How to choose the right bathtub?

Selection criteria

A bathtub is designed for water procedures. There are several criteria that allow you to choose a high-quality and comfortable product:

1. Dimensions. First of all, you need to determine the desired dimensions of the product (length, width, depth), which correspond to the dimensions of the bathroom. It should not be too bulky or small, since this is not practical and not aesthetically pleasing. It is also important to consider that using a large bathtub will entail a noticeable increase in the cost of paying bills for the volume of water used.
2. Shapes. There are many types of bathtubs that correspond to certain styles. For example, standard rectangular products fit well into classic bathroom interiors, oval ones – into minimalist ones, corner and round ones – into modern ones. However, the choice of bathtub shape depends primarily on the free space in the bathroom. So, it will not be possible to purchase a rectangular product if the room is very small, in which case you will have to install corner models and choose the appropriate style (minimalism, hi-tech, etc.).
3. Material. When choosing a material, 2 factors are taken into account: practicality and cost. You should understand how comfortable it is to take a bath by choosing a certain model, and whether you have the resources to purchase it. For example, acrylic bathtubs and cast iron bathtubs are durable and retain water heat well, while steel bathtubs have high thermal conductivity, but are cheaper.
4. Availability of additional options. Although a bathtub in the form of a simple reservoir remains popular, modern models with many auxiliary functions are gradually conquering part of the market. When buying, you should definitely pay attention to options, such as constant water heating, hydro- and air massage systems, mini-waterfalls, etc. They provide many benefits for health and comfort. In addition, you can choose useful accessories, such as comfortable headrests.
5. Price. The cost depends primarily on the material used and the presence of auxiliary functions, and is classified into several categories. The cheapest include earthenware, steel, acrylic bathtubs. In the more expensive segment are products made of cast iron. Among them, you can choose a practical and aesthetic bathtub.
6. Manufacturer. It is recommended to choose models from well-known manufacturers with a positive image. As a rule, they care about the quality of their products and strive to improve technology.

Determining the dimensions of the bathtub

Such a task as choosing the dimensions (length, width, depth) of the bowl can be difficult. Standard bathtub sizes vary depending on the manufacturer and model and must correspond to the dimensions of the bathroom (toilet). But it is important to choose a tank of the appropriate length and width, which corresponds to the height of all adult family members.

Most models have the following standard dimensions: length – from 140 to 185 cm, width – from 75 to 90 cm, depth – from 40 to 65 cm. To choose the dimensions, you first need to calculate the average height of adults in the family who plan to use the bathtub. The optimal length of the product is 10 cm less relative to this parameter, the width is 10 cm more. The depth is chosen according to personal preferences, so that it is comfortable to immerse yourself in water.

Which shape is better to choose

Like any piece of furniture in the living room of the apartment, the bathtub is the central element of the interior. Therefore, it is important to choose the optimal shape that will allow you to maintain visual harmony and take advantage of all possible functions of the product.

Classification of bathtubs by shape:

1. Rectangular. These are the most popular models, as they are comfortable and practical. Rectangular bowls fit well into the classic interior of the bathroom (in any place), but they can also be combined with other styles. As a rule, they are compact and take up a minimum of space. Rectangular bowls can be built-in or free-standing (on legs).
2. Oval and round. Such shapes are less rational and are suitable for a spacious bathroom. However, oval bowls are more practical, as they are close to the classic style.
3. Corner. Suitable for very small bathrooms, as they take up little space and remain functional. They can be installed in the bathroom of an apartment with any wall geometry. The main disadvantage is the complexity of the facing work (laying tiles) and cleaning the gaps from accumulated dust. To repair the walls, you will have to dismantle the bathtub.
4. Polygonal. These models are unique and require careful selection of sizes. They will not fit into all spaces, and will not be combined with all styles. Here you should be guided solely by your own aesthetic preferences.
5. Asymmetrical. Buying such models also requires a thorough preliminary analysis. As a rule, asymmetrical bowls are expensive and do not fit into every place in the bathroom (apartment toilet).

