Have you ever thought about the role of a bath in your life? Yes, the object is really an ordinary assignment, but absolutely necessary in our everyday life.
And necessary, both in the psychoemotional and purely physical aspect. The font is multifunctional. Do not consider it only the abode of purity. Regardless of the form and material of manufacture, the baths are a combination of relaxation, spa treatments, and health improvement. Is this not an excuse to approach the issue of choosing an accessory with all responsibility? Considering the long term of her service, the task becomes more complicated at times. To give you an unambiguous answer to the question of which bath to choose, no one can consult. And the problem is not in their incompetence, but in the variety of proposals, each of which is good in its own way. So it turns out that you can orient yourself in the bathtub market only by getting acquainted with the characteristics of the models in detail. That’s what we’re gonna do.
Modern baths, what are they?
Characterize the product in one word, will not work. Baths submitted to the consumer court are incredibly diverse. They differ:
- dimensions;
- forms;
- type of coverage;
- thick walls;
- functionality;
- availability of comfortable options.
But the main difference is the material for making bathtubs. Raw materials can serve:
- cast iron;
- steel;
- glass;
- acrylic;
- kvaril;
- ceramics;
- artificial marble;
- tree.
Let’s get acquainted with each option in detail.
Cast-iron baths
Their Q-factors served the products well. Baths made of cast iron are an invariably popular solution. They can be found in the homes of our compatriots no less than the new-fashioned acrylic analogs, and in many cases cast-iron fonts serve people for more than half a century. This does not prevent the products from remaining in good shape. Their coating is resistant to corrosion processes. It is not just spoiled by mechanical influences. Behind him is not a matter of courting. Enamel can be cleaned with everything that is at hand.
A good quality of cast iron is its low noise and high thermal conductivity. Collected water for a long time keeps its temperature, which means that during the bath you do not have to pour in new portions of it.
In modern interpretation, cast iron bowls have a very original appearance, so there will not be any difficulties with the choice of bath shape and the optimal size. They can become an ornament of the interior of any style.
An essential drawback of the design is its weight. Even modern products, which are called lightweight, have a mass of 120 kg. Naturally, this significantly complicates the delivery and installation of the bath.
It should be borne in mind that the layer of enamel coating will lose its attractiveness over time. It can turn yellow and become covered with a network of cracks. It will not happen very soon, but it is necessary to know that it is possible to stop the process of destruction through restoration.
Steel Baths
This category of sanitary ware is the least popular in comparison with acrylic and cast iron baths. The main criterion for choosing here is the price. It, at steel designs, simply remarkable. In terms of quality – the option is also quite acceptable.
Steel baths have a number of advantages. In addition to the low cost, it is necessary to note the small weight of the product, which will allow transportation and installation of equipment on its own. Since the material of manufacture is metal, the product is characterized by strength and long service life.
Picking up a steel model, you will have the opportunity to decide which form to choose a bath. Let the form diversity is small, nevertheless, it is. Of course, in this parameter, steel products can not be compared with acrylic, as they are much inferior to them, but they are guaranteed to win in cast iron analogs.
A metallic bath gives off a presentable appearance. It has an enamel coating of good quality, which does not peel off or instantly deteriorate, as it is applied with high temperatures.
Bath of steel could be considered an ideal solution, but the picture spoils a few nuances. And the first of them – high heat emission. In the steel bath for a long time you will not luxuriate. The water in them cools very quickly, so you will have to constantly add warm portions.
The second impartial moment is the noise of the product. Metal not just does not extinguish sounds – it strengthens them, which means that the water will fall into the tank with a buzz and ringing heard throughout the apartment. Acrylic rug, bedded on the bottom of the structure, will help to get rid of acoustic noise.
Thinking about which bath to choose, keep in mind that as time passes, the metal may lose its strength and elasticity, which will lead to deformation of the walls. Such a “disease” does not suffer from more expensive specimens of steel baths, because the metal is used for their manufacture with a higher thickness.
Glass baths
Looking for the answer to the question of which form to choose a bath, look at the models of glass. This is a complete exclusive. Unique products are found in houses even less often than baths made of artificial marble, ceramics and natural wood. Consumers are frightened by the imaginary fragility of the structures, although in reality these are very durable things made from a double layer glass of specific quality.
Glass bath should be purchased for its chic look. It can be transparent and matte, have different color solutions, shape and size. This model is ideal for small space, because even the largest font will not look massive, and stop looking. The glass bath is durable, environmentally friendly and holds excellent heat.
