Acrylic bathtubs are generally considered to be moderate in cost compared to bathtubs made from other materials.
An acrylic bathtub can be a beautiful addition to any bathroom, and since they’re available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and shapes, there’s usually a “perfect” acrylic bathtub to suit everyone. They are generally moderately priced compared to the prices of other bathtubs, and they are relatively light and easy to install. Its light weight can make the tub feel unsound, and acrylic can scratch and stain. While acrylic bathtubs have their drawbacks, they are often the result of improper installation, maintenance, or use.
One of the main advantages of an acrylic bathtub is evident in the installation. At 75 lbs. (34.02 kg), give or take, an acrylic tub is much easier to transport and maneuver than its cast-iron counterpart, which typically weighs more than 350 pounds. (158.75kg). This is a serious consideration for the homeowner considering installing a new bathtub on the upper deck of their home – fitting a cast iron bathtub into its intended location can be difficult and can damage walls and corners along the way.
However, the lightweight quality of an acrylic bathtub results in an “empty” feeling when the user enters, unless the bathtub is set in mortar when installed. Cast iron tubs, on the other hand, don’t need any extra work to make them more solid, but it’s a good idea to check the floor and, if necessary, reinforce it for the extra weight of the cast iron tub. Another quality to take into account when installing an acrylic bathtub is heat retention; when insulated at installation, they retain heat almost as well as cast iron.
The smooth, shiny surface of an acrylic tub is not likely to chip, which is a distinct disadvantage of enamel tubs, but it is much more likely to scratch, especially when cleaned with abrasive compounds and scouring pads. Polishing scratched acrylic surfaces to restore their glossy smoothness is a relatively easy process, though in part because acrylic is the same color everywhere, not just on the surface. In contrast, a cast iron tub has a shallow enamel or porcelain surface that, if chipped or cracked, requires a precise color match to repair. Scratches can be reduced by cleaning acrylic bathtubs with soap and water only or with cleansers without abrasives, solvents, or acetone.
Acrylic bathtubs are more durable than most other bathtubs in their price range and their colors won’t fade over time like fiberglass bathtubs. They are also generally more durable than other tubs, but they are susceptible to staining, especially from dyes used on hair and clothing, which is perhaps their biggest drawback. However, these stains can be removed with a little work and the acrylic surface can be restored to its original color. In general, if properly installed and maintained, and used with an intelligent awareness of their susceptibility to staining, acrylic bathtubs should provide their owners with lifetime satisfaction.
