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How To Choose An Acrylic Bathtub When You Remodel A Bathroom

Sure, being able to take a quick shower at the beginning or at the end of the day is nice, but have you tried soaking in a bathtub that smells like vanilla and blueberries with your head leaning against a comfortable tower and enjoying the candlelight ambiance?

 Acrylic Bathtub

If all of that sounds like something you might like, then you definitely need a bathtub.

Even if they take up more bathroom space, nothing can really replace the at home spa-like feeling that only a bath can give you. For all those of you interested in the world of bathtubs, we’ve put together a little buying guide, after which you’ll be guided through the world of acrylic bathtubs.

Choosing an Acrylic Bathtub

Those of you that never had to buy an acrylic bathtub before might need a little bit of guidance before making a purchase. That being said, here are some of the things you should look out for when scouting for an acrylic tub.

Size

The size of the bathtub is important because some people have to work with very limited bathroom space but you also need to consider the body size of the biggest person in your household that’s going to use the tub. In general, it’s best to go with the longest bathtub you can find, if you have the space for it. Should you want a tub that can fit two people at once, corner tubs are a good solution. They are typically wider compared to other tubs.

Location

Then, you will have to consider the positioning. There are generally two major types of acrylic tubs: the one that are installed next to a wall and freestanding unit. The latter is more suitable for people who have more bathroom space, or for those that want to have a spa-like bathroom. They are not suitable for small bathrooms because they compromise floor space and it will be a nuisance having to work your way around them the whole time. If you have a small bathroom, you might want to consider an alcove tub. This can be installed into the bath’s smallest alcoves and save plenty of space.

Install

While some people will say that ease of installation is important, this isn’t something that we find to be of interest because it is always best that you call in a professional to install your acrylic tub. However, you should look at the configuration of the product before you buy it. It has to be able to match your existing waste pipe, which influences the location of the tub’s drain. In general, tubs are made for specific configurations, and you will notice that products are listed with a center, a left, or a right-hand drain.

Budget

While you can purchase some decent acrylic tubs on a budget, we would suggest going the extra mile and buying a reinforced tub. Generally speaking, acrylic tubs are reinforced with fiberglass, which makes them more durable and less prone to scratches.

Extras

You can also check out if the bathtub you’re thinking of buying comes with any accessories. For instance, some tubs include a waste drain. Others come with repair kits. Others include overflow kits. And while you’re at it. Pay attention to the design details that can make a difference in terms of comfort. Some tubs have special arms supports, while others provide lumbar support for a better posture even while you’re soaking in the tub.

Pros & Cons of Acrylic Bathtubs

Before you spend money on a new acrylic bathtub, you should know a little bit about the pros and cons of these types of products so you can get a clear overview of what they can offer and what are the drawbacks of using them.

  • Pro: Acrylic bathtubs are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s very easy to find one that matches the bathroom décor you have in mind. Because of their size variety, you can find models suitable for simple and small bathroom, but also for large and luxurious ones. The product availability and design versatility is astonishing, so it makes sense for these tubs to be very popular in many households across the world.
  • Con: The softness of an acrylic bathtub makes it very comfortable to use but, sadly, that also means that the surface can easily get scratched. It is not recommended to use abrasive cleaners on acrylic bathtubs.
  • Pro: Even if their surface is easily scratched, acrylic bathtubs have one advantage over other ones: they can easily be fixed by polishing them or filling them with acrylic. If the surface of your bathtub were to chip instead of scratch, then you would have a harder time fixing it.
  • Con: You can really tell the difference between a budget acrylic tub and a high quality one. Budget acrylic tubs aren’t reinforced and they have an overall flimsy feel to them. On the other hand, high quality tubs are really durable because they are reinforced with material such as resin and fiberglass, but the end price is also higher.
  • Pro: Compared to other materials, acrylic tubs are really good at heat retention. This advantage will come in handy during the winter, when you want to spend more time in hot water. This is definitely a pro for people who like to take really long baths.

