The average lifespan of an acrylic bathtub is 10 to 15 years, making it a long-lasting investment. You can expect your new acrylic bathtub to stand the test of time and provide you with years of enjoyment.
Acrylic tubs are lightweight, like fiberglass, but they are more robust and less likely to warp, stain, or be damaged by cracks or chips. However, because acrylic is easily scratched, always clean with a gentle sponge or microfiber towel. On average, the lifespan of an acrylic bathtub is approximately 10-15 years.
Cast iron is the most durable and longest-lasting type of bathtub you can buy, and vintage cast iron tubs are very popular. However, if a cast iron tub is too cumbersome to get to a second-floor bathroom in your home, an enameled steel tub is the next best thing.
Long lifespan: The average acrylic tub can last up to 20 years or more. That's longer than the lifespan of a fiberglass tub, which typically needs to be replaced after 10-15 years. Easy installation: Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight, making installation simple and straightforward.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Resistant to Cracking
Crack resistance that reinforced acrylic baths have is an important advantage really worth mentioning. Acrylic bathtubs are highly durable. Plus, they will not develop cracks.
But bleach can damage an acrylic tub, and the fumes aren't great to inhale, either. Avoid using bleach, rough clothes and sponges, or steel wool at all costs.
Press on the side of the tub; if it gives slightly, it's likely fiberglass. Acrylic tubs, on the other hand, are more rigid and sturdier when you press on them. Color and Finish: Acrylic tubs often come in a broader range of colors and have a glossier finish compared to fiberglass.
Sturdy and non-porous materials like stone resin and enamel-coated cast iron are on the high end of the price scale. These materials are highly durable, easy to clean, and retain heat for a long time. Cast iron bathtubs are the most durable and are made by pouring molten iron into a shaped mold.
The average bath needs replacement every 10 to 30 years, with porcelain-enamel products offering the longest lifespan. Towards the end of that period, gaps and cracks will appear, ultimately leading to leaks. Water is one of nature's most destructive elements, so even a subtle leak needs immediate attention.
Avoid Abrasives and Pads
Scrubbing pads and abrasive cleaning products — even “soft” scrubs and textured dish sponges — can scratch the acrylic finish. Acrylic tubs need only soft and slippery materials and cleaning products.
Durability. Acrylic tubs are durable because they're reinforced with fiberglass. Most last around 15 years, but with proper care and maintenance, they might last even longer.
As a general rule, it is worth opting for baths with a thickness of 8mm or more to reduce the potential for the bath to crack.
There is a possibility that your acrylic tub turns yellow over time, but if you maintain it and clean it properly and frequently, you don't have to worry about yellow stains for some time. Keep in mind that acrylic tubs are prone to discoloration and stains, so make sure to take care of it properly.
The good news is that fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs can be repairable! Instead of having to buy a new tub, you can enlist professional bathtub reglazing services to make your worn-out tub looking brand new at a fraction of the cost of a replacement.
Showers can make helping someone get the hard to reach places difficult when the caregiver is also being splashed with water. Baths are the best way to get clean when you need help from someone else because they allow the bather to stay stationary and the helper to remain outside of the water.
Acrylic, being lightweight, is easier to install and doesn't require the same structural support. Also, porcelain is prone to chipping, and repairs can be expensive. Acrylic is less damage-resistant but can be repaired more easily if scratched. With acrylic, you also aren't trapped in one style.
1. Prone to surface stains and scratches. One drawback of acrylic tubs is their vulnerability to staining and scratching when not properly maintained or cleaned. However, the good news is that these issues can be easily addressed through simple and inexpensive repairs.
Cast Iron. If you are looking for a bathtub that will last a lifetime, you should definitely consider cast iron. It is probably one of the most durable materials available on the market today. Timeless looks, immense strength and versatility make cast iron bathtubs incredibly popular.
Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive than a fiberglass tub due to the manufacturing process. They're also lightweight, very durable, and require less maintenance, unlike other materials. Acrylic is commonly used to form seats, headrests, whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs.
For acrylic bathtubs
Our 7-step bathtub cleaning guide will work well for acrylic tubs, since baking soda and Dawn Dish Soap are considered to be gentle cleaning solutions.
In order to clean your tub properly and keep it safe, you can use such products as baking soda, borax powder, shampoo and white vinegar. These things are absolutely safe not just for the acrylic bathtub, but for your skin as well.
There are several ways that Epsom salts and bath salts can damage your hot tub. 1 - Salt residue is still abrasive even when dissolved. This means the rapid movement of the hot tub water could cause the now abrasive water to scratch the shiny, acrylic surface of your hot tub.