbing products have been used for a couple of decades.

As a rule, the most affordable prices have baths from China. Oddly enough, the quality of manufactured products is at the average level.
The middle price segment of the market is occupied by domestic manufacturers. For example, the Triton company, which has been producing both elite and budget models for almost 15 years. Raw materials are purchased from foreign countries, and production is carried out on high-tech American equipment.
A little more expensive than a bath from Polish and Czech manufacturers. Acrylic bathtubs from Poland are distinguished by a huge range: from ergonomic models to original products. Classic shapes combine perfectly with the soft, smooth lines of a spacious bowl. Unfortunately, the thickness of the bowl walls of some models is only 4 mm, which casts doubt on the reliability of such baths.
A distinctive feature of samples from the Czech Republic is their strength. Thanks to fiberglass treatment, the best acrylic bathtubs can withstand impressive loads. Taking into account the interests of the consumer, the manufacturer offers, along with comfortable classic forms, models and luxurious designer bathtubs.
Spanish manufacturers use only high-strength material, which guarantees the durability of such plumbing fixtures. Almost all products are completed additional details: curtains, armrests and so on. There are no disadvantages, but there is one drawback - high cost. The most popular are acrylic bathtubs from Roca.

It should be noted that some factories, wanting to save money, replace methacrylic with a cheap analogue, which has lower performance parameters.

Undoubtedly, the huge range of bathtubs, as well as the wide range of prices, makes every consumer think deeply. After all, you always want the purchased product to be different. high quality, reliability and long service life. And this difficult choice falls entirely on the shoulders of the buyer.

When choosing a bathtub, you are faced with a growing offer of acrylic bathtubs. And for sure, if you have not yet encountered acrylic bathtubs in use, you are asking yourself the question: which bathtub is better? Acrylic or cast iron. Let's try to answer your question by telling you all the pros and cons of cast iron and acrylic bathtubs.

Cast iron bathtubs are common. We have used them for many years and know everything about these baths:

- cast iron bathtubs are durable - they serve in our apartments for decades. Let the enamel become rough, but we can still use it as a bath.

— cast iron bathtubs retain heat well, since when filled with hot water, the material heats up and then gives off heat to the water.

— cast iron bathtubs are durable and can withstand the weight of a “large” person.

- time-tested

But they have certain disadvantages:

— the enamel wears off over time and becomes rough. Pores form in the enamel, in which water accumulates, then dries out and turns yellow, since water remains behind. limescale. Bacteria multiply.

— if a chip has formed on the bathtub, you cannot fix it yourself, you have to call a restorer.

— the choice of shapes for cast-iron bathtubs is very scarce, and beautiful cast-iron bathtubs made in Europe are very expensive.

— the weight of a cast iron bathtub is more than 100 kg, this is a large load on the floors. Difficulties during installation and dismantling during repairs.

Acrylic bathtubs also have their advantages:

- retain heat well. It is believed that water in an acrylic bath cools by 1 degree in 10 minutes

- pleasant to the skin. Since the acrylic surface does not give off cold when in contact with the skin and has a smooth surface

- easy to polish. If you damage the surface, you can remove the scratch yourself using an abrasive paste (for example, Goya paste) or polish.

- easy to install. The weight of an acrylic bathtub is only 30-40 kg. Easy to install and easy to dismantle. The load on the floors is significantly reduced.

- variety of forms. The offer of acrylic bathtubs in shapes, sizes and types of corner and rectangular shapes is huge.

— the surface of an acrylic bathtub is without pores and limescale deposits form on the surface in the form of a film, which is easily washed off with any detergent and you do not need to thoroughly wash the bathtub.

But there are disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs:

— acrylic bathtubs scratch easily, especially important if you have large animals. You need to use some kind of rug to prevent animals from scratching the bathtub. There is a high probability of scratches during transportation and installation of the bathtub. Unscrupulous builders can easily ruin your bath

- acrylic bathtubs, when first compared with cast iron ones, seem more “flimsy”. This is normal, since acrylic is easier to deform than cast iron, but it does not break. The acrylic bathtub can withstand weight up to 600 kg. But you quickly get used to it.

Decide which bathtub to buy for you. But, if you asked yourself the question, which bathtub is better, then you are considering the option of an acrylic bathtub. Try it! According to MIC Gortis, 90% of people who have tried using acrylic bathtubs plan to purchase an acrylic bathtub in the future.

BACH bathtubs are currently the best offer on the market.

