Acrylic whirlpool baths: benefits and tips for choosing

Initially, acrylic baths with hydromassage function appeared in sanatoriums and similar health institutions. Users instantly appreciated the relaxing effect of such devices, which the manufacturers did not fail to take advantage of and released more compact bathtubs for home use.

Today you can find hot tubs made of a wide variety of materials., however, the greatest demand is still for acrylic models. The secret of their popularity is a decent combination of quality and affordable cost.

The whirlpool bathtub is a standard bathtub equipped with jets from which water jets are emitted under tension. It is they who provide the massage effect.

Hydromassage fittings are made of metal, but this does not lead to a significant increase in the weight of the structure.

In addition to the acrylic bowl and nozzles, the structure is equipped with an electric pump, the task of which is to maintain the circulation of water throughout the bath. It is thanks to the presence of the pump that the water is supplied to the nozzles, where it is mixed with air bubbles, and then released under pressure. The device is controlled using the control panel, which has buttons to turn the device on / off, select the appropriate operating mode.

The location of the hydromassage nozzles is carried out along the massage lines around the neck, shoulders, back, thighs, buttocks, calves, feet. The design of the bowl assumes the presence of recesses and armrests in it for more comfortable placement.

Acrylic devices with hydromassage function have their advantages.

• Strength. In terms of their strength, acrylic bowls are comparable to cast iron, but at the same time they have less weight and do not rattle when drawing water.
• Long service life. On average, acrylic bathtubs are used for 10-15 years.
• High performance of thermal insulation. This means that the collected water cools down slowly - on average, by 1C in 30 minutes. This is an important indicator, since the time for taking whirlpool baths is usually at least 30-40 minutes.

• Lack of response to water quality. An important indicator, especially for residents of apartment buildings. Rusty water or water with a high chlorine content often runs from the tap. Fortunately, this does not affect the appearance of the material and its operational properties.
• High performance of sound insulation. Such a bath does not rattle when drawing water or using a shower.
• Easy to install. Low weight for easy installation. Connecting such a bath is no different from connecting similar devices.

• Ease of use. The acrylic bathtub is easy to clean and does not form stains or streaks. When chips appear on the enamel surface, they can be eliminated with your own hands using special pastes.
• Attractive appearance. Acrylic is smooth and pleasant to the touch. Modern manufacturers produce a large number of models that differ in color and design.

The presence of hydromassage jets provides a relaxing effect. Acupressure water-air massage improves blood circulation, which is an excellent prevention and method of combating obesity and cellulite.The procedures are indicated for people suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, frequent headaches and osteochondrosis.

Like any device, acrylic hot tubs come with downsides. First of all, it is low antibacterial protection. A teaspoon of tap water is believed to contain several hundred microorganisms. In the same volume of water from the jacuzzi, there are thousands. This is due to the fact that bacteria multiply more actively in the closed space of the bowl.

The way out of this situation is to purchase models with a built-in disinfection system or special compounds added to the bath. It is recommended to wash the bath not only after each use, but also before the procedure.

Among other disadvantages, the high cost of the product is often called. However, according to the majority of users, this disadvantage is leveled by the comfort and pleasant sensations that a whirlpool bath gives.

For the production of the bowl, acrylic is used - a special polymer, which can be of 2 types:

It is a sheet of acrylic that heats up to a fluid state (heating temperature - about 200C). Then the raw material is subjected to a press, the outlines of which correspond to the outlines of the future bath. In the process of pressing, the desired shape is squeezed out, which then cools down and acquires the necessary margin of safety.

This material is obtained by extrusion, otherwise the production technology does not differ from that described above. However, the extruded acrylic bath is further reinforced after curing. This is done by applying a special mixture based on epoxy resins from the outside.

The cast bowl is stronger and more durable than the extruded one, however, it costs 2 times more. The extruded analogue is suitable for rare use (up to 6-7 times per season) and is optimal, for example, for installation in a country house.

Acrylic can also differ in chemical composition, which also affects the performance of a bowl made of it. There are 2 types of acrylics, depending on the chemical composition:

Acrylic made by this method involves mixing components in a liquid form with different properties. As a result, the finished product consists of only 10% acrylic, everything else is compounds with low density and high moisture absorption characteristics. In addition, this material is rough, subject to rapid abrasion.

It is a homogeneous acrylic with high strength, wear resistance and attractive appearance, which can be restored. The service life of such devices is 10 years, and with careful handling, this period increases by another 2-3 years.

Depending on the features of the nozzle device, baths are distinguished:

• hydromassage;
• combined.

In the first, the massage effect is provided by water jets, in the second there is a system where the water is enriched with oxygen bubbles. The resulting water-air jet is softer and more foamy. In addition, in combined devices it is possible to reduce water consumption without reducing the head power.

Hydromassage jets are of the following types:

• microjet;
• vortex, including those emitting spiral jets;
• rotary;
• providing a tingling effect, etc.

In addition to hydromassage, the following additional options can be provided in an acrylic bath:

• ozone therapy;
• aromatherapy;
• chromotherapy (illumination of water jets).

When determining the parameters of the tank, it is important that it is convenient for all family members to use it. The optimal height is considered to be 50-70 cm. It will be both convenient for adults and safe for children.