From what material is better to buy a bathtub

Baths are made from many materials, including new ones constantly appearing. They all have their advantages and disadvantages for buyers. For example, cast iron bathtubs retain heat very well, steel bathtubs offer the best combination of price and quality, and marble (made of artificial stone) are suitable for true connoisseurs of beauty and comfort.

See the comparison of cast iron, acrylic and steel bathtubs.

Cast iron bathtubs

Cast iron bathtubs are considered the most durable, which, with careful use, will serve their owners for several decades. The most important performance characteristic of cast iron is effective heat retention (does not cool down for a long time) due to the thickness of the walls when hot water is poured inside. Cast iron bathtubs do not cool down as quickly as products made of other materials. Therefore, they are very comfortable to use.

Cast iron bathtubs also have disadvantages, the most significant of which is their heavy weight. They are so heavy that before installation (assembly) you will have to take care to strengthen the floor well. In addition, cast iron is covered with enamel, which easily chips off when hit, as a result of which the exposed material of the thick walls of the bathtub comes into contact with water and soon becomes covered with rust. But this can be avoided if you provide careful care for the cast iron and timely high-quality repairs.

Cast iron bathtubs are suitable for connoisseurs of high quality and reliability. These products always look elegant and majestic, so they fit well into the interior of a bathroom in a classic style.

Pros

Cons

• high resistance of cast iron to mechanical and thermal effects;
• effective retention of water heat by cast iron;
• use of cast iron bathtubs in interiors made in the popular classic style.

• very heavy cast iron bathtubs (up to 150 kg);
• high probability of enamel chipping and rust development from water on cast iron (throughout the entire thickness of the walls);
• high cost of cast iron bathtubs.

Steel bathtubs

Today, thick-walled steel bathtubs are very popular due to their simple and low cost of manufacture. But they also have several useful user characteristics, including lightness, the ability to quickly absorb heat, and a long service life. Steel bathtubs are easy to install (assemble) and do not require preliminary work, such as strengthening the floors.

The low weight of the bowl structure, which facilitates installation, is also a disadvantage. It deprives steel bathtubs of stability, so they will have to be fixed in place. The disadvantages of the products include rapid cooling, which reduces the level of comfort during its use.

Steel bathtubs are suitable for those who prefer simplicity and practicality. They are also chosen by people who have little money to buy.

Pros

Cons

• steel is resistant to mechanical impacts;
• steel is durable;
• small weight of steel bathtubs;
• quick heating of the bathtub machine when filled with hot water;
• relatively low cost.

• steel cools quickly;
• instability (requires installation (installation) of fasteners);
• limited choice of styles of steel bathtubs.

Acrylic bathtubs

Acrylic is a durable, reliable and flexible polymer that is becoming increasingly popular in the manufacture of bathtubs. Acrylic bathtubs with thick walls are popular due to their unique properties. First of all, the material used is very flexible, which allows you to cast bowls of any shape, height, width, depth. In addition, acrylic retains heat well. However, it also has disadvantages, including the sensitivity of the coating (enamel) and the base material to mechanical stress and high temperatures.

To take advantage of all the benefits of an acrylic bathtub, it is important to choose a quality product when purchasing. The tank is cast from acrylic (wall thickness no thinner than 6-8 mm), then reinforced with fiberglass and resins. However, there are sandwich models on the market made of ABS plastic with an acrylic coating (enamel). Their walls are thinner, so they retain heat worse and deteriorate faster. You can identify a fake by its lower price or by the cut of the hole for the siphon, which clearly shows the number of layers of materials under the acrylic coating (enamel).

Acrylic bathtubs are suitable for everyone, but especially for those who want to make the interior unique. It is almost always possible to select bowls of the desired shape and size (height, width, depth).

Pros

Cons

• the ability to develop any design of a comfortable acrylic bathtub (taking into account the shape, height and width);
• light weight (about 30 kg);
• high strength of acrylic;
• long service life;
• easy installation.

• sensitivity of acrylic to high impact loads;
• the base material (acrylic) under the coating layer softens upon contact with water, the temperature of which is above +90°C;
• the coating of the walls and bottom is easily scratched.