Of the shortcomings can not be silent only about one thing – the complexity of care. It is not expressed in the washing process itself (glass can be cleaned by any means and abrasives), but in need to dry the surface in order to save it from the stains and stains of dried droplets.
Glass font, unlike steel baths, pleasure is not cheap, and if you do not have enough money to purchase it, look at the combined versions of products where there are just inserts of glass. Such models will also be a good solution for a small bathroom.
Acrylic bathtubs
Leaders of sells. On practicality of the material of manufacture, the baths have no analogues. The stores offer them in an incredible variety of models. The acrylic series is characterized by a variety of forms. Such a bath can be found in almost any: correct, incorrect or asymmetric configuration.
Noticeably, the dimensions of products also fluctuate. Acrylic designs often have hydromassage panels and other bonuses. Baths of this type are easy. Their weight rarely exceeds 30 kg, which means that there is no problem with transportation and lifting to the floor.
For what else they appreciate the series – ease of care. The surface of the bath is simply cleaned off with a sponge with a non-abrasive detergent.
Acrylic models manage to keep the heat perfectly, not just not yielding to this parameter of cast-iron baths, but even surpassing it. The secret is that the acrylic sheet is heated much faster than a thick-walled metal. Baths made of acrylic are safe in operation, as they do not have slippery enamel. The material is capable of absorbing noise, so you will not hear the rumbling of water entering the font.
Acrylic refers to highly hygienic materials. Its surface is unsuitable for the development of fungus.
If the acrylic construction is damaged, it is not difficult to restore it.
The advantages of acrylic baths include even the cost. Standard models are quite budgetary and are sold at a price much lower than for cast-iron analogs, not to mention the baths of artificial marble.
Speaking about the shortcomings, it should be recalled that acrylic can easily be scratched. The material is afraid of everything: both sharp objects, and claws of animals. It is necessary to pay tribute to the coating. It is easy for him to restore the pristine beauty. It’s enough just to polish the damage. Perhaps this fact will play a decisive role in considering which bath to choose in the home interior.
Acrylic can change color. This leads to the filling of the reservoir with low-quality water or the washing of colored linen in it. Fight for the quality of water supplied from the water pipe is difficult, but do not drain the painted water from the machine is completely within your abilities.
What’s more frustrating fans of acrylic bathtubs, so this is a short period of their service. On average, the products have to be changed after ten years.
When choosing a font from acrylic, look for the presence of reinforcing layer and fiberglass. The more such interlayers there are, the stronger the product will be. Ideally, the wall thickness of the acrylic bath should be 8 mm.
Whirlpool baths
Another novelty of the plumbing segment. The material of the bath was a mixture of acrylic and quartz. The first component is responsible for the plasticity of the surfaces, the second – for their strength. Interfering additives allow to give the product the required color. Initially, Kvaril served the restoration purposes. With its help, eliminated the problems of surfaces of acrylic bathtubs. Today it has become an independent raw material for the production of strong and light sanitary products.
Kvarilovye fonts are molded in forms. Products initially have high rigidity, so do not need additional reinforcement. At kvarilovyh models the magnificent exterior. Their weight is slightly higher than that of acrylic bathtubs, but significantly lower than that of cast-iron counterparts, so it will not be particularly difficult to mount them. Thick, high strength walls of the font perfectly withstand the load. They are not subject to deformation.
Products are durable and even with minimal maintenance are ready to serve for decades.
Kvaril is an excellent soundproofing device, so you will not hear noise coming from under the pressure of water.
No less good for the material and thermal protection. Water here, as well as in cast iron baths, for a long time does not lose the optimum temperature.
The model differs smoothness of surfaces, nevertheless, in it it is not slippery.
Unfortunately, it is not necessary to speak about the absolute ideality of quarry items. Expensive for them is their main scourge. Not so happy consumers and species diversity. And the last. Kvaril reacts poorly to very hot water, so that if it is exposed to high temperatures for a long time, it can deform.
Ceramic bathtubs
“Baths of ceramics have an unlimited lifespan”
These models of baths can be called a dream for everyone. They combined the best qualities of acrylic and cast iron. The fonts retain heat, like a thermos. Their coating is not scratched and does not corrode. Water in this bath pours absolutely noiselessly. Baths made of ceramics have an unlimited lifespan. Practically it’s buying for ages. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted fragility and high cost.
Baths from artificial marble
Similar options for bathing today are just coming into fashion. They are appreciated for their high aesthetics. The product can be given any conceived form: from a magnificent rook to an ordinary dolphin boat. This allows you to create thematic interiors. The appearance of a font of this quality carries a special chic in the bathroom environment. It looks luxurious and expensive.
