Types of bathtubs and their comparison
The main criterion for choosing a bath, of course, is the material from which it is made, but not the only one. When comparing different types of bathtubs, one should also pay attention to their shape, dimensions, wall thickness, quality and type of coating, the presence or possibility of connecting additional options, for example, hydromassage. The various types of bathtubs and their features will be discussed in this article.
Content:
What are the bathtubs according to the material of manufacture
Cast-iron bathtubs - the choice of conservatives
This type of bath for a long time had only one competitor and often won the battle, but even today, despite the appearance of worthy opponents, it does not lose its position. And this despite the fact that this species does not differ in the variety of forms, only oval and rectangular are presented on the market. But they are reliable, durable, have low thermal conductivity, the water temperature in them decreases by 5-10 ° C per hour, which makes taking a bath in them a rather comfortable process. But in this indicator they are second only to ceramic bathtubs. Among the positive characteristics of a cast-iron bathtub, consumers distinguish their “not noise”, that is, the process of water recruitment is quite quiet, unlike steel, as well as internal strength
But, the weight of this bath is quite large, depending on the size, it ranges from 100 to 150 kg, which greatly complicates its transportation and installation. It is necessary to choose the right cleaning compositions, to exclude the use of abrasives, but most importantly - when buying, pay attention to the quality of the enamel coating. On it, the presence of any smudges, roughness, and even more so - chips should be excluded. If chips or scratches appeared during operation, then restore the integrity of the coating, although difficult, but possible.
It should be noted that in modern cast-iron bathtubs, instead of enamel, a more flexible polymer coating is used, their shape has acquired more ergonomic shapes, and the price is one of the most affordable among other products from the same group of products.
Steel baths are a reasonable compromise
Being an alternative to cast-iron bathtubs for a long time, steel, by habit, is compared with them, although, in terms of performance, they are closer to acrylic. They have a small weight, in the range of 30-40 kg, a decent service life, reaching 25-30 years and a low price. They have high thermal conductivity and "noise". True, these shortcomings can be corrected by proper installation: the principle of an enclosed space under the bath should be used, which is additionally filled with polystyrene, mineral wool or blown with foam. In addition, due to its light weight, care should be taken to ensure that the bathtub is securely fixed.
Modern steel bathtubs have not only the traditional rectangular shape, for the bathroom you can choose products with a round, angular, oval shape. In addition, they can be equipped with additional options that increase the comfort of their use: handrails, armrests and even hydromassage. Enamel (less and less) or polymer coatings can be used as a coating for modern steel bathtubs.
Acrylic bath - the choice of an energetic person
After appearing on the market, acrylic bathtubs quickly began to gain popularity due to the optimal price, high performance, a variety of shapes, sizes, as well as color diversity.All types of acrylic bathtubs are lightweight, only 15-20 kg, their installation is not particularly difficult, but in order for the product to serve 7-15 years of warranty, it should be correctly selected and subsequently follow some operating rules.
Acrylic bathtubs are made using two technologies:
- the first option - on the fiberglass frame, acting as a reinforcing frame is poured "shell" of acrylic polymer;
- the second option involves the use of a two-layer extruded sheet material.
The positive characteristics of these bathtubs significantly prevail over the negative ones, which helps them to hold the first positions in sales. They have low thermal conductivity, are noiseless, and have a beautiful aesthetic appearance, which does not take much time to maintain. When scratches or other damage occur, they lend themselves to restoration work, which can be done with your own hands. For example, you can give the original gloss with a special polish for acrylic bathtubs.
But, care products should be carefully selected, since the surface is sensitive to many types of chemical compounds. It is not allowed to put basins in the bath, including plastic ones, however, for the modern person, the owner of a washing machine, there is no special need for this. The surface of the acrylic bath is very sensitive to high temperatures, you should always remember that acrylic melts at only 160 ° C, therefore it is forbidden to have very hot water temperature, as this will lead to deformation of the product. It should also be noted the high mechanical fragility of the material.
Quaril Baths - Aware Choice
Kvarilny or kuarilovy bathtubs - are made of modern innovative material, a mixture of practical acrylic and durable quartz. This ensures their high performance and aesthetic characteristics. They are shockproof, noiseless, hold water temperature well, hygienic, can have a wide variety of forms. Due to the presence of quartz sand in the composition of the material, they are heavier than acrylic, but much lighter than cast iron. However, the acrylic component does not allow pouring high temperature water into it, since even such a rather massive structure can be deformed.
Kvarilnye bathtubs are made by casting, the form for which can be the most varied both in appearance and size, including in depth. And considering that the average wall thickness in this case is about 1 cm, the frame can be omitted during installation. The main colors are pastel colors, but there are exceptions, for example, bathtubs in black, burgundy, green and other designs.
The main distinguishing feature of the quartz bathtubs, in addition to their appearance and characteristics, is functionality. In many models, in addition to the integrated hydromassage, air massage, the presence of armrests and head restraints, a radio or other high-tech options can be integrated.