Quaryl bathtubs

Quaryl bowls with thick walls are made from a mixture of acrylic and quartz sand. The result is highly durable, reliable and lightweight products. Compared to acrylic bathtubs, they have lower thermal conductivity, which ensures stable water temperature.

Quaryl bathtubs still have disadvantages. Although they are more durable, the coating of the walls and bottom is still easily scratched and destroyed at very high temperatures. In addition, it is difficult to select a set of plumbing fixtures for them.

Quaryl bowls are suitable for those who do not like monotony. They can have any shape and size (height and width), so they easily fit into almost any interior. However, it is worth considering the fact that their cost is significantly higher than acrylic analogues and will not suit everyone.

Pros

Cons

• low weight (30-40 kg);
• variety of designs, volumes, sizes (height and width), colors of acrylic bathtubs;
• increased strength than bathtubs based on cast acrylic;
• low thermal conductivity;
• easy installation;

• sensitivity to high temperatures;
• the coating of the walls and bottom is easily scratched;
• difficult to select a set of plumbing fixtures.

Glass

Extravagant glass bowls seem fragile and impractical at first glance. However, they are made with thick walls of highly durable tempered 2-layer glass, resistant to temperature changes and mechanical impacts. They are environmentally friendly, safe, reliable, and help to visually expand the volume of the surrounding space.

Although glass tanks are very unusual, they have few disadvantages. They are difficult to care for to maintain a presentable appearance. In addition, these are always expensive products.

Glass bathtubs are suitable for those people who choose an extravagant style and have the financial resources to satisfy their desires.

Pros

Cons

• environmentally friendly, safe;
• high strength, long service life;
• effective heat retention;
• there are many models of different shapes and sizes (height and width) on the market;
• visually expand the space.

• difficult to maintain cleanliness and a presentable appearance;
• high cost;
• difficulty of installation.

Earthenware

The quality of earthenware models, made from clay and sand, is no different from traditional sinks. They are very beautiful and do not require special care. They are characterized by their large weight and fragility. They can be built-in or free-standing (on a leg).

Faience products are recommended for those people who prefer a simple style in the interior and want to find the best combination of price and quality.

Pros

Cons

• beautiful appearance;
• easy to care for;
• resistant to aggressive chemicals;
• optimal combination of price and quality;
• easy to install.

• heavy weight;
• high fragility.

Marble

Typically, bathtubs made of natural marble are made by craftsmen who carve the product from a solid block of stone. These are unique and expensive models that will suit only true connoisseurs of handcraftsmanship. However, modern factories create products from artificial stone: a mixture of polyester resin and limestone. Regardless of the manufacturing method, these are very beautiful and stylish, durable, heavy products.

Marble bathtubs require constant and careful maintenance. Due to the presence of special cleaning requirements, their maintenance requires large financial expenses.

Models made of natural or artificial stone will suit true connoisseurs of beautiful and expensive things. Although these are very heavy tanks that require careful maintenance, they are durable and practical.

Pros

Cons

• durability, long service life;
• resistance to high humidity;
• variety of shapes, volumes, sizes (height, width, depth), colors;
• stone (marble) absorbs noise.

• heavy weight (80-140 kg);
• complexity of installation;
• there are special care requirements that are difficult to fulfill;
• there is a possibility of discoloration and cracking with improper care;
• high cost of the product and cleaning agents.

Copper

Convenient copper bathtubs are rarely used, but can be a preferable option under certain conditions. They are durable, resistant to scratches and dents, and do not require special care. At the same time, they are aesthetically attractive and often look more sophisticated than models made of other materials. They can be monolithic or on legs.

It is very difficult to find copper bathtubs on sale. Their manufacture requires special work skills, and therefore manufacturers set very high prices. This is the main disadvantage.

Copper models are suitable for those who want to create a unique, unusual, but sophisticated interior. However, the buyer should understand that this will require large expenses.

Pros

Cons

• exquisite appearance;
• high-strength, durable materials;
• scratch-resistant;
• minimal maintenance.