The length of the product should be such that the tallest family member can lie in the bathroom, straightening your legs and resting your head on a special stand. Ideally, it is 150-180 cm.However, in small rooms you have to be content with sit-down baths, the dimensions of which are 120x70 cm.

The standard width of acrylic baths is 75-80 cm. However, when it comes to hydromassage devices, this width is not enough.

For small spaces, you can purchase a corner model, which is very compact but roomy. Its minimum size for most manufacturers is 135x135 cm.The dimensions of 150x150 cm are considered optimal.

For standard baths, you can also use rectangular baths measuring 150x70 or 160x70 cm. In such a design, an adult will most likely not be able to straighten his legs. Analogs with a size of 170x70 cm are much preferable.

Standard acrylic whirlpool tubs are rectangular in shape. The rectangular bowl "fits" into most bathrooms, along one of the walls. It is versatile and goes well with most types of interior design.

For small rooms, the installation of corner models is recommended., which are usually in the shape of a quarter circle. The main advantage of such devices is their ergonomics, while the inner surface of the bowl is quite spacious.

Jacuzzis of oval, round or asymmetrical shape provide a large bathroom area. As a rule, they are installed at some distance from the walls or in the center of the room. It should be noted that due to the plasticity of the material, manufacturers produce bathtubs of the most incredible shapes, which become the "highlight" of the interior.

A white acrylic bathtub is considered a classic. However, today devices with a hydromassage function can have different shades, as well as be decorated with patterns, sparkles.

When choosing a bath, it is not recommended to choose too aggressive, "flashy" colors, since the jacuzzi is a place of relaxation. The most suitable shades of water are considered (blue, aquamarine, greenish), as well as delicate pastel and beige colors.

Some buyers worry that the colored finish will be short-lived. This is excluded, since the staining is done not from the inside, but from the outside of the bath. That is, first, colored layers are poured, and on top of them - standard acrylic. As a result, the color is reliably protected.

The white bathtub with a laconic shape fits perfectly into any room style. For large rooms, it is better to choose a round bowl, which is installed in the center of the room. Straight-line structures are more suitable for modern interiors, while counterparts with rounded corners are more suitable for classic ones.

When choosing a bathtub with a complex design, give up its execution in bright colors. Colored bathtubs should be combined with the palette of the room, "fall" in one of the shades used for decoration.

Among the most famous manufacturers, the Spanish company should be highlighted. Roca... The manufactured products can be rectangular or oval, in addition, there are corner models. Baths are characterized by the presence of armrests and headrests, decorative panels and built-in drawers for storing hygiene items, a variety of hydromassage modes.

A manufacturer from Poland can boast of a variety of collections Ventura... Its assortment includes the most popular models of straight and asymmetric models. In addition to the variety of the model range, bathtubs are characterized by a wide price range - from fairly affordable models to premium devices.

Baths from a Polish manufacturer have a good reputation. Riho, which are made only from sheet acrylic. In this case, the thickness of the sheets is 6-8 mm. Most of the models have a laconic shape and classic design. The most popular model is Columbia.

I demonstrate the best price-quality ratio for baths of domestic production Nati, Libra, Vista, Aquanet. According to user reviews, an unpleasant odor emanates from the reinforcing layer of the latter, which disappears itself after a couple of weeks.

Brand designs are very popular Bas, for the production of which Austrian acrylic sheets are used, as well as imported components.

When buying, pay attention to the thickness of the acrylic layer. To do this, examine the edge of the bath rim and simply count the layers (they are usually distinguishable). Ideally, there should be 5-6 of them. The more layers, the stronger the structure.

Use a flashlight to determine the appropriate thickness for the acrylic bowl. A beam of light should be directed from one side of the bath wall. If it appears on the back of the wall, it is better to refuse the purchase.

Press and push on the bottom of the tub. If it "plays" and vibrates, then it is either a plastic fake, or low-grade and insufficiently reinforced acrylic.

The surface of the bath should be smooth, uniform, without streaks and smudges. A high-quality acrylic bathtub has a pleasant glossy color and a kind of glow. Plastic counterparts passed off as acrylic are dull, matte.

The nozzles must be adjustable. It is better if they are located not only horizontally, but also vertically. If funds permit, choose a model equipped with an air compressor. The latter is designed to increase the pressure of the jet.

Cleaning the whirlpool system with abrasive products is not permitted. This will lead to the appearance of cracks and, as a result, the loss of the bathroom of its properties. After each use, the bowl should be rinsed with water and wiped with a cloth.

It is recommended to fill the tub with water and add a special acrylic cleaner once a month. After that, you should turn on the jacuzzi option and do not drain the water for 15-20 minutes. After the specified time, the nozzles must be turned off, the bowl must be drained, rinsed and wiped.

The round whirlpool filter should be rinsed once a month. To do this, it must be removed, rinsed under running water, and then soaked in a basin or bucket, adding a SPA filter cleaner to it. After the required time, the filter is washed again under water and mounted.

Often, manufacturers strive to decorate the external bathroom panel with decorative elements. When buying such devices, remember that faceted and rough surfaces are more difficult to care for. Although they look more attractive.

For information on how to choose the right acrylic bathtub, see the next video.