Rumors about the fragility of a bath of cast marble are unfounded. It, in this indicator, is not inferior to the strength of granite. A myth should also be considered as talk about the fact that synthetics crack or quickly lose its magnificent appearance.
Artificial marble keeps heat well. In this respect, the fonts exceed the acrylic analogs. Moreover, the additives present in the composition are initially deprived of the accessory of stone coldness, which is typical for cast iron and steel baths.
Unusual material for the manufacture of the bath has a large noise absorption coefficient and can dampen vibrations, which is very important if a hydro massage system is planned to be installed in the structure.
However, on this good news ends. In operation, artificial marble, or more precisely, polymer concrete with a polyester coating, is rather fastidious. The material does not tolerate the ingress of acids and other aggressive compounds, so it will be quite difficult to clean a bath of artificial marble.
Wooden bathtubs
This is another extraordinary version of the font. It is worth it dearly. Looks solid. Make such baths:
- from oak,
- cherries,
- ash,
- wenge,
- cedar,
- teak.
Wooden products can not be called a novelty. Rather, it is a resurrected rarity, inherited from our ancestors. The main advantages of the model include:
1. Eco-friendliness and naturalness.
2. A variety of design performance.
3. Ability to retain heat.
4. Water-resistant.
Naturally, wooden models are not as ideal as, say, ceramic baths. So they tend to dry out if they are not used for a long time. They can not be washed and washed animals. To damage the product can lead even fat release from the skin of a person, so this accessory for washing, as we understand it, is not used. A bath of wood, unlike a bath of artificial marble, is usually used as a place of relaxation and immersed in it after a hygienic shower.
Jacuzzi bathtubs
Under this concept, hydromassage boxes are concealed – devices that allow to take water procedures with maximum comfort and health benefits. Hydraulic systems can supply both water and air jets. If you decide to equip your bathroom with a jacuzzi model, then approach the choice responsibly. And it’s not even that there is such a pleasure of solid money. The device will affect your health, and this is serious.
Model diversity
Jacuzzi baths differ in mechanical design. In the standard version, the massage is performed either by air or by water streams, which are fed by nozzles located along the sides of the bowl.
In more advanced designs, along with hydromassage and aeromassage flows fed simultaneously, air bubble jets can also be used. This function is defined as a turbomassage procedure. Of course, the impact on the body by directed air flows is much more pleasant and effective than treating it simply with a water jet. For the procedure to be carried out with maximum efficiency, it is important to choose the optimal size of the bath.
The presence of such functions translates the plumbing accessory into a category of luxury goods with the corresponding items of elite class at a price. But this does not stop the producers. Today they proposed new variants of fonts with absolute exotic in the form of ultrasound. Of course, physically feel his work, the skin can not, however, as a general strengthening procedure for the body as a whole, ultrasonic stimulation is very useful.
There are different Jacuzzi baths by the type of nozzles of massage systems. Streams of water and air jets can come from the bottom of the structure, fed from its side walls. In advanced models, combinations of hydromassage systems are used, which allows one-time action of curative flows on all parts of the body, including the feet and shoulders.
Additional options
Jacuzzis latest models, in addition to massage procedures, offer their owners a number of unusual functions, among which:
- aromatherapy;
- musical accompaniment;
- original backlight;
- chromotherapy;
- telephone communications;
- disinfection system;
- additional mixers and so on.
Truly the rich have their quirks, but is it really necessary for you? Do not overpay for unnecessary, in your opinion, options. Stay on the really interesting additions you are interested in.
The subtleties of choice
What a whirlpool bath to choose, you should decide not so much in terms of decoration, how much practicality. You may be surprised, but some types of massage are not as pleasant as the advertisement describes. Do not buy a “cat in a bag” will help simple actions.
Try to determine in advance your preferences. Of course, in the store to fill the model you like with water and demonstrate all its capabilities no one will. Try all the delights of the procedures by visiting the spa or going to the sports complex. Perhaps this opportunity awaits you at the hotel and the sanatorium, where you are going to rest. To understand how comfortable you are in this bath you will need to undergo several sessions of hydrotherapy. But after that you will know exactly what should be in the configuration of your jacuzzi.
Bath shape and optimal size
These parameters are chosen according to their own preferences with an eye for the area of the premises where the sanitary ware is planned to be installed. Today, you can find options that meet any needs and are suitable for any stylistic solutions.
What shape to choose a bath?