Firstly, in the production of Bach bathtubs, environmentally friendly polyurethane reinforcement technology is used,

secondly, multilayer acrylic (ABS/PMMA) from a leading manufacturer from Austria (Senoplast) is used.

So, which acrylic bathtub is best? Let's look at the product properties in more detail: Most manufacturers still use an outdated method of strengthening bathtubs with fiberglass. This is a previous generation technology, it causes significant harm environment, workers. The use of these products can be harmful to health; glass fiber contains styrene, which is used, for example, in the production of napalm.

You may hear the opinion of some sellers or read on the Internet that bathtubs made of cast acrylic are better than bathtubs made of multi-layer acrylic using acrylic and ABS. These articles are promoted by manufacturers of pure acrylic bathtubs. Any material has its advantages and disadvantages.

Just a few facts:

1. MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thanks to the ABS component, co-extruded ABS/PMMA is much more impact resistant than cast acrylic, so it is also insensitive to shock. The drop weight test proves and emphasizes this:

This comparison convincingly proves that the material is more resistant to stress from impacts, which often occurs during use. Such characteristics significantly increase the service life of the products.

The high sensitivity of cast acrylic to impacts easily leads to cracks and splitting of finished products, working parts leak or become unusable and must be replaced.

2. SHAPE MEMORY

Compared to ABS/PMMA, cast acrylic has superior shape memory; for example, thermoformed cast acrylic sheets tend to return to the shape of the original sheet when exposed to temperature. The speed of such reforming is highly dependent on temperature. In practice, the effect of this excellent “shape memory” of cast acrylic is the cause of frequent delamination of fiberglass reinforcement from deep-drawn sheets, particularly at fractures along which hot water flows. Because deformation often accompanies the brittleness of cast acrylic, the bathtub or shower stall becomes unusable and must be discarded.

3. RESISTANCE TO MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL INFLUENCE

Senoplast is a leader in the production of sheet plastics. The formula of acrylic in sheet is constantly improving. The sheet contains a special ANTIBAC layer, which is resistant to mechanical and chemical exposure. With the same mechanical and chemical impact on the ABS/Acrylic material produced by Senoplast and ordinary acrylic, the result of damage to the bathtub is less on the material manufactured by Senoplast, which is used in the production of acrylic bathtubs of the BACH brand.

4. Recognition by independent examination

In 2006, Senoplast applied to the expert committee of the European Competition Commission to confirm the quality of the sanitary ware ABS/Acrylic multi-layer acrylic sheet. The commission made a decision in which it prohibited manufacturers of bathtubs made of cast acrylic from using in their advertising information about the advantages of bathtubs made of cast acrylic over bathtubs made of multilayer plastic, since this does not correspond to reality. According to the results, this decision, many European manufacturers have boldly switched to producing bathtubs using multilayer ABS/Acrylic plastics. Unfortunately, on the Russian Internet you will find conflicting information about the merits of the materials used in the production of acrylic bathtubs.

We have already talked about this and, as you can see, fiberglass has worse adhesion to acrylic sheets; during the operation of the bathtub, peeling may begin, that is, multilayer acrylic is several times more resistant to mechanical damage and does not require polishing during operation. The bathtub is not afraid of impacts and scratches.
Well, do you still have doubts?

BACH bathtubs offer a reliable solution at a reasonable price, don't let them fool you.

Which bathtub is better, acrylic or cast iron?

Few people now can imagine their life without a cozy, comfortable bath. This is not only a place of solitude and relaxation, but also an abode of purity. The service life that an acrylic bathtub can serve you is at least 15 years. IN modern world we can afford to choose the best acrylic bathtub for us; the variety of choices, colors, properties and qualities is simply amazing. Let's figure out which bathroom is better, acrylic or cast iron?
Cast iron bathtub has been known to us since ancient times, Lately not as relevant as an acrylic bathtub. There are a number of both advantages and disadvantages. A cast iron bathtub has a lot of weight, more than 100 kg, because of this it will not peel off from the wall and the tiles can be glued close to the joint of the bathtub. The enamel of a cast iron bathtub shines better, but requires careful maintenance. With careful and proper care enamel will last you longer. Cast iron is a complex material, so the variety of shapes is kept to a minimum.
Acrylic bathtub, which has gained popularity in the modern world, is catching up in sales and production. Let's consider best sides acrylic bathtubs. It’s nice after a busy day to relax and unwind in an acrylic bathtub with hydromassage, gain new ideas, and restore vitality. Variety of beauty and convenience of form, function, color range. These positive qualities allow you to choose a bathroom to suit your taste: with hydromassage, aromatherapy, aeromassage. Paying attention to the best materials and production technologies, an environmentally friendly and impact-resistant bathtub is produced, which is important. Water in an acrylic bath is slower, having a significant heat capacity of the material. It should be noted that the impact resistance of acrylic bathtubs is also high, since the base is laid on a steel grid. It is necessary to wash or rinse the acrylic bath after use to prevent the appearance of yellowness.

