Modern acrylic baths are cramming iron and steel counterparts on the market every day. And there are explanations for this: the devices are manufactured using innovative technologies, are made of high-quality materials, are created of any shape, are equipped with different wonders of technology. In addition, the models are available for different price segments: you can buy a bath for 3.3 thousand rubles and for 888.8 thousand rubles. The only thing that the device served more than 20 years, and not less than 5, you need to be able to choose it correctly. This is not only the article, and in detail.
Content:
The best manufacturers of acrylic baths - which company to choose
It rarely happens when a user buys a genuine product from a reputable reputable manufacturer, and then becomes disappointed in its quality. Therefore, if the plans are to purchase an acrylic bath, we recommend that you remember or write down the names of companies that are trusted by consumers.
These include:
- Ravak
- Cersanit.
- Aquanet.
- Pool SPA.
- BAS.
If you immediately need to choose a specific model of one of the listed companies, read the article about best acrylic baths.
Types of Acrylic Baths
Classic Acrylic Baths
Plumbing appliances, called acrylic baths, are composite-type products — depending on the technology, they are created from the nth number of layers.
High-quality models consist of internal polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) 5… 8 mm thick and external polyurethane - an environmentally friendly reinforcing layer, which gives the bowl rigidity in order to retain its shape during operation.
In the design of lower-quality and cheaper modifications include: PMMA - 10% by weight, ABS plastic (acrylonetrile butadiene styrene) - 90%, reinforcing layer of harmless fiberglass with polyester resin - from 1 to 5 layers. If in the first case the service life is approximately 20 years, in the second - no more than 5.
Acrylic melts at a temperature of +160 ° C, so it is relatively easy to mold bowls of various configurations from the original sheets. Classic models are rectangular, with any practical sizes.
The most optimal of them are the following:
1. Length - 1.5 ... 1.8 m;
2. Width - 0.75 ... 0.80 m;
3. Height - 0.65 ... 0.70 m;
4. Depth - 0.50 ... 0.60 meters.
In the complete set to the bath attached:
1. The welded or folding metal frame representing a basic framework for a bowl;
2. Protective and decorative screen in an amount of from 1 to 4 panels;
3. Semi-automatic siphons overflow and drain;
4. Fasteners required for installation work.
Additionally, a single-lever mixer with a spout and a shower head with a hose are purchased, which, as an option, are fixed on the shelf of the appliance.
Benefits:
- high strength: almost like that of cast-iron analogs;
- elastic, smooth and shiny surface - nice to take a bath;
- relatively low weight - carrying and installation does not require serious third-party assistance;
- the minimum porosity promoting increase in term of operation;
- low thermal conductivity - after 40 minutes the water cools to 1 ° C;
- noiseless: empty bath when turning on the tap almost does not make sounds;
- environmental friendliness: safe for health acrylic is additionally processed with antibacterial agents;
- maintainability: chipped are easily embedded, followed by grinding;
- color stability: it is not lost in the course of operation;
- simple care: in most cases only warm water is sufficient;
- variety of sizes: length - 1.05 ... 2.14 m; width - 0.68 ... 1.75 m; height - 0.35 ... 0.78 m;
- esthetic look and reasonable prices.
Disadvantages:
- low-end models do not keep their shape, so they need a reinforced support frame;
- acrylic has the ability to scratch - care products with abrasive inclusions is prohibited;
- It is not recommended to drop solid objects into the bowl - cracks may form.
Classic acrylic baths, despite the simplicity of form, are highly demanded. Such products are bought both for private houses and for apartments - they fit perfectly into small bathrooms of the latter, since they are confined closely to walls from three sides.
Bathtubs of the increased comfort
Devices are issued not only rectangular, but also round, semicircular, oval, square, many-sided, angular and non-standard forms. Models are also offered left- and right-hand, single and double, recessed and detached, including in Provence style with elegant legs and mixers.
Since acrylic is plastic at a relatively low temperature, manufacturers successfully use this factor: on the inside of the bowls comfortable headrests, armrests, shelves, stands and seats are arranged. In addition, for greater comfort of use, bronze or chrome-plated handles are attached to the sides.
Particular attention should be paid to additional options that were previously available only in expensive salons.
These include:
1. Hydromassage is performed by water jets from integrated nozzles. As a rule, the sides, legs and back are exposed to healing effects.
