Basking in the hot waters of a bathtub is indeed a very relaxing experience especially after a hard day’s work. In addition to this, it is also great for bathing little children or pets, or for cleaning huge objects. It is for these reasons that most people, when given the opportunity, would opt to install a bathtub in their bathroom. Bathtubs, however, are made of different materials, and one of them is acrylic.
Acrylic is a type of plastic called polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA. It looks like glass but it is far stronger, clearer, and lighter. Owing to these properties, acrylic bathtubs have a number of advantages over those made of other materials.
Bathtubs made of acrylic are durable. Indeed, they can be expected to have a service life of up to 30 years. The material is chemically inert which means it can withstand many chemicals. For cleaning, strong chemicals are not necessary. Mild detergents or cleaners will work just fine.
Acrylic is resistant to fading and remains clear over time. Its high-gloss finish is also long lasting. Owing to its non-porous surface, it dries quickly and thus it does not harbor molds, mildew, or bacteria. It also helps in keeping water warm longer.
Acrylic can either be extruded or cell cast. When cast, it can be formed into virtually any design, style, size, or even color, which means that there is a wide variety of acrylic bathtubs you can choose from.
Of course, there are also disadvantages to bathtubs of this material. Among these is that they are susceptible to scratching. These, however, can be buffed and repaired but still it would be most inconvenient if you have to perform repair work after every few months.
Although it resists most chemicals, there are a few that can cause it to stain. Hair dye, which is usually found in the bathroom, can pose a threat. Once stained, it cannot be removed.
Acrylic bathtubs are also more expensive than those made of fiberglass, although they have a far longer expected life. For some persons, it may be more feasible to spend for a cheaper tub every eight years (which is the expected life of fiberglass). Fiberglass would also work for those who like to periodically remodel their bathrooms.