Acrylic hot tub: home pleasure center or chemical plant branch?

Do you know that Russian manufacturers reinforce bathtubs with fiberglass? This technology involves the release of styrene, a toxic substance found in napalm.
The worst thing is that fiberglass plastics, even 3 months after manufacture at 40°C, release an amount of styrene that is 40-160 times higher than permissible norm.
With acrylic bathtubs "BACH" you are completely safe! — They are reinforced with environmentally friendly material
Polyurethane according to modern technology PU Forte, which has been used in Europe for a long time. It has a high density: 400-600 kg/m³ (pine density is 500 kg/m³) and is characterized by high noise and heat insulation. The thickness of the wall coating is 1 cm, the bottom of the bath is 2 cm!

— Acrylic is created by an environmentally friendly manufacturer
BACH bathtubs are made from multi-layer acrylic from the Austrian manufacturer Senosan, awarded the AERA award for best environmental reporting.
The products are marked by independent experts: the French Center for Science and Technology of Construction (CSTB), the Institute for Plastic Testing in Vienna, the Research Association of the Rubber and Plastics Industry (RAPRA), and the Japanese Center for High Molecular Polymers.
In 2006, Senosan won a lawsuit against a competitor who claimed in advertising flyers that cast acrylic was better than multilayer acrylic. The court officially recognized that the quality of Senosan acrylic is in no way inferior. On the contrary, it has a number of advantages.

Every house or apartment has a bathroom that everyone goes into in the morning and evening. In the morning, taking a shower invigorates and puts you in a working mood, and in the evening, taking a bath relaxes you after a hard day of work.

Convenience and comfort during morning and evening toilets depends on the choice of bath.

Today there are a huge number of bathtubs that are made of various materials and come in all sorts of forms. So which bath should you choose: steel, acrylic or cast iron? Let's figure it out.

These baths have gained popularity a long time ago, and today they are also used in everyday life. The advantages of cast iron bathtubs include their high strength and long service life. Such bathtubs are not subject to vibration, so the sound of water pouring from the tap does not sound so loud.

However, well-resistant cast iron bathtubs have quite a lot of weight, which cannot be attributed to the positive aspects. Also, cast iron bathtubs have a very fragile coating – enamel. It is subject to destruction under mechanical stress, so it needs careful operation. Another disadvantage is the uniformity of bathtub shapes, since cast iron is a very complex and labor-intensive process.

Acrylic baths. Advantages and disadvantages.

Acrylic bathtubs appeared among sanitary ware manufacturers about 30 years ago and already occupy their own specific niche. Acrylic bathtubs come in many shapes and sizes. Water is drawn into the bathtub as silently as in a cast-iron one, and it also remains warm longer.

However, acrylic is very vulnerable to aggressive cleaning agents and, if you choose such a bathtub, then you need to avoid such products. But many small scratches can be easily removed by sanding, which acrylic lends itself easily to. Poor quality tap water or hot water after washing colored items can cause an acrylic bathtub to become stained.

The cost of acrylic bathtubs varies depending on the manufacturer and production technology, but in general they fall into an affordable price category. You can verify this by visiting the store SanTechShara following the link - click.

Steel baths. Advantages and disadvantages.

Bathtubs made from steel are the cheapest available on the market. They weigh less than cast iron bathtubs and come in a variety of shapes. Also, steel bathtubs are highly durable when compared to acrylic ones.

The disadvantages of steel baths include high heat transfer, so the water in such a bath will not remain warm for long. Also, such bathtubs are the noisiest when filling with water, so it is worth using rubber gaskets in them.

Marble baths. Advantages and disadvantages.

Bathtubs made from this material belong to the luxury class and cost a lot of money.

These baths can be presented in different color scheme And various shapes. Baths retain heat well and the water remains hot for a long time. They have the property of absorbing noise and vibration. They perfectly imitate any type of stone.

The downside, besides high cost, marble bathtubs are heavy, which makes the installation process difficult. During operation of such a bathtub, chips may appear.

