Advice for customers
How to properly select a bathtub
|
|
In the bathroom we not only take care of our cleanliness - it is also a place to relax. What is more, bathroom is the place where we can unwind to the fullest. We buy the item of ultimate comfort and well-being only once in a few years, so it is a good idea to make an informed choice. During selecting a bathtub its material, color, size and shape need to be considered. Naturally, the price is also an important selection criterion.
Metal bathtubs
Even though steel and cast iron bathtubs lose popularity, they are still present in many homes.
Cast iron bathtubs are not very popular due to their weight (on average 120 kg). On the other hand, their massive weight makes them stable. The shiny surface is very difficult to keep clean. Cast iron bathtubs come only in a few basic shapes, so if you are on the hunt for a round or triangular bathtub you should look up acrylic bathtubs.
Steel bathtubs are much lighter (bathtubs with 3 mm thick walls weigh 30 kg on average). An important point to consider is wall thickness. Overly thin walls tend to deform and bend when sat or stood on, leading to possible cracks of the enamel. Make sure to apply proper sound dampening material to the bathtub, as there may be a lot of noise when pouring water in.
Acrylic bathtubs
Acrylic bathtubs are relatively new products in the market, but have already gained a lot of popularity. Acrylic is a specially reinforced plastic, and such bathtubs are attractively priced. Their cost often depends on the thickness of the material and the number of reinforcing layers.
Many buyers choose acrylic bathtubs since they are lightweight, which facilitates transport and installation.
Acrylic bathtubs come in plenty of attractive and unusual shapes and sizes. Additionally, various colors and shades may be chosen. A desired feature of acrylic is that it will not lose its color for many years. Also, little effort is required to keep the bathtub clean.
Another advantage of acrylic is that the bathtub retains the temperature of the water longer - whereas the temperature of water will drop by 1 degree every 30 minutes in an acrylic bathtub, the water in a steel bathtub will lose 1 degree every 5-10 minutes.
Bathtub size
Once you select the material for your bathtub, it is time to consider its size.
Typical sizes are 150, 170 and 180 cm for length and 70, 75, 80 and 85 cm for width.
The first thing to take into account is the bathroom size. Remember that the bathroom should still have enough free space after the bathtub is installed.
The second stage of selection will want you to think of what bathtub will make you comfortable. A good idea is to select a bathtub in which you can straighten your legs and keep your knees underwater. To make you feel comfortable, the bathtub should be wide enough so that there is 5 cm of free space on each side. Do not forget about its depth. Typically, bathtubs are 45-60 cm deep. The bathtub should be deep enough so that the head of a person lying in it is effortlessly kept over the surface.
The third important aspect is the volume of the bathtub, which obviously translates to the used water and the cost of the bath. More volume will also mean longer time needed for filling the bathtub with water.
Summing up, there are 4 stages for the selection of a bathtub:
- selection of the material
- specifying the desired shape
- selection of length, width and depth
- selection of volume.
Feel free to browse our advice on whirlpool systems.
This article was read 691 times
Advice