Rectangular models
The most popular option for our customers. Its main point is ergonomics and convenience. Rectangular shape gives baths of any type. They can be found in a different size range from small-sized designs to full-length products.
Corner models
“Since the angular shape is mainly attached to acrylic bathtubs and products made from modern polymeric materials, including the baths of their artificial marble, the designs are often equipped with a hydromassage”
They are distinguished by the spaciousness and beauty of the design. Such baths often become a decorative element of the environment. As this form is mainly attached to acrylic bathtubs and products made from modern polymeric materials, including their artificial marble baths, the designs are often equipped with a hydromassage.
There are no uniform dimensional standards for the angular baths. Their size range is quite wide. The proportions depend on the symmetry of the structure. In addition to size, when choosing angular variants, one should pay attention to typical structural features. Angle bowls can be “right” and “left”, as well as symmetrical or asymmetrical.
The angular shape of the bath is associated with cumbersomeness. But this is a false impression. In fact, this is the most optimal size of the bath, because it provides a chance to create space as efficiently as possible. Particularly relevant are angular solutions on small-sized areas.
Oval models
Baths of this type are bribed by the unusual appearance. They can become a compositional center of the environment, and not only in the decorative sense. They do not necessarily move to the wall, much more spectacular they will look located in the center of the room.
Baths with such a soft and concise form allow you to recreate the situation to the fullest extent conducive to relaxation. For the same purpose, the designs tend to be equipped with aero- or hydro-massage panels. The only thing missing oval bathrooms is the armrests, headrests and seating elements.
You can always choose the optimum size of the bath and find it in a color solution that meets the interior requirements.
Round baths
The subject is not that unusual, but with a penchant for shocking. Such fonts are often double, or even multi-seat. The shape of the bath in the form of a circle is most practical for the full operation of the jet nozzles. All this suggests that round baths are not designed for hygienic washing, but for pleasure.
In diameter, round fonts can have up to 210 cm, so they are installed most often in spacious rooms, providing access to the accessory from all sides.
The material for making a round bath is acrylic, a stone of natural or artificial origin, quarrel, wood, and rarely glass.
Square models
This is another way to create an unconventional bathroom in the bathroom. Such a solution will be relevant in the premises of any layout. Square baths also often become a compositional center of the interior and are not tied to a specific place in terms of installation.
The fonts of this configuration are always presentable, and this is facilitated not only by the elegance of the outlines and the non-standard form of the bath, but also by the specificity of the material used for fabrication. The most accessible in the price aspect of acrylic models, but if the issue of aesthetics comes to the fore, it is better to give preference to the baths of artificial marble or wood.
Asymmetric models
Such designs will satisfy the demand of the owners of bathrooms of unusual planning and those who hate strict lines in interior design. Usually such products are made to order, but you can find interesting options in retail.
Optimum bath size
Sometimes the size of the bathtub does not always depend on our desires. Naturally, if possible, you need to put the most spacious font, so that it was comfortable to luxuriate, but, alas, the reality drives us in certain frames. The limited space of the room requires the installation of an acrylic, ceramic, steel or cast iron bath of such dimensions that there is room for other accessories needed in the sanitary zone. It is possible that you will be forced to choose the most compact models, for example, a sedentary type.
A comfortable font should match your height and build. You should comfortably lie in it, not bending your legs in the joints. The comfort of the width is determined by the presence of free space between the body and the side walls of the bath. Its size can not be less than 5 cm.
The depth of the bath is an arbitrary parameter, but you must be aware that a much larger volume of water will be required to fill a deep model. Small forms of baths are preferable to install for older people, who find it difficult to overcome the edges above 60 cm.
Conclusion
The solution to the dilemma, which bath to choose, in fact, lies on the surface. Just weigh all the positive properties of the attracted accessory and its shortcomings, check how closely the dimensions of the construction correspond to the space allocated to it, and design – the general style of finishing the room. Now, relate all this to the budget, and you will see the bath of your dreams, the convenience and aesthetics of which will please for many years.
Photogallery – what to choose a bath
Video
Author: Mikhail Bond
Curtis
05.05.2023 @ 17:38
with acrylic or cast iron, but they have their own advantages. For example, steel baths are easy to clean and do not require special care. They are also resistant to mechanical damage and do not lose their appearance over time. However, steel baths have their drawbacks. They are not as comfortable as acrylic or cast iron baths, and they do not retain heat as well. In addition, they can be noisy during use. Overall, steel baths are a good option for those who are on a budget and do not require a lot of features from their bath. However, if you are looking for a more luxurious and comfortable experience, you may want to consider other materials.