Which of the proposed bath options to choose is still up to everyone to decide for themselves. However, before purchasing, you should once again weigh all the pros and cons, because a bathtub is not something that can be easily replaced.

Which bath should you choose? Cast iron, acrylic or steel? Bathtubs made of composite materials. Video review and test.

If you have already decided to accomplish the feat and are ready to start renovating your bathroom, then you need to first decide on the plumbing. A properly selected bath is the key to health and comfort for many years. Let's try to analyze and learn how to choose correctly this, without a doubt, the most important bathroom item.
Now in stores there is a very large selection of bathtubs for every taste.

Price, manufacturer, case materials, color, etc. The eyes widen from such abundance. So how do you make sense of this variety of shapes, colors, functions, sizes, components and accessories? If we discard all the bullshit that sellers tell us, the most important criteria remain quality, price and the advantages or disadvantages of various materials.

The material of the bathroom is the main thing that interests us as a buyer at the initial stage of selection. Let's try to structure information about different types of bathtubs, find out their advantages and disadvantages.

Video on the topic: Which bathtub is better to choose and buy?

Description: Which bath is better to choose? How to choose and which bath to buy? I am entering into the debate between steel, cast iron and acrylic bathtubs.

Photo of an antique bathroom with gilded legs and deep blue color

Choice of bathtub: acrylic, steel or cast iron

If you decide to purchase a new bathtub, you will certainly be faced with the question: which model to choose? What material is in fashion now? Which bathtub has proven itself best during use: cast iron, steel or acrylic? We need to figure out which undeniable advantages and every material of manufacture has disadvantages.

Old friends - cast iron bathtubs

Cast iron has been known for a long time. Many people read that a cast iron model will serve for at least 50 years faithfully, and there is no better material for such an important product. Is it so?

Good stability. You can easily sit on the edge without fear of it swaying. Cast iron has a lot of weight, so the products are stable, but quite heavy. Cast iron bathtubs, which are produced abroad, are made of lightweight material

Long service life. If the cast iron is of high quality, the service life can be almost unlimited. The main thing is not to damage the enamel. Avoid dropping heavy objects onto the surface
The product is easy to keep clean. The material is not afraid of various powders and cleaning agents
Water poured into such a bath retains its original temperature for a very long time. Heat retention in a cast iron bath is the highest possible among different materials
When filling a cast iron bathtub with water, the noise is insignificant, as, for example, in a bathtub made of sheet steel,
The cast iron product is installed in the usual way. No special knowledge needed
The interior of the room where a cast-iron bathtub is installed can be simply luxurious, because bathtubs from this material are often made in a palace style, with inlay, gilding, noble silver or blackening

Photo of a steel bathroom in high-tech style

Quite an expensive pleasure
The massive design and fairly large weight create some inconvenience during installation
Difficulty in restoring the surface of a bathtub after damage

Bathroom sinks are also made from different materials. For example, made of stone. You can find an article about them here.
A glass bathroom sink can be an original and attractive solution.

Photo of a white corner bathroom

Available steel baths

Many people choose steel models, since their cost suits the general public. Imported products are much more expensive than domestic ones, keep this in mind. Besides the low price, there are some other positive aspects. There are not many of them, but still.

Quite light weight of the product. To install a new or replace an old bathroom, you don’t need many helpers
High-quality enamel, which can be easily replaced if damaged. Bathtub restoration specialists will cover the unsightly surface of your bathtub with a layer of new enamel in a short period of time.

Steel products have many more disadvantages. It is worth considering that if you are tempted by the low cost of a product, you may soon be disappointed in it. Find out what disadvantages buying a steel bathtub promises you:

Steel is a rather thin material, so stomping, jumping, or dropping anything in the bathtub is strictly prohibited. You can try, but it’s better not to experiment. The enamel will receive microcracks, and the process of destruction of the coating will begin. Chips and dents can be of different sizes. The stronger the blow, the more significant the damage
The water in such a bath cools down quite quickly, so you constantly have to add hot water. The steel surface never warms up, so on cool days it is unpleasant to lean your back against the wall of the bathtub
If you fill a steel bathtub with water, the roar of falling water can be heard to your neighbors. This is due to the thin walls of the product
It is light in weight and therefore unstable. You cannot stand or sit on the edge, otherwise you may tip over along with the bathtub. Injuries are very real.

Acrylic familiar stranger

Today, many argue that acrylic models are the best among all types of products. Perhaps they are right in many ways. But only a few know what this miracle material is.

