Lesson 22. Which bath to choose for your home

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Which bath is better to choose: consider all the options. There are many materials: acrylic, cast iron, steel, Jacuzzi or regular, as well as different shapes and manufacturers.

When starting a bathroom renovation, you really want the result to justify the time spent and, of course, the money. And for this you will have to study a lot of information about plumbing equipment. You will have to find out about the companies that produce it, and review a lot of pages with design proposals.

It may be worth registering on an online forum to discuss this issue not only with family and friends. And the problem is worth it. We will try to do our part.

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In most bathrooms, the area leaves much to be desired, so the bathtub becomes the main object around which everything else will be arranged.

Out of habit, they usually try to place as many items as possible in a small area: a washing machine, bathroom furniture, and if the bathroom is shared, then the toilet.

I want to see everything!

I want to see everything!

I would like to immediately make a remark - if all this really stands together, then it makes sense to purchase products from one manufacturer of one color scheme and one style. Although there are also quite a few lovers of eclecticism.

Cast iron bath

The next stage of selection will most likely be the type of bathroom, that is, a cast iron, steel or acrylic bathtub should be installed in your apartment. If you want to have a solid, securely standing bathtub without any additional effort to install it, then this is, of course, cast iron.

Many of its disadvantages include its large weight (about 100 kg), but a couple of men, even not the most muscular ones, will be able to lift a cast-iron bathtub once every 25 years, especially since it will fit in a passenger elevator.

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But it will be durable, stable, with a shiny enamel that looks better than, for example, acrylic. Cast iron has a fairly high heat capacity, even if it takes a long time to heat up, but it is for this reason that the water will also take a long time to cool down, and you can safely enjoy water treatments, because the water will cool down to room temperature in only 1.5 hours.

But cast iron will not please you with its variety of shapes; the bathtub can only be rectangular. And then manufacturers manage to change the slope of the line somewhere, round it a little more, or even design the edges of the bathtub in the form of a bent edge. Some variety is provided by handles that are attached to the inside of the bathtub and are designed to provide safety along with an anti-slip coating on the bottom.

Pros and cons of acrylic bathtubs

Even before the renovation, you have to decide which acrylic bathtub to choose. To make it easier to decide, let’s weigh the positive and negative qualities of acrylic bathtubs. We will talk about good quality products, and not about cheap fakes.

Pros of replacing a steel or cast iron bathtub with an acrylic one:

• Light weight. An average-sized acrylic bathtub weighs about 12-15 kg, so one person can carry it. This reduces delivery costs and makes installation easier.
• Low heat capacity. Even in the cold season, acrylic feels like a warm material. It is more pleasant to stand and sit on it than on metal; it heats up quickly. Many times faster than steel or cast iron.
• Plumbing acrylic is a low-porous material, but even when wet it is not slippery.
• There is almost no sound when filling with water.

Nozzles for hydro and aero massage are well integrated into acrylic

These are positive points. Now about the shortcomings, they are serious. In order not to regret your decision, you need to choose an acrylic bathtub after being aware of all the nuances. So, the disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• Acrylic requires special care. You can only use special non-abrasive products, wash the container only with soft cloths, do not use graters, hard sponges, etc. To wash acrylic bathtubs, you cannot use products containing ammonia and chlorine, or bleaching additives (that is, washing powders are also undesirable). To wash off heavy dirt, the special composition is simply left on the surface for a while and then washed off.
• When loaded, the bottom bends slightly, causing the walls to move. For this reason, the installation of an acrylic bathtub is carried out according to a special algorithm - on standard or additional stops (bricks). The gap between the side or wall is closed with a special plinth or tile, but everything must be done according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. An acrylic bathtub is installed on a special frame that maintains its shape
• You need to handle the container carefully - acrylic gets scratched. For example, you need to put some kind of cloth under the basins, do not stand in the bathtub with shoes on, etc. If it is high-quality plumbing acrylic, the scratches are shallow and do not interfere with use; moreover, they can be sanded using special polishing pastes. In cheap composite models, scratches remain forever, and can also cause the protective coating to peel off.
• If something heavy falls into the bathtub, chips may appear on the surface. They can be repaired, but only if it is high-quality acrylic.
• The acrylic bathtub has thin movable walls. And although during installation a frame is placed under the sides, it will not be possible to fully rest on the edge of the bathtub. Moreover, you won’t be able to sit on its edge. This trick is only possible for people with low weight.