Cleaning & Maintenance of an Acrylic Bathtub

One of the things that you have to keep in mind when it comes to caring for an acrylic bathtub is that using the right products will make a world’s difference. Since the surface of such a tub is non-porous, using abrasive materials is out of the question. What an acrylic tub needs is a non-abrasive material and cleaning agent.

Once of the best methods of cleaning such a tub is by filling the tub with warm water and adding a little bit of dish soap or mild liquid detergent. Make sure that you use a soft cloth on the tub’s surface or the smooth side of a dish sponge. Automotive wax applied a few times per year is a great way to keep the surface of the tub all shiny and looking like brand new.

There are some people that suggest the use of acetone when cleaning a bathtub. Acetone and acrylic isn’t a good combination, as any solvents should be kept away from the surface of the tub. Instead, if you have to deal with any stubborn stains, you can use a little bit of baking soda, as it is a mild scrubber that can remove tub stain. However, make sure you use a non-abrasive piece of cloth when cleaning.

Should your acrylic tub get scratched or cracked, there are different ways to repair it and preserve its integrity even so. First of all, know that there are plenty of repair kits available on Amazon or other website and specialty stores that are handy for these situations. For scratches, repairing is often as easy as using a special solution to fill the scratch. For more complicated cracks, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to level out the scratches and then apply car wax for a glossy finish.

Top 10 Best Acrylic Bathtubs

Evolution 60″ x 36″ Drop in Soaking Fiberglass Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

We’d like to start off our list of bathtubs with a product that does wonders in terms of what it means to bathe comfortably. It has a capacity of 84 gallons and measures 18 and a half inches in depth so that you can soak in and enjoy the scent and caress of the very best bath bombs. It’s designed with a glossy acrylic material and has fiberglass reinforcement for added durability. There are molded armrests located on both sides of the tub and the contoured lumbar support will leave you wishing you had more time to just sit in the tub and relax.

Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub With Faucet

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

Who said bathtubs can’t be elegant? This Woodbridge product is here to show us that you don’t have to always go for the conventional bathtub placement in the corner of the room, but you can place it farther away from the walls for a more luxurious bathroom décor. Made from acrylic and insulated, this bath includes it’s very own faucet, so you won’t have to worry about making this purchase separately. It has a capacity of 60 gallon and a soaking depth of 14 inches. Overall, it measures 54” L x 28” W x 28.37” and it comes with a solid brass down force drainage system and a complete instruction manual.

B-0018 Chrome 59″ x 32″ Freestanding Soaking Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

When it comes to freestanding bathtub, WoodBridge is a manufacturer you can trust. Just like the model we spoke about earlier, this one is also a high-quality tub that’s made with high-gloss white acrylic and features a resin and fiberglass reinforcement. It measures 59” L x 31.5” W x 29.5” overall and has a water capacity of 55 gallons. It is the perfect addition to a small bathroom and has and end-to-end sitting space of 35.66 inches, and a front-to-back seating space of 19.66 inches.

59″ x 30″ Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

If you are a fan of freestanding bathtub, you simply have to take a look at the Vanity Art tub. Made with glossy white acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass, this product is both comfortable and durable. It measures a whopping 59.1’’ L x 29.5” W x 23” in total and comes with 16 inches of soaking depth. It can hold almost 57 gallons of water and has a center drain. Because it is a freestanding tub, it’s also really easy to install. It just requires connecting the bathtub’s hose to the bathroom’s drain.

