Bottom line is that acrylic is a stronger material than fiberglass. Acrylic tubs effectively resist wear and tear for years on end, while fiberglass is prone to scratching and cracking.
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.
While an acrylic shower base has some advantages, such as being light in weight and relatively easy to install, it does have a few disadvantages. Most concerning is the issue of longevity – acrylic can chip or crack over time, potentially leading to water damage in the bathroom.
Acrylic is an extremely durable bath and shower material. With its strong acrylic surface and composite backing material, it's resistant to the rigors of everyday life — no cracks, no chips. Depending on use, acrylic may require less maintenance than other bath materials.
Acrylic is exceptionally durable and the likelihood of this material chipping, cracking or fading is rare. Fiberglass tubs can quickly fade and cracks and scratch happen often. Both can be cleaned with simple cleaning solutions.
Acrylic shower walls are one the most durable and resistant materials, and for that reason you can expect them to last anything from 10 to 20 years from the day they were first installed. Due to its properties, acrylic showers don't tend to chip, crack or fade over time.
Acrylic bathtubs on the other hand, come in a wide variety of colors, are much more durable to cracks and heavy impacts and most importantly, acrylic is a non-porous material.
Acrylic and fiberglass can scratch easily. Avoid using commercial aerosol cleaners, harsh cleaners, and solvents. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge when cleaning. A textured sponge will scratch or damage surfaces.
The majority of shower pan manufacturers recommend installing a bed of mortar under your shower pan. Besides providing a satisfyingly hard floor for your shower, a mortar base will also protect your subfloor from water damage, mold and even rot.
Even when wet, the shower is still warm to the touch and doesn't induce slips and falls. Durable and long-lasting, it can withstand scratches better than fiberglass. Even with these advantages, the acrylic material also has its disadvantages. For one, it is not a good option if you want a custom-made shower area.
Compared to traditional shower materials, acrylic showers are fantastic at resisting against stains and won't fade if maintained properly. Plus, you won't have to worry about your shower fading and losing luster over the years.
Prefabricated Walk-In Shower
Most manufactured shower stalls (typically made from fiberglass or acrylic) cost anywhere from $700 to $3,000 to install. You can find prefab models made from lightweight plastic for as little as $300.
Acrylic showers are made from large, single pieces of acrylic, often strengthened with glass fibers to make them extra durable. Fiberglass showers, on the other hand, are made out of a molded polyester resin.
The primary difference between acrylic and fiberglass tubs is the formation process. Manufacturers vacuum acrylic into the final tub form. This can impact durability by sometimes forming weak, thin spots in the acrylic tub. In fiberglass tubs, the manufacturing process does not include a vacuum.
Showers made of prefabricated fiberglass or acrylic usually last up to 10 years. Also, prefabricated pans tend to develop stubborn, yellow stains over time. Tubs: Cast iron remains one of the most durable, robust bathtub materials today.
Can you use bleach on acrylic tubs? When it comes to cleaning bathrooms, bleach usually comes to mind. But like ammonia, bleach can damage acrylic tubs. In fact, many tub manufacturers warn against using bleach on acrylic bathtubs, and doing so could void the warranty on your tub.
DO NOT Clean Your Acrylic Bathtub with Paint Thinner, Goof OFF®, Scrubbing Bubbles®, Acetone, Lacquer Thinner, M.E.K. ® or other chemicals that attack the structural integrity of plastics (including, but not limited to, acetones).
Perspex sheets melt at high temperatures or from exposure to direct flames. The melting point for acrylic plastic is 160 degrees C, so they cannot withstand extreme temperatures. Acrylic is tough and durable, but can also be easily scratched. The manufacturing process of acrylic products can release highly toxic fumes.
For shower walls that are easy to keep clean, consider investing in porcelain, ceramic, PVC laminate, or even glass. Depending on the material, there is a wide variety of colors, patterns, tiles sizes, and shapes to complete the renovation project.
An electric shower is considered the most energy efficient thanks to its reduced requirement for power when heating the water and its reliance on just a cold water feed. Electric showers are also considered to be the easier choice when installing.
Additionally, the acrylic may discolor due to use of bath salts. We recommend using only bubble bath that is water soluble with the soaker hydrotherapy only so as not to leave a residue in the plumbing or air lines of your tub.
The surface of your bathtub can fade and become yellow. Hard water deposits, grime, dyes that soap and shampoo contain often contribute to that. In fact, the tub may discolor because of the changes that happen in the acrylic material itself. Hard water stains are usually caused by the minerals found in the water.