Only a person with light weight can sit on the edge

All these shortcomings are in the area of ​​operation and maintenance, but it is worth knowing about all these nuances so that you are not in the know when purchasing.

Steel bath

Cast iron bathtubs are very similar in appearance to steel bathtubs. But they can be immediately distinguished by their much lower cost and lighter weight, about 35 kg. The thickness of the steel sheet plays an important role; it should not be less than 3 - 3.5 mm, otherwise the bathtub will bend under the weight of water alone. Steel has high heat transfer, which means the water in it will cool very quickly. And it pours with a very unpleasant noise.

But manufacturers equip steel bathtubs with special rubber gaskets that are glued to the bottom of the bathtub from the outside and dampen sound effects. Many people make a frame container for a bathtub, into which sand is poured and the font is lowered into it 1/3 of the way. Or fill this space with polyurethane foam. A little troublesome, but noticeably quieter and more stable.

For example, for a dacha, a steel bathtub is a very good option: it’s cheap, not so heavy, and you can ignore the rumble in the summer.

The best models in the inexpensive price segment

Cersanit SANTANA 170

This is a rather original design, which is produced in various sizes, thanks to which it will easily fit into any bathroom. The device comes complete with a frame on which this model is installed, a decorative screen, and a siphon from the overflow system. The design is made on the basis of cast acrylic, equipped with a reinforced frame, which allows it to maintain its original shape throughout its entire service life. If desired, you can order the product in almost any color.

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The device is covered by a 10-year warranty. The bathtub has a seat on one side. In addition, the bathtub has a headrest, the sides are wide enough, so if necessary, you can put cosmetics on them. There are no scratches on the surface of the bathtub.

Advantages:

• Very high European quality;
• Long service life;
• The design retains its original shape;
• Easy to install.

Flaws:

• High sides - it will not be very convenient for older people to use.

Roca Hall 170×75

This is a Spanish-made model that fits well into the interior of a bathroom decorated with ceramics from the same manufacturer. The structure is made on the basis of 100% cast acrylic, its thickness is 5 mm. The bathtub is additionally equipped with a reinforcing layer; the bottom has an additional insert that increases its strength. The product comes with a frame with a large number of supports. It is made of a stainless profile pipe, painted with powder compositions, even if a large amount of water gets on it, it does not begin to rust.

If necessary, you can order a hydromassage system, as well as the installation of other additional options. The device has a long service life and is covered by a very long warranty. The bathtub can easily fit into both large and small rooms.

Advantages:

• Attractive appearance that will easily fit into any interior;
• Reinforced frame;
• Small mass.

Flaws:

• The anti-slip coating wears off quite quickly.

Jika Clavis 170×70 without hydromassage

This model is equipped with the most compact drain-overflow system, thanks to which it can be installed even on low legs; in addition, a reliable mounting system is supplied with the bathtub itself, allowing it to be firmly fixed to one or two walls at once. The depth of the structure is 45 cm - quite enough even for a fairly large person. Overall dimensions can be different - it completely depends on the wishes of the customer. The minimum bath volume is 190 liters.

This product is based on a multi-support frame, so the structure will not sag even under significant weight. Assembly is quite simple - you do not have to resort to the help of specialists. If necessary, you can additionally order a hydromassage system. The bathtub meets all safety requirements and is made from environmentally friendly materials that are safe for human health.