Caring for such bathtubs is quite simple and comes down to regular rinsing and periodic treatment with disinfectants, but without abrasives in their composition. Owners of acrylic bathtubs should be very careful with dyes that paint the surface and are practically impossible to remove.
Ceramic, stone baths - the choice of aesthetes
The material from which ceramic baths are made guarantees good ability to retain heat, noiselessness, such products naturally do not rust, are not subject to mechanical damage, are durable, but differ in high price, high weight, fragility, transportation and installation should be especially carefully done. Therefore - this is, most often, exclusive products that can be made to order, for a specific interior.
For the manufacture of baths can be used as natural stone, such as marble, and artificial.Products from the latter are a kind of ceramic bathtubs and have similar performance characteristics.
The artificial stone, which is used for the manufacture of bathtubs, has a composition of clay and various types of stone chips from quartz and / or granite, as well as dyes that help to give almost any color to the product. In texture, the material is very similar to natural, but much lighter in weight.
Artificial stone products also belong to the exclusive class, and their cost is very high. Therefore, they are installed in the interiors of bathrooms in country cottages, for the interiors of which designers specially developed author's projects.
Shapes of bathtubs and their sizes
Modern bathtubs are made of various materials, many of which allow you to give the product a variety of forms. Therefore, to determine what types of bathtubs will be better for a particular room is not difficult. This factor allows not only to make the bathroom more aesthetically attractive, but also to rationally use the space, often very limited.
Rectangular or traditional bathtubs
Bathtubs of this form are available from all possible materials. In addition to standard size bathtubs of 180 × 80 cm, models with dimensions ranging from 120 × 70/75/80 cm, the so-called “sitting”, to full-size 120/150/160/170/180 × 70-75 / 80 are on the market.
Corner bathtubs - helpers in space optimization
Despite the seemingly bulky and irregular shape, it is the corner baths that help to more rationally use and organize the space of the bathroom, especially of modest size.
But, when buying, you should definitely pay attention to the fact that they are:
- “Right” and “left”;
- symmetric and asymmetric.
Symmetrical corner bath.
Asymmetric corner bath.
They are mainly made from acrylic or steel, but on request you can make them from artificial stone. Among them are models of artificial stone. Often they are equipped with hydromassage and other options. For bathrooms with a sufficient area, it is very convenient to combine them with a shower.
The size range of corner baths is quite wide and mainly depends on the symmetry of the shape, vary from:
- 120 × 120 cm to 180 × 180 cm - for symmetrical models;
- 120 × 60 cm to 190 × 170 cm– for asymmetric models.
Oval bathtubs - laconic style of forms
They are made from almost all the basic materials for bathtubs; they are laconic and soft in shape, which allows you to create an interior that maximizes relaxation and relaxation. Especially for this purpose, most models of this form are equipped with hydro- or air massage. But in them, as a rule, there are no armrests and head restraints, as well as special elements for seating. The size range is diverse, but if we talk about standards, then they are in the range of 140 - 210 cm.
Round bath - striving for the ideal
This is an exclusive bathtub. Depending on the size, it can be double or even multi-seat. The round shape of the bath is the most convenient for the installation and operation of hydromassage nozzles, therefore, its main purpose is not hygienic procedures, but a device for relaxation.
But, regardless of the size, which can be from 140 to 210 cm in diameter, it requires a room with a sufficient area for its installation, suggesting the possibility of an approach from all sides. Mostly made from acrylic, less often steel, but to create exclusive models, quaril, artificial or natural stone, etc. are used.
In general, considering the different types of bathtubs, their differences, advantages and disadvantages, the choice should be made based on the needs of family members and their preferences, while not forgetting that installing a bathtub is a responsible matter, since it will have to be used for at least several years. Particular attention is required by the elderly and children.For the former, a sitz bath with a depth of 60 to 80 cm may turn out to be a comfortable option, while the latter, on the contrary, will be more convenient with a shallow but fairly spacious model.
In order for the adoption of water and / or hygienic procedures in the bathtub to be as comfortable as possible, it must have sufficient dimensions for this, the main of which are length and depth (the minimum standard width is 70-80 cm — optimal for people with standard equipment). In order to make the bath deeper, but not more cumbersome, manufacturers use, for example, a method of arranging flatter sides.
Massage systems used in bathtubs
In modern bathtubs, systems designed for three types of water massage are installed: hydro-, aero- and turbomassage. These systems are mounted, as a rule, on bathtubs made of acrylic, quarryl and steel.
Hydromassage
System for hydromassage - a system of nozzles and hoses, through which under high pressure there is movement of water, driven by a pump. As a rule, a pressure head control system is provided, and the number of nozzles is determined by the size of the bath.
Air massage
The air massage system is similar to the hydromassage one, but it has one significant difference - the working tool for massage is not a jet of water, but air bubbles, the intensity of which is regulated.
Turbomassage
Turbomassage system - a combined type of aero- and hydromassage. Basically, this system is installed in such types of bathtubs as a jacuzzi. Two hoses are connected to the nozzles at once, through which both water and air can be supplied. This feature allows you to use the system as a complex, or individually, each type of massage, if desired.
