Comfortable, low-maintenance, warm, and lightweight, acrylic has been the material of choice for bathtubs for many years. And best of all, it’s affordable. Acrylic bathtubs are a beautiful addition to any bathroom and are available in lots of colors.
If you’re looking to replace your bathtub, there’s one thing you should know: a tub isn’t just a tub! The material it’s made of determines its comfort, beauty, and durability. Acrylic is one of the most popular materials for making bathtubs today, since acrylic tubs are lightweight and durable. They retain heat and come in various colors, so it’s easy to find the perfect shade for your bathroom.
What is Acrylic?
Acrylic is a type of engineered plastic first produced in 1933 by Rohm and Hass. It’s a versatile thermoplastic homopolymer with similar impact resistance to polycarbonate. Sometimes called plexiglass, acrylic is naturally transparent but can be dyed various colors.
The unique properties of acrylic have made it one of the most popular plastics globally. In its unaltered form, acrylic plastic has high impact resistance, optical clarity, and chemical resistance. It’s also lightweight, weather resistant, and can withstand UV damage. And since it fuses well with other compounds, its unique properties can be enhanced to fit specific applications.
Since it was first produced in 1933, acrylic has been used to make many industrial and household products. It was initially used as a glass replacement for airplane windows and canopies during World War II. Today, it’s mixed with other compounds to make sheets, rods, bulletproof glass, paint, medical devices, greenhouse panels, furniture, and more.
What’s an Acrylic Bathtub?
An acrylic bathtub is made with sheets of acrylic plastic. The sheets are heated, vacuum-formed in molds, then reinforced. This is what makes the bathtubs so lightweight. Today, acrylic tubs are among the most popular since they’re affordable, lightweight, and available in different designs.
Since acrylic sheets are vacuum formed over a mold to create a tub shape, the tubs can be of any size and design. They can also be dyed in any color, but the most popular colors are white, off-white, and cream. Due to their lightweight nature, acrylic bathtubs don’t cost a lot of money to install. In addition, they are non-porous and easy to maintain.
Not all acrylic is created with the same compounds and therefore not all equal in quality. While chemically resistant, acrylic tubs can still be sensitive to some chemicals. Some cheaper acrylic tubs are prone to scratches and cracks if not properly maintained. It’s always best to follow the manufacturer recommended guidelines when maintaining and cleaning your tub.
Benefits of Bath Fitter® Acrylic Bathtubs
Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom or shopping for a new tub, an acrylic bathtub will fit your style and budget. A good bathtub will enhance your bathroom’s design and will last you for many years. Bath Fitter® has some of the best acrylic bathtubs with matching wall options on the market, so you don’t have to look far to find what you need.
Redesign your bathroom with our high-quality acrylic liners and walls. Our affordable solutions give old bathtubs an updated look that stand the test of time. We handle and own our entire process from call to install. With over 38 years’ experience, we have perfected a premium acrylic used to make our durable product. It’s that premium acrylic that withstands day-to-day use and allows us to offer a lifetime warranty(1) with confidence. If you’re looking for a quality acrylic bathtub, here’s why you should get one of ours.
1. Custom-Molded Tubs & Showers to Fit Any Bathroom
Bathtub shopping is challenging because it’s challenging to find the perfect design and color for your space. Bath Fitter® understands this very well, that’s why we custom-mold tubs and showers. Because your tub is customized for your space, it takes up less room and affords you more space. Every feature is designed to perfectly fit your bathroom.
We first send our bathroom professionals for a consultation. The consultant takes measurements and discusses options that both meet and suit your needs. We then get to work and create a tub that meets your specific needs. The best part? Our custom-molded solution produces zero waste and is more affordable than traditional alternatives.
2. Easy to Clean, Virtually Maintenance-Free
Want a quality acrylic bathtub that’s easy to clean? You got it! Bath Fitter® tubs and walls are easy to clean and maintain. Our liners are made from long-lasting, high-gloss acrylic, which helps keep that luster for life.
You won’t have to worry about cleaning grout or tile since we don’t use either of those materials in our walls. When it’s time to clean your bathroom, there will be a few simple options to keep the high-gloss surface sparkling clean.
3. Seamless Walls for a Watertight Fit
Bath Fitter® products are always installed by Bath Fitter® experts to ensure a watertight fit to keep the water where it’s supposed to be. We only use our own premium, non-porous acrylic sheets to make our bathtubs and liners, so your acrylic bathtub will have a longer lifespan. When properly maintained, our tubs are more resistant to heavy impacts and far less likely to chip or crack.
4. High-Gloss Acrylic Maintains its Shine
Bath Fitter® tubs and liners are made from durable, high-gloss acrylic that maintains its shine for years. The high-gloss finish helps your tub look and stay cleaner for longer. It also makes fingerprints and smudges less apparent.
5. Durable, Backed by a Lifetime Warranty(1)
New tubs are expensive, so it’s important to get one of high quality. We maintain the highest quality standards in all our processes, from manufacturing to designing to installation and after-sales service.
A lifetime warranty(1) backs all Bath Fitter® acrylic products, so you can rest assured that your bathtub will last. With no demolition, we create zero mess, and installation can be done in as little as a day. So, whether you’re remodeling or installing a new bathtub, we have the solution and expertise to offer you a stress-free experience.
How is an Acrylic Bathtub Liner Installed? The Bath Fitter® Process
Consultation & Design
At Bath Fitter®, we understand that every customer is different; their tastes and preferences are unique. During the consultation stage, we identify your specific needs. A Bath Fitter® expert will visit your home or perform a virtual consultation. They will take you through the whole process and tell you what to expect.
We also provide a unique online tool that allows you to design your own bathtub through a step-by-step design process. There are hundreds of possible combinations and looks that can be created by using our tool. We’ll address all your concerns and answer every question until you’re fully satisfied.
Measurements
After you’ve selected your liner, color, and accessories, a Bath Fitter® expert will take many precise measurements right in your home (or schedule an in-home measurement session). We’ll use these measurements to make your custom acrylic product.
Custom Manufactured
The acrylic sheets we use to make our liners, bathtubs, and wall panels are among the most durable on the market. They offer the quality you can rely on, since everything is created from scratch, in-house. Your acrylic bathtub liner will be custom molded to fit the existing bathtub. We’ll fabricate a liner that will be a replica of your existing tub, providing a perfect fit.
Preparation
The Bath Fitter® process offers minimal life disruption. We repair what’s necessary. Before installation, a Bath Fitter® technician will clean your bathroom walls and bathtub and fix all the vital areas. Our preparation process creates a solid foundation, ensuring your solution lasts a lifetime.
Installation
Once preparation is complete, the Bath Fitter® technician will install the acrylic bathtub liner. The liner is installed over the existing tub and provides a watertight, virtually seamless fit. In less than a day, you’ll have a beautiful bath that lasts a lifetime. There’s no demolition or mess.
How to Clean Acrylic Bathtubs
Our acrylic bathtubs are designed to last a lifetime, but poor maintenance and cleaning habits can shorten their life cycle. If you clean your tub as recommended, it will require virtually no maintenance.
Get the Bathtub of your Dreams Today
A quality acrylic bathtub can last a lifetime if installed correctly. If you’re ready to give your bathroom a makeover, Bath Fitter® is here to help. We make bathtub installation and remodeling a simple and enjoyable process. The best part? You’ll have a brand new, luxurious-looking bathroom in as little as a day. Our bathtubs and wall liners are engineered to fit perfectly and are made from durable, high-gloss acrylic that’s super easy to clean. Call us today for a consultation.
(1) Subject to limitations; see location for details