An acrylic sheet is made as follows: a varying number of layers of acrylic, a lightweight, durable, impact-resistant material, are applied to a layer of durable plastic. European manufacturers guarantee the presence of at least 5 acrylic layers. Chinese samples, of course, are not of such quality.

Afterwards, using special equipment, a product of the desired shape is extruded from the prepared sheet. For strength and rigidity of the structure, a fiberglass layer is attached to the plastic side, and a wooden board is attached to it. The structure is attached to a frame made of durable metal. The bath is completely ready for use.

Photo of a white rectangular bathroom in high-tech style

The plastic base allows you to produce products of the most incredible shapes: angular. with uneven walls, asymmetrical, convex and concave, with panels for massage devices, recesses and protrusions
Beautiful, shiny surface is perfectly smooth
Excellent heat retention (much better than cast iron models)
Easy to clean using non-aggressive detergents
Colonies of bacteria do not appear on surfaces
Not afraid of strong detergents
Large selection of models

What conclusion can be drawn? If you're a little strapped for cash, buy a steel bathtub. Perhaps after a while you will replace it with cast iron or acrylic. If finances allow, take a closer look at acrylic or cast iron products. Their service life is much longer. And acrylic bathtubs are often used additional functions(massage, relaxing, Jacuzzi bath).

Photo of a white steel bathtub in a store

Beautiful bathtub is the highlight of the interior

Sparkling clean, with a perfectly smooth surface and interesting design, the bathtub will certainly decorate the interior. Pay attention to how varied the design of bathrooms is.

Photo of a bathroom in a bathroom interior

Source: vododelo.ru

Which bath to choose

Cast iron bath: reliability and long service life

The invention of cast iron is not an innovation. But admirers of this material cannot be considered lovers of antiques. Here the choice is determined by the most important criteria - durability and strength. The price may seem high, but the service life of 50 years pays for the purchase costs. Another advantage is that cast iron retains heat for a long time. Of course, it takes a long time to warm up, but you won’t need to replenish the volume of water with boiling water for 2 hours. And this is enough to rest and relax.

Photo of a very beautiful acrylic bathtub

An acrylic bathtub competes with a cast iron product. The shape is decisive when choosing. There are no round or triangular cast iron bathtubs, but in polymer products there are enough all kinds of bulges and corners. In addition to this criterion, owners who are changing bathroom fixtures will think very carefully about weight.

Lifting 120 kg of cast iron into an apartment on top floor, the movers will not be happy, but the owners will be happy. A cast iron bathtub is stable (due to its weight) and the possibility of flooding the residents of the lower floors due to a broken tank is zero.

What to look for when choosing a cast iron bathtub? There should be no chips on the surface of the sample. You should know that the enamel coating is fragile, and if a heavy object falls to the bottom of the container, damage cannot be avoided. Abrasive cleaning agents also have a negative effect. If you pay due attention to this coating, then take the time to inspect the uniformity of color, the absence of smudges, roughness and other defects.

If you choose the perfect enamel for your bathtub, it will not only last a long time, but will also delight its owners with its shine. The same cannot be said about the acrylic surface.
Photo of a cast iron bathtub: white inside, red outside

The most popular are high-quality acrylic bathtubs

A huge plus of polymer baths is that they come in all shapes and sizes. The manufacturing technology is simple and allows it to be made to suit every taste. There's nothing wrong with your bathroom being small. And for such a room you can choose a suitable synthetic specimen. In a large bathroom, the same choice can save space for washing machine, cabinets, shelves or something else.

What is acrylic? Ordinary and familiar plastic, which is reinforced in several layers to ensure the strength of the material. There is no need to paint products made from this raw material, because... color is added at low tide stage. This gives the color stability; it will not fade or change shade. The reinforced coating becomes resistant to mechanical stress. All damage and abrasions are simply cleaned up sandpaper fine crumbs.

Not all samples are sufficiently strengthened by several protective layers. You should only pay attention to the presence of metal mesh and fiberglass in the base. The more of these layers, the stronger the walls and bottom of the bath. European manufacturers do not neglect this criterion, so professionals advise relying on the price and manufacturer when choosing. Buying from an unknown manufacturer without a guarantee and at a low price would be a mistake.

The layer thickness should not be less than 6 mm. Better than 8 mm. This parameter is observed mainly by English companies. Europeans also use thick-walled plastic in their products, for example, companies such as Ravak, Bas, Riho and some others. Plumbing fixtures from these manufacturers are in great demand in the CIS.