• difficult to find on sale;
• high cost.

Wooden

Natural beauty and sophistication are the main reasons why some homeowners prefer comfortable wooden bathtubs. Many of them consider the texture of the material to be the main advantage. But, in addition, the products can be made to order, in accordance with the desired shapes, dimensions, volume, interior style. They can be built-in or free-standing (on legs).

However, wooden models have more disadvantages. They require careful maintenance, since the product can crack over time from excessive dryness or humidity. Cleaning them is not easy, since you need to avoid abrasive, aggressive chemicals. In addition, such bathtubs are very expensive.

Wooden models are suitable for those who prefer environmental friendliness, the natural beauty of wood. They will fit especially well into a country-style interior.

Pros

Cons

• environmentally friendly;
• natural beauty, sophistication;
• the aromas of natural wood soothe and help to restore strength faster;
• the ability to order according to the desired shape, size, volume.

• requires complex, careful maintenance;
• high manufacturing cost.

What additional options to choose

The functionality of modern bathtubs has gone beyond traditional water procedures. Today, products can have many standard options, including:

1. Hydromassage. The hydromassage function is provided by several nozzles on the bottom and sides of the product, through which jets of water are pumped. The effect of the flow on the body creates a massage effect, promoting deep relaxation of the body. The nozzles are adjustable. Hydromassage is combined with water heating.
2. Air massage. Unlike the hydromassage system, it uses nozzles that generate air flows that also penetrate the entire volume of water, affect the body and relax it.
3. Water control sensors. A special automatic system determines the liquid level in the reservoir and, if necessary, starts the replenishment process. It is usually present in standard bathtubs with hydromassage or air massage.
4. Chromotherapy (color therapy). A system of special lamps is integrated into the sides of the reservoir, which affect the human senses and thereby ensure the restoration of the body’s tone. The option helps to improve the condition of blood vessels.
5. Auto-disinfection. If necessary, an antiseptic is supplied to the bath in the desired volume. The standard function is activated by pressing one button.

In addition to additional options, you can purchase various accessories. For example, a comfortable headrest that helps to fix the neck.

Choosing a manufacturer and prices

There are many suppliers of baths on the Russian market, including foreign ones (from Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, etc.). Many of them are well known to consumers, because sell high-quality products, expensive and cheap.

The most popular brands include:

1. Radomir is a Russian brand that has been present in the plumbing segment since 1991. It is one of the largest domestic manufacturers that produces high-end models using the best modern technologies. Its own products are purchased even by health institutions in Russia. This testifies to their high quality.
2. KALDEWEI is a German brand founded in 1918. All products are manufactured at a German plant and then supplied to European countries and the former Soviet Union. Kaldewei products from Germany are distinguished by their high quality and reliability and are in great demand among Russian buyers.
3. Kolpa is a well-known European brand whose products are manufactured in several countries, including Slovenia, Serbia, and Croatia.
4. Jacob Delafon is a French brand with a rich history. Produces a wide range of high-quality bathtubs and sanitary equipment. Provides excellent service to its customers.
5. Riho is a Czech brand that produces a wide range of sanitary equipment. They implement their own unique production technologies and innovations, use high-quality materials. Riho is highly valued by customers from Russia.
6. Roca is a brand of the Roca Group from Spain, which is engaged in the production of building materials and sanitary equipment. Some Roca products are manufactured at a manufacturing plant in the Leningrad Region. In 2010, the sanitary faience plant ZAO UgraKeram became part of its structure. Cast iron, acrylic, steel bathtubs of various configurations (designs) are produced under the Roca brand (Spain). All products are of high quality and have excellent consumer characteristics. Russian customers are very fond of Roca products, as evidenced by the constantly growing demand for them. The Roca brand is always on everyone’s lips.

The cost of baths from all manufacturers varies greatly depending on the design (shape, size, volume). For example, even one manufacturer Roca from Spain has more than 100 items. However, each person can purchase the best option for themselves. Companies from Russia and other countries always have inexpensive models with several useful functions in their assortment.