Grayley 60″ x 30″ Alcove Soaking Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

If you have a small bathroom space to work with, an alcove tub might be just the right solution. And this little baby right here checks all the boxes on the list of features and construction of an excellent bathtub. It is made with reinforced acrylic so that you can have a sanitary and durable construction. It has a total water capacity of 65 gallons and a soaking depth of 16.5 inches. Overall, the bathtub measures 60” L x 30” W x 22”

Clawfoot Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

Talk about elegant tubs, would you look at this beauty? It’s another freestanding model made from high gloss acrylic and reinforced with resin and fiberglass. It is advertised as a tub that’s easy to clean and has a scratch-resistant surface for easier maintenance and more durability. It comes with almost 18 inches of soaking depth and measures 68.9” L x 29.9” W x 29.5” overall. The faucet is not included with the bathtub and the drain is placed on the left. It is considerably smaller compared to other tubs, as it can only hold 36.7 gallons of water.

Alcove/Tile in Soaking Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

If you’re looking for a tub with a more minimal design that can fit modern and traditional bathrooms alike, there is something about the Archer that can cover both of those setups. It could be the curved bases and the fine edges, or rather the traditional rectangular design that we’re used to seeing in tubs. The lumbar region is arched in order to provide you with more bathing comfort, while the acrylic construction stands for quality and durability. It measures 60” L x 30” W x 19” overall, with a soaking depth of 15.12 inches. It has a total capacity of 57 gallons and it’s available in a variety of colors, including black or grey.

Andrei 70″ x 32″ Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

For those of you aiming for a spa-like bathroom in the comfort of your own home, a freestanding tub is a must-have. The Andrei tub is one of those high quality products that meet all the demands of someone who is willing to invest in design and durability. It is an acrylic tub reinforced with fiberglass to ensure a longer lifespan for a product that’s otherwise made from quite a sensitive material, if it weren’t for the reinforcement. Since there is no faucet included, you get to choose the style you want that fits your existing bathroom décor. The Andrei tub has a water capacity a bit under 72 gallons and measures 70.1” L x 31.5” W x 28.3” overall.

Théo 59″ x 30″ Freestanding Soaking Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

There’s something about freestanding bathtubs that inspires luxury, no matter the design. If we’ve seen plenty of oval or curved tubs, maybe it’s time we threw in a tub with fine rectangular lines that’s just as elegant. It is made from the same combination of materials that we have come to know and love: acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement. It measures 59.1” L x 29.5” W x 23.4” overall and has a water capacity of 47.6 gallons, so it’s not the biggest freestanding tub we’ve seen, but it will do even so. It has a soaking depth of 15 inches and a center-placed drain.

59″ x 29″ Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

Modern Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

The last product on today’s list is yet another fancy freestanding tub with a quality acrylic construction that will last for years to come. It has a total water capacity of 60 gallons and an oval shape with an elevated edge for comfortable head leaning so that you can enjoy every second spend soaking in hot water. It measures 59” L x 28.5” W x 31” overall and has a soaking depth of 15.37 inches. It has a reversible drain and doesn’t include a faucet with your purchase.

Acrylic Bathtub FAQ

How long will an acrylic tub last?

There are plenty of factors that determine the lifespan of a product. An acrylic tub should last you about 10 to 15 years, provided that you follow the cleaning and maintenance rules and fix scratches as soon as they appear.

Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?

One of the main characteristics of acrylics tubs is the fact that the surface is non-porous. This significantly reduces the chances of any mildew or mold build-ups and offers a solid consistent color throughout its lifespan. Unlike other materials, acrylic doesn’t turn yellow.

Do acrylic tubs crack easily?

One of the drawbacks of acrylic is the fact that it is a sensitive material which is highly prone to scratches. However, most of the acrylic bathtub that you’ll currently find on the market (except for those designed for buyers on a budget) are usually reinforced with fiberglass, which makes them more resistant. Furthermore, acrylic tub scratches are really easy to fill, which help you increase the lifespan of the product by simply fixing scratches as they appear.

Bottom Line

Finding a quality acrylic tub isn’t a complicated a mission. Make sure that you opt for tubs with fiberglass reinforcements and remember to pay attention to details such as configuration (where the drain is placed), size of the tub (which determines whether or not you actually have bathroom space for it), and warranty (so that you can have a product that lasts for as long as possible). When it comes to design, the possibilities are endless.