Advantages:

• Material – 100% sanitary acrylic, produced using injection molding technology;
• Everything necessary for assembly and fastening is included in the kit;
• Long warranty – 5 years;
• Safety in terms of operation.

Flaws:

• Hydromassage equipment must be purchased separately.

Acrylic bath

We can talk about acrylic bathtubs for a long time. They have only recently appeared on the market, but their popularity continues to grow. They are made of plastic - acrylic. Therefore, these baths are very light and can be transported and installed without problems. And how many different shapes can be given to products - it’s impossible to list.

But it should be borne in mind that high quality acrylic is not particularly susceptible to various types of deformation. To do this, you need to imagine a little about the manufacturing technology. The plastic sheet is heated, and then a trough of the required shape is blown out of it using vacuum chambers. Moreover, the thickness of the sheet itself should not be less than 5 - 6 mm. The better the acrylic, the worse it bends, that is, the stronger the chemical bonds in it. Therefore, you need to be careful about bathtubs that are too bizarre in shape.

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Then the resulting trough is reinforced. Some modern manufacturers do this manually. The lower surface of the bath is coated with a special composition of epoxy resin, which, as it hardens, limits the mobility of the plastic. If you apply 2-3 layers of a mixture of fiberglass and resin, the bath will become incredibly stable.

It is clear that the greater the number of layers, the more reliable the bath. Sometimes, instead of fiberglass, products are reinforced with metal mesh. The number of layers can be seen on the edge of the side or by knocking on the bathtub - the duller the sound, the more layers.

The indisputable advantage of acrylic bathtubs is the ability to manufacture them in any color palette. Dye is added at the production stage, so that the chosen color will not fade over time.

As for the heat capacity, it is very high for acrylic bathtubs, for example, for 30 minutes. the temperature will drop by just one degree. For comparison: in a cast iron bathtub this process will take from 5 to 10 minutes.

Although the surface of acrylic bathtubs is very easy to damage, it is no less easy to restore it. You just need to fill the damaged area with acrylic and then sand it using the finest sanding paper.

The best acrylic bathtubs in the mid-price category

Riho Future 170

It has a slightly rough surface, so slipping in it can be very problematic. It is made of high-quality acrylic sheet, has reinforced ribs, due to which the structure is able to withstand significant loads. The front surface retains its attractive appearance throughout its service life. Acrylic does not chip even due to impacts; there are no marks left on it at all. The design of this bathtub is classic, but it will look organic even in a bathroom designed according to the latest fashion.

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The cost of the model is not very high - without additional options it will cost about 16 thousand rubles. The bowl is oval, there are recesses on the sides, the headboard is wide and has a sloping shape. The minimum volume of the device is 180 liters.

Advantages:

• The front layer cannot be damaged even by fairly aggressive detergents;
• If necessary, the integrity of the coating is quickly restored;
• The bath has high antibacterial qualities;
• Beautiful appearance.

Flaws:

• There are stains that are not washed off too easily.

RAVAK BEHAPPY 150×75

This model will fit perfectly into the interior of a compact bathroom. The kit includes all the necessary fasteners, including a drain and overflow. The instructions are quite detailed; they describe step-by-step the rules for installing the structure, so you can easily install the bathtub yourself. In addition, a decorative screen comes with the bathtub, which will cover all unsightly areas, in particular, the frame where it is fixed and other details. If necessary, the screen can be easily removed and the structure can be inspected and even minor repairs can be made.

Caring for the model is quite simple - it does not require specialized detergents. The shape of the device is original: on one side the base is quite wide, and towards the other end it narrows, thanks to which it is possible to save a decent amount of free space.

Advantages:

• Reliable, stable frame with adjustable legs;
• Easy to care for;
• Thick layer of acrylic.

Flaws:

• The sides are narrow, so you can't put anything on them.

