Bathroom Help
A Guide to Baths
Standard Acylic Baths
Production: Acrylic baths whether straight or corner baths are constructed in the same way. They consist of two layers; one is an acrylic sheet (usually 4 or 5mm thick), which is moulded to the desired shape, using a vacuum form process. The acrylic then requires strengthening; this is achieved by attaching a wooden baseboard to the bottom of the moulding and then spraying a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) material evenly to the underside of the acrylic moulding and wooden baseboard.
Freestanding Baths
Production: Freestanding baths are manufactured using a unique method of production. This bath production method involves two sheets of acrylic, which are reinforced and bound together with a polyester casting resin. A thermal vacuum is created between outer and inner acrylic sheets and this serves to improve heat retention. This process results in a strength and durability that will last many years.
Maintenance
Acrylic baths should always be cleaned immediately after use. The film of insoluble soap residue and grime that will otherwise harden on the side of the bath is easily removed at this stage. In hard water districts insoluble calcium salts are deposited below the waterline and under leaking taps. If this deposit is allowed to build-up, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove and looks unsightly. Prompt cleaning is once again the answer. Hot soapy water with a cloth should be used to clean the bath with another clean cloth being used to wipe the bath dry.
Types of Baths
Baths are mainly divided into the following types. Acrylic baths, these come in many shapes and sizes and offer a great deal of design flexibility; Steel baths which offer less design flexibility but are very sturdy and hardwearing; Freestanding baths that are now usually made from acrylic and come in traditional or contemporary styles; Showerbaths which are very popular at the moment owing to the incredible flexibility of use they offer, and finally Corner baths that can offer clever solutions for awkward shaped bathroom.
Straight Acrylic Baths
These are the most popular baths, as they are simple and easy to fit. Becoming increasingly popular are the double-ended designs, which have taps in the middle to reduce discomfort whilst relaxing in your bath.
Advantages of this Bath: This design compliments most bathrooms. These baths often prove to be the cheapest to purchase and install. The double-ended option also allows the user to sit comfortably at either end
Optional Extras: End panel and bath screens.
Straight Steel Baths
Steel baths are generally made from 2.2mm steel sheet which have a hardwearing gloss enamel finish fired onto the surface. They are usually supplied with 2 tap-holes, and can be supplied with or without grips.
Advantages of this Bath: Steel baths are easy to clean, and will retain their gloss enamel finish for many years. Steel is a good conductor of heat and will take on the temperature to the bath water. The heat absorbed by the steel bath will conduct back to the bath water as it cools. The cooling properties of bath water for steel and acrylic baths is very similar as most of the cooling effect takes place from the water's surface, not through the bath itself.
Optional Extras: Bath end panel.
Showerbaths
This is a very popular style of bath, as it offers the flexibility of a good bathing area with an excellent showering option. It allows you to combine showering and bathing and maximises the space available. Showerbaths are usually available in left and right hand variations.
Advantages of this Bath: Creates a modern look. This bath incorporates a shower enclosure into a bath, which saves space on having both separately.
Optional extras: End panel and Showerbath pivot door.
Corner Bath
Generally are chosen for awkward-shaped bathrooms, however be aware that they may take up more floor space and need a lot of water to fill. Offset corner baths are available in left or right-handed variants. Standard corner baths are not generally handed.
Advantages of this Bath: Creates a modern look. Maximises the space available.
Handy Hints: Ensure you order the correct handed bath.
Optional Extras: Corner bath screen.
Slipper Baths
Slipper baths are a specific shape of freestanding bath where one end of the bath is at a higher level than the other. They are sometimes known as Hipbaths. The taps are located at the lower end of the bath allowing the higher rim to be used as a support for the back whilst bathing.
Advantages of this Bath: This bath is suited to a more spacious bathroom and is ideal to create a more traditional style of bathroom.
Roll Top Baths
Roll top baths are freestanding baths where all components are exposed. The symbol of sophistication within bathrooms, both traditional Victorian roll-tops and modern freestanding versions scream luxury. However as with all deluxe products they can prove very expensive.
Advantages of this Bath: This bath is suited to a more spacious bathroom and creates the ultimate traditional look.
Disadvatages of this Bath: Take into account the pipe work is exposed, this can be dangerous with young children. The weight is also an issue, as weaker flooring may not support a full bathtub. The amount of water held in these baths also means that hot water systems may not cope with the amount needed for a full bathtub.
Inset Baths
An inset bath is a double-ended bath, which is fitted into furniture to create a modern contemporary look.
Why Choose this bath: This bath set up allows you to take bathroom furniture to another level, adding the feel of being an actual room and not just another bathroom.
Handy Hints: It is important that excess moisture is removed from all the wooden furniture.
Whirlpool or Spa Baths
The most relaxing of all the choices, available in many shapes generally. A spa bath pumps air through the base of the bath, while whirlpool baths pump the water through the side jets, however top-end models have both options. The down side is the installation cost on top of the extra cost for the bath in the first place.
Advantages of this Bath: The ultimate in bathing relaxation. They also come in many shapes and forms meaning that finding one to suit your bathroom should'nt be difficult
Disadvantages of this Bath: The cost is substantially higher for installation and the actual bathtub compared to a standard acrylic bath. Also be aware of the installation and plumbing that will be required and access to the pipe work will be essential.
