The Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Bathtubs

When choosing a bathtub, one of the choices a homeowner has to make is what material the tub will be constructed of. There are many options available, and price, durability and style should all be considered when choosing a tub. One of the choices is an acrylic tub. Like any type of tub, an acrylic tub has its advantages and disadvantages. Ad Sundance® Spas Hot Tubs Get The Free Sundance® Spas Brochure with Pics & Specs. Download Instantly Now! www.sundancespas.com Variety of Shapes and Sizes Because acrylic comes in sheets that are soft and malleable, acrylic bathtubs come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you are planning a small functional bathroom or a large spa-like setting, this wide assortment of tub styles can increase your options when designing a bathroom. Heat Retaining Properties Acrylic bathtubs have a smooth nonporous surface. The surface is warm to the touch in normal temperatures and has very good heat-retaining properties, keeping water warm for a longer time than some other bathtub materials. For a homeowner who enjoys soaking in a hot tub, this can be an important advantage. Scratches Easily An acrylic surface is quite soft and can scratch easily. For this reason, abrasive cleaners should not be used on acrylic tubs. While the fact that the surface scratches easily is a disadvantage, it can also be an advantage because the scratches can often be polished out or filled with acrylic. Other types of tub surfaces chip instead of scratch, making them more difficult to repair than acrylic. Not Rigid The surface of an acrylic bathtub is relatively soft and not very rigid. Acrylic tubs can be reinforced with fiberglass, which will increase durability and rigidity but will also increase the price of the tub. Budget acrylic tubs have little reinforcement and can feel quite flimsy when installed, so it may be worth paying the extra cost to purchase one of higher quality products with fiberglass reinforcement.