TRITON VICTORIA

This is a corner model with decent capacity. The bathtub has a high level of strength. The internal part is made of a special high-strength resin - the same material used to make sea yachts. The top layer of acrylic is covered with a special material - gelcoat, which has high antibacterial characteristics and is also capable of giving the structure additional shine. The overall dimensions are not too large: they are only 150x150 cm, but its ergonomics are such that you can comfortably lie in it both lengthwise and crosswise. If necessary, a hydromassage system can be ordered for such a bath.

Advantages:

• Beautiful appearance, the bathtub is additionally decorated with transparent panoramic glass, giving the design even greater originality;
• High quality workmanship;
• Reliable frame - the structure does not wobble after installation;
• Decent volume.

Flaws:

• None.

Quaril bath

In addition to the most unusual models, the market offers a wide variety of materials from which bathtubs are made. For example, Quaryl. It consists of quartz and acrylic. In this case, there is no need for reinforcement, because quartz enhances the strength of acrylic. A peculiar structure is formed when round grains of quartz sand are in an acrylic capsule, and the free space is filled with acrylic. Quaril has all the positive advantages of acrylic, but bathtubs from it have to be made by casting rather than blowing.

Steel bath - a budget solution

Previously, steel models were considered only as a cheaper and short-lived analogue of cast iron washing containers. However, with their operational and technical characteristics they are much closer to acrylic bathtubs. Sanitary containers made of steel are quite light in weight, which is 3-5 times less than that of cast iron.

Steel bath

The service life of models made from this material does not exceed 20-25 years, but they cost 2-3 times less. Steel bathtubs are produced in oval, rectangular, angular, round shapes and coated with enamel or a polymer composition. They have the following disadvantages:

1. High thermal conductivity. Sanitary containers made of steel cool faster than other types of bathtubs (cast iron, acrylic, ceramic). Because of this, it is uncomfortable to wash in them for a long time. This drawback can be eliminated when installing the container by treating the bottom with polyurethane foam or other insulating materials.
2. High noise level. Steel has a high resonating ability, as a result of which the walls of the wash container amplify the sound of falling water. Therefore, when water is filled, the steel bathtub makes a lot of noise. This defect is partially eliminated by applying polyurethane foam to the bottom, which reduces the resonating ability of steel.

Steel options are chosen by those whose budget is limited. Steel baths are much lighter in weight compared to cast iron and are easy to transport, so they are perfect for summer residents who want to equip a bathhouse in their country house. A structure of any shape can be cast from steel, and this fact significantly increases the popularity of steel models.

Speaking about steel models, one cannot fail to mention their disadvantages. The main thing is considered to be very high heat transfer, which is why the collected water cools down very quickly. In addition, the noise of steel is often considered a disadvantage - when water falls, quite loud sounds arise, which irritate many. But this statement applies only to models with thin walls; with a thickness of more than 3 mm, the bath becomes less noisy.

Exclusive bathtub materials

Nowadays there are many designer proposals for bathtubs made of natural stone and materials that seem completely unsuitable for such products as wood and glass.

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Of course, they undergo special treatment so that the glass will not break and cracks will not appear in the wood.

And projects where plumbing fixtures are presented in a combination of traditional and modern materials, such as wood and acrylic, look absolutely gorgeous.

Cast iron bathtub - a tribute to tradition

Cast iron is a traditional material for making sanitary containers for washing. Bathtubs from this material have been made for the last 100-150 years. They have a high mass, which is explained by the properties of the material, low thermal conductivity, and high strength.

Cast iron bath

The white color of the bathtubs is given by the enamel coating, which is quite difficult to care for in order to keep it in its original form. In modern models, instead of enamel coating, a polymer coating is used, which is more unpretentious in maintenance. Cast iron models come in only oval and rectangular shapes. These products have the following advantages:

• Low noise. Compared to steel models, cast iron bathtubs are considered low noise. This means that the process of collecting water into such a container is quieter.
• Low thermal conductivity. The temperature of water collected in a cast iron container drops by only 5-10 degrees per hour, which allows you to comfortably perform hygiene procedures, since the water cools slowly at this time.
• High strength. Cast iron is considered a strong, wear-resistant material, so a container made of it can withstand high loads without deforming.
• Long service life. A high-quality cast iron container will last 50 years, during which time only cosmetic defects will appear on it.