Which bathtub is better: cast iron or acrylic?

Bathtub made of cast iron and acrylic

An acrylic container is cheaper and easier to clean (gel detergents are sufficient).
Fungus does not multiply or appear on a synthetic surface, so the safety and environmental advantages of an acrylic bathtub.
The lightness of the body, which makes delivery and installation of the polymer bath easier, but also makes it less stable.
Retains heat inside longer than a cast iron body.
Cast iron takes a long time to heat up, but polymer takes a long time to heat up.
An acrylic bathtub can be equipped with hydromassage and other shiny things.

We can conclude that synthetic material is better. But here there are some weak sides. For example, the service life of an acrylic bathtub is up to 10 years, but a cast-iron analogue will become unusable only after 50 years. You can make allowances for the fact that a synthetic invention recently entered the plumbing market. Therefore, the actual service life is not yet known, but nevertheless it requires more care than cast iron.

Bathtub and shower in the interior of a bright bathroom

Steel bath - an economical option

Between all the bathtubs: cast iron, acrylic and steel, the latter have become the most profitable purchase. Their low cost is the most compelling argument. And positive reviews after installation indicate reliability years later. Externally, the steel body looks like cast iron, and the weight is no more than 30 kg, like a polymer container.

Photo of a luxurious bathroom with transparent windows

You will still have to pay special attention to some shortcomings - these are thin walls that can bend under the heavy weight of water and the body. As with a cast iron body, enamel is applied to the surface here. And the price for this convenience is simply surprising - from 3,000 rubles. What can we say about back side medals:

Variety of forms steel structure is not different - corner option very rare.
When you wash in such a bath, you can hear a stream of water falling to the bottom. If this starts to bother you, the problem can be solved by laying out a rubber mat.
Another not so good one good quality- rapid loss of heat. You can freeze while taking a bath if you don’t add hot water.
Caring for metal plumbing fixtures should be gentle so as not to damage the enamel.

Or maybe we can put a bathtub in the hall? If suddenly it doesn’t fit into the bathroom...

Metal options have quite a few disadvantages, but there is always a way to smooth them out. In general, steel is stronger than acrylic, lasts longer and costs less. Thanks to new inventions, damage to the enamel surface has become possible to correct (restore). The technology for restoring old coatings uses an acrylic element, and this is cheaper than buying a new product.

All the advantages and disadvantages of a particular bathtub material can be learned by using them for quite a long time. And in order to do right choice In the supermarket there is enough information indicated in the article. After studying it, you will achieve your goal: efficiency, comfort, durability, or all in one bottle!

Video on the topic: REPAIR LESSONS. "Choosing a bath."

Bathroom in the interior. French style

Source: tutknow.ru

Which bathtub is better, cast iron acrylic or steel?

If the design of a bathroom with a shower is not for you, then you should take care of choosing a really high-quality bathtub. Choosing a bath, like any other choice, is accompanied by weighing the pros and cons. Today, there are only three main materials for bathtubs. But there is so much controversy surrounding them that there is a need to devote a separate article to a review of bathtubs. Surely you yourself have asked the question - which bathtub is better, cast iron or acrylic? If yes, then the text below is especially for you.

Video on the topic: Which bathtubs are better: cast iron, steel, acrylic?

Description: Which bathtubs are better - cast iron. steel. acrylic???

How to choose an acrylic bathtub

Acrylic bathtub is great option for those who want something beautiful and not expensive
Acrylic bathtubs have recently come to our market. Their characteristic features include low price, rather elegant shapes, and difficulty in installation. Unlike other materials, acrylic is more susceptible to chemical attack and does not withstand pressure well. An acrylic bathtub is more difficult to repair, but, in fairness, it is worth noting that such a bathtub breaks less often. The main advantages of such baths include:

Finishing a white corner bathroom with mosaic tiles

Low price
Variety of models
Light product weight

Unfortunately, acrylic bathtubs have many more disadvantages. It is worth highlighting the following:

Easily bursts from targeted impacts.
Cannot withstand strong pressure on one point
Short service life compared to steel and cast iron
Acrylic may yellow over time
Does not tolerate boiling water well
Must be washed with special chemicals

In general, when choosing an acrylic bathtub, you should be guided by the following principles:

Don't choose a bathtub with too intricate shapes. Armrests, head curves, and other orthopedic textured protrusions look nice and may be useful. However, these bends are where damage most often occurs.