2. Aero massage - is carried out using air flow.
3. Chromotherapy - the effect on the skin of spectral LED radiation.
4. For maximum enjoyment of water treatments in some baths are provided TV and radio.
Benefits:
- a wide range of forms, allowing you to find a model for any bathroom interior;
- the presence of models with different colors;
- the opportunity to get a wellness treatment, watch a TV program, listen to music;
- maintaining the optimum water temperature using a water heater: optional;
Disadvantages:
- the more complex the shape, the less stable the walls of the bowl;
- the more additional options, the more expensive the device;
- the higher the comfort, the more difficult the care.
Bathtubs with additional amenities are also installed in different types of dwellings, but in this case they dominate among the selection criteria: the size of the bathrooms, which should be medium and large, as well as financial possibilities. For example, round and oval devices are usually installed remotely from the walls - in a small-sized bathroom it is simply impossible to carry out such an idea.
Acrylic Bath Selection Parameters
Dimensions and shape
If the bath needs to be entered in a niche or corner, first, the dimensions and shape are selected, which can be both standard and exclusive. The optimal dimensions are given above.
As a result, the human body should be completely covered with water, and the back and head should be at a comfortable angle. In this case, you need to understand that a non-standard product will cost relatively more.
The number of layers and thickness
A high-quality product from the inside is created from polymethyl methacrylate, from the outside - from polyurethane. The thicker the PMMA, the more expensive the device, but the longer it serves - it is desirable to stop 5 mm or more.
If the layers are 3 or more, then there is ABS in the “cake” and, quite possibly, a mixture of polyester resin with fiberglass.
In this case, the thickness of acrylic is minimal, therefore, PMMA in about 3 years will partially disappear, and in another 15 months porous acrylonetrile butadiene styrene (ABS) will collapse under the influence of water.
Material
In order to distinguish polyurethane from resinous fiberglass, it is necessary again to examine, but now the outer coating.
1. Reinforcing material has high thermal insulation and environmental properties - it is smooth with a dark shade
2. Amplifier strength when heated has a strong chemical smell - it is rough with streaks in the structure.
Of course, choose the best polyurethane.
Internal coating
Internal coating is also subject to inspection - it is checked visually and tactilely. The surface should be perfectly flat, as well as glossy and shiny.
Quality
You can check the quality of the material with a flashlight. If it is turned on and applied to the surface, then the light should not penetrate from the opposite side. Otherwise, either the acrylic layer is too thin, or it is not there at all.
To further test the strength, you can sit on the bowl and sway slightly.
Supporting metal frame
An important parameter of choice is the supporting metal frame. It is made of a rigid rectangular pipe, covered with anti-corrosion compounds, connected by welding or hardware.
Along the perimeter in the corners should be legs that can be adjusted in height. An excessive number of supports may indirectly indicate the low quality of the product, namely, the inability of the walls to keep their shape.
Equipment
It is advisable to buy a bath with the following items:
1. Overflows and plums;
2. Decorative panels;
3. Mounting hardware.
Well-known companies these mandatory components are always available.
Additional functions
If you wish, you can always choose a model with your own requests with the following additional functions:
1. Aero and hydromassage;
2. Diode lighting;
4. Ability to listen to music.
Which acrylic bath to choose
1. In the small-sized bathrooms, which abound in urban apartments, perfectly fit rectangular models. They, as a rule, are pressed against the far and two side walls, and the front view is closed with a protective-decorative screen. For the most part these are classic devices - they rarely provide additional options. Among the amenities most relevant: headrest, armrests and side handles.
2. For medium-sized rooms, corner modifications are best suited: a quarter of a circle and non-standard. As a rule, they have a curved third wall, a corner seat, rotated by 45 ... 90 ° bowl. Such products are equipped with more refined. The kit includes all the same handles, armrests, headrest, as well as hydro-massage, glass inserts and a faucet embedded in the sideboard, spout, shower head.
3. In the spacious bathrooms, you can, in essence, install any model, including a jacuzzi, chromotherapy and TV. Alternatively, it will be interesting to look round, oval and square versions mounted in the center of the room - with this arrangement, communication will have to pull under the floor. At the same time, users who prefer minimalism in style can purchase a bowl equipped only with a drain and overflow.
How much does an acrylic bath cost?
1. Round: 35.6 ... 998.0 thousand rubles.
2. Semicircular: 29.6 ... 34.5 thousand rubles.
3. Oval: 20.7 ... 768.4 thousand rubles.
4. Square: 186.7 ... 709.9 thousand rubles.
5. Rectangular: 3.3 ... 888.8 thousand rubles.
6. Many-sided: 16.4 ... 888.3 thousand rubles.
7. A quarter of a circle: 8.3 ... 742.5 thousand rubles.
8. Non-standard: 5.3 ... 814.0 thousand rubles.
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