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Cast iron bathtubs can be called an absolute classic. They appeared back in the nineteenth century and have not changed much since then. Cast iron models are in consistently high demand, despite their significant weight - on average, a cast iron bowl weighs about a hundred kilograms. But, on the other hand, such massiveness can also be considered as a plus - once installed, such a bathtub is unlikely to move even under heavy load. Cast iron retains heat well; the water in the bowl cools down for quite a long time, which will be important for fans of long baths.

Cast iron structures are also distinguished by their impressive appearance. The bowl, covered with shiny enamel, always gives the impression of being solid and reliable. But you need to keep in mind that the enamel coating itself is quite capricious - cracks and chips may appear on it if a heavy object falls. In addition, the coating should be cleaned regularly, otherwise it will become covered with a yellowish coating.

Jacuzzi

Recently, the possibility of using hydromassage equipment when taking bath procedures has become very relevant. For the most part, only acrylic bathtubs can provide such pleasure.

This is a whole system consisting of a pump, compressor, pipes and nozzles. And you can control this simply by pressing a button on the remote control. To create a special romantic mood, some models have bottom lighting.

Acrylic bathtub - a bright new product

Acrylic bathtubs appeared on the market not so long ago and a few years ago were considered an exotic and elite attribute. The main obstacle to purchase was the high price, but thanks to the efforts of Russian manufacturers, acrylic models have now become available to everyone. Thus, the Domani-Spa product range includes models made of acrylic, which may be of interest to both thrifty buyers and lovers of premium sanitary ware.

Why are acrylic bowls so attractive? First of all, they are valued for their excellent heat-insulating properties. Thanks to the properties of acrylic, the water in it cools very slowly, so bath procedures are extremely comfortable. These bowls are lightweight and easy to transport. Since acrylic is a type of plastic, it can be used to create fancy shapes. It is for this reason that the widest variety of options can be found among acrylic bathtubs.

A significant advantage of acrylic is its ease of care. This inert material is practically not contaminated; to maintain a decent appearance, you just need to regularly wash it with warm water. It is very important that acrylic is resistant to external influences - it is difficult to scratch, much less seriously damage. But even if chips or cracks appear, the acrylic surface is restored without problems and takes on its previous appearance.

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Acrylic models have appeared on the market en masse only in the last 10-15 years, but at first they did not inspire confidence among buyers. Affordable price, excellent performance and long service life quickly made acrylic bathtubs the most popular among analogues in the same price category made from other materials. The main advantage of acrylic is that various models of bathtubs of the most intricate shapes are made from it.

Acrylic bath

Sanitary containers made of this material are round, oval, angular, or heart-shaped. They are produced in 2 types:

• The reinforcement frame of the bathroom is a fiberglass base on which an acrylic coating is applied. This type includes more expensive, durable and wear-resistant models.
• The sanitary container is made of 2 layers of extruded acrylic. Such models have lower strength, they are cheaper, but last less.

Professional craftsmen claim that installing acrylic models is more difficult than other types of bathtubs. Since they weigh only 10-15 kg and also do not have mechanical strength, improper installation leads to the bottom of the container splitting when the load increases. Also, during operation, you need to take into account that acrylic melts at 150 degrees, so too hot water leads to deformation of the bathtub.

Choosing an installation location

It will not be easy for owners of large rooms to cope with the problem of choosing a bathtub. You can, for example, install a large bathtub in the center of the room on a pedestal or mount it into the floor, making a small lake right in your home.

A standing bath will look no less exclusive for those who do not like to lie down or have contraindications to this.

The door that you need to open, go into the bathtub, close behind you and draw water looks very unusual.