A common problem with bathtubs is acrylic drips on the walls of the bathtub. This problem cannot be immediately identified by eye, but it can be easily checked by touch. Before purchasing, be sure to feel the bathtub. It should be perfectly smooth, without waves. In addition, the bathtub should be inspected for mechanical damage. Acrylic bathtubs easily burst if handled improperly in a warehouse. You must ensure that there are no defects before purchasing. Otherwise, it will be difficult to prove that it was not you who broke the bathtub.

Photo of a white bathroom framed in blue

How to choose a steel bath

A steel bathtub is the golden mean. Such a bathtub has a number of advantages over acrylic bathtubs, and a number of disadvantages over cast iron bathtubs
Steel bathtubs have a number of advantages over acrylic ones, but also a number of disadvantages. With proper thermal insulation, they retain heat on par with acrylic competitors, and during correct operation, are far ahead in terms of wear. The advantages of steel bathtubs include the following points:

Does not require special means for sanitary treatment.
Acceptable price
Pressure resistance

In turn, there are also disadvantages:

Photo of a cornflower blue bathroom in the interior

Unpleasant noise when filling with water
Suffer from pinpoint impacts (a bottle of cologne falling from a shelf can damage the enamel)
Stamped design, small variety of models.

When choosing a steel bathtub, pay attention to the condition of the enamel. The coating should be without the slightest cracks. If the seller assures that nothing bad will happen from minor deformation, do not believe it.

Even a small crack in a steel bath can lead to significant corrosion. The coating rots very quickly and the product becomes unusable. When choosing a bathtub, calculate the size correctly. After all, under a seemingly thin steel bathtub, you will have to fit a fairly thick layer of thermal insulation so that the bathtub does not cool quickly.

Thermal insulation also serves for sound absorption. A well-insulated steel bathtub will not rattle under running water.

White corner bath framed by blue mosaic

How to choose a cast iron bath

Long service life, good heat capacity, heavy weight and expensive price
Cast iron bathtubs appeared earlier than others, and maintain the quality bar to this day. A cast iron bathtub has a high heat capacity. Although it takes a long time to heat up, it will also take a long time to cool down. This is a quality product, the impression of which, however, can quickly be spoiled by raising the bathtub to the 13th floor. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of these baths.
The advantages of cast iron bathtubs include:

A cast iron bathtub retains heat well
In case of damage, the bathtub can be restored. To do this, apply acrylic coating to the bathtub.
The cast iron bathtub looks really solid and expensive
Doesn't rattle when filled with water
Copes well with high pinpoint pressure. Such a bathtub will not burst, like an acrylic one, if you press it hard.
Unlike acrylic bathtubs, they do not require treatment with special cleaning agents.
It is not afraid of strong impacts and cannot be deformed.
Does not require additional insulation
The bath is stable due to its weight.
Not afraid of sudden temperature changes

Despite the huge number of advantages, cast iron baths also have disadvantages:
Before choosing a cast iron bathtub, you should make sure that it has no visible defects or damage. Although it is almost impossible to break a cast iron bathtub, there is a high risk of damaging the enamel. If you buy a bathtub with even the smallest cracks, there is a high probability that these scratches will later significantly spoil the overall appearance.

Photo of a steel bathtub with hydromassage

What to choose

Cast iron or acrylic bathtubs have their own advantages; which one is better is up to you to choose. An acrylic bathtub is an excellent economical option for those who want a beautiful product at a low price. It is much easier with a cast iron or steel bathtub. They are not difficult to use, they are easier to clean, and they are not likely to break. And even if a cast iron or steel bathtub breaks, they can be repaired, unlike the acrylic version, which is almost impossible to repair. However, the choice is yours. All baths have positive and negative sides, and now you know about them.

Finishing a white bathroom with wood

Source: provannu.com

Which bath is better to choose?

Cast iron bath: pros, cons, standard sizes and weight of cast iron baths

Photo of a white bathroom surrounded by yellow and green flowers

For many years, cast iron bathtubs were the most familiar to our compatriots. To this day you can hear that cast iron bathtubs are the best. Indeed, a cast iron bathtub is distinguished by its strength, heat capacity, durable coating, and stability without the use of additional fasteners.

Video on the topic: Bathroom interior design. Choosing a bathtub material.

Description: This video will help you decide which material is better to buy a bathtub from: cast iron, steel, acrylic, quarry. I will tell you about all the advantages and disadvantages of a steel bathtub, cast iron, acrylic and quarryl. Which bath is best to bathe a child in? In which bath does the water cool faster?

The standard sizes of cast iron bathtubs are as follows: 170x70 cm and 150x70 cm (there are exceptions: 75 and 80 cm width). There are also shortened models: 120 and 105 cm, which are available straight or seated.

Imported cast iron bathtubs are made from thinner cast iron (wall thickness no more than 5 mm). They look much sleeker, and some models have comfortable handles.

Bathtubs with a container tapering at the foot end are installed on screw legs, allowing their height to be adjusted.

How much does a cast iron bath weigh?— From 80 to 150 kg!

Cast iron bathtubs made in France, Spain, and Italy are of very high quality and can be equipped with gold-plated or chrome-plated fittings, a semi-automatic drainage system, and a massage unit.

If the listed qualities are important to you, then perhaps, when worrying about which bathtub is better to choose, you will choose this option. However, it doesn’t hurt to get acquainted with bathtubs made from other materials.

Steel bath: pros and cons

Steel is more ductile than cast iron, which allows you to create products from steel of any shape and size.
The surface of cast iron has a porous structure, so over time, particles of rust and dirt accumulate in these pores, which are almost impossible to get rid of. Bathtubs made of steel do not have this drawback, since the pores on the enamel are smaller.

But due to the small thickness of the walls, steel bathtubs ring when taking in water. To increase the sound insulation of a steel bathtub, it is immersed by a third in a box filled with sand.
Or you can fill the outer surface of the bathtub polyurethane foam, which solves the problem of not only sound insulation, but also stability. And the water will cool more slowly.

Poor quality water can leave a yellow coating on the walls of the bathtub, which is difficult to remove. However, there are bathtubs that are initially coated with a special composition that makes dirty water collapse into drops. These drops roll down the drain and the bath remains clean.

Soft purple color and snow-white bath

Steel baths have significantly less weight than cast iron ones. When installing a bathtub, this is a definite plus, since you can manipulate it alone. However, the stability of a steel bathtub is worse precisely because of its lower weight, so it should only be installed against the wall. Due to their smaller mass, steel bathtubs warm up faster when hot water is poured into it. But because of the same thing, the water cools faster. So, when thinking about which bathtub is better to choose, take all of the above into account.

Acrylic bathtubs: pros, cons, features of caring for acrylic bathtubs

Acrylic is a reliable and durable synthetic material. Due to its properties it is deservedly recognized throughout the world.
Acrylic, like any polymer, is plastic, which is why acrylic bathtubs are produced different forms, colors and sizes. The wall thickness of the acrylic bathtub is from 7 to 9 mm.

The glossy, shiny face of the bathtub is a result of the properties of the acrylic itself.
Important indicator when choosing an acrylic bathtub - environmental friendliness: this material corresponds to the metabolism of the human body. Acrylic is the most hygienic of all materials.

The disadvantage of acrylic as a material is its lack of rigidity. Rigidity is imparted to the products by several reinforcing layers (a mixture of epoxy resin and fiberglass). The greater the number of reinforcing layers, the higher the quality of the bath.

To see the number of reinforcing layers, you need to look at the edge of the side of the bathtub - here the layers are clearly visible. Also, the number of layers can be determined by the sound: the more layers, the duller the sound. The thinness and sonority of the product indicates its low quality.

To increase rigidity and to distribute the load evenly, the bottom and sides of the bath are reinforced.
Frames for acrylic bathtubs, which have from 8 to 10 points of support and from 3 to 5 stiffening ribs, can significantly increase the strength and stability of the bathtub itself. An additional layer of polyurethane foam applied to the reinforced coating provides thermal insulation of the bathtub.

Thanks to the design of the frame legs, uneven floors are compensated.
The legs have special holes that allow the bathtub to be securely fastened to the floor with screws.

Acrylic has a smooth, non-porous surface that is pleasant to the touch.
An acrylic bathtub maintains the water temperature for a very long time. If in a cast iron bath the water cools by 1 degree in five minutes, then in an acrylic bath it cools by 1 degree in 30 minutes.

Bathroom with hydromassage for two

The disadvantage of an acrylic bathtub is that its surface is easily scratched. Therefore, it is not recommended to bathe pets in them. And for cleaning, do not use abrasive powders and pastes, aggressive cleaning emulsions containing alcohol, white spirit, etc. thinners. It is better to use special compounds for acrylic surfaces. Wipe with a soft cloth and liquid detergent.