7 Differences Between Acrylic and Fiberglass Walk-In Tubs

Acrylic and fiberglass walk-in tubs generally have the same qualities that you would expect from a quality product; but some difference do arise that make seniors more comfortable when bathing and make purchasing a tub light on their pockets.

Acrylic Walk In Tubs

Acrylic is stretched over a large surface area and then covered with layers of resin and fiberglass to complete the final product of a quality walk-in tub. Its main point of attraction is the variety of shapes it can take and the strength it provides those shapes with. Because it’s extremely flexible, acrylic can house more shelves and curves in its design without compromising on its sturdiness. That smooth, glossy texture is owed to that resin and fiberglass finish, and it’s as smooth to the touch as it is on the eyes. The texture of acrylic is so smooth that it discourages mold growth from developing in a single area, which makes it extremely easy to clean.

Key Elements of Acrylic:

More expensive.

Low-maintenance.

More comfortable and smooth on the skin.

Shelves and docks are easier to incorporate when manufacturing.

Can be woven to take any shape.

Resistant to bumps and scratches.

Extremely durable & maintains its look anew for a longer time than fiberglass.

Fiberglass Walk In Tubs (http://seniortubs.com/personalization/acrylic-vs-fiberglass)

Even though fiberglass comes in behind acrylic in terms of overall quality, it nevertheless delivers all those great qualities but in shorter amounts. Not to mention that fiberglass is a hefty sum cheaper than acrylic and – when taken care of – can last the life of the tub. Fiberglass walk-in tubs require more regular maintenance than acrylic models, and can very well last longer than traditional fiberglass bathtubs since their usage is generally reserved to one or two seniors. Fiberglass is not hard to clean, it just requires more regular cleaning than acrylic. However, fiberglass tubs are very reliable, come in many sizes and styles, and are long lasting with proper care.

Key Elements of Fiberglass:

More affordable.

Requires more maintenance.

Slightly rougher on the skin than acrylic.

For a fraction of the price of acrylic models, you get more features.

A strong material, nonetheless.

With proper care, it can last the life of acrylic models.

Cleaning with nonabrasive chemicals and a soft cloth, you can maintain the fresh look of a fiberglass model.

Deciding between both materials can be tricky. If you decide to go with fiberglass because it\’s cheaper than acrylic, you may end up paying for another unit years down the line if something breaks and eventually pay more than you had initially intended. You should also consider that walk-in tubs are used to help you relax and get comfortable, so if your unit is made from fiberglass and you don\’t take proper care of it, it\’ll develop bumps and scratched that would defeat the purpose of being in a reclined seat.

You can find acrylic and fiberglass models of walk-in tubs on sites similar to Seniortubs.com.

All in all, the seven differences outlined above should give you a clear picture of what you can expect from either material. Shop around and make bathing easy on your body, mind, and pockets.

Senior Walk-in Tubs

Senior Walk-in Tubs http://seniortubs.com

Author Bio: Senior Walk-in Tubs

Category: Home Management
Keywords: tub, tubs, senior, seniors, walk in tub, walk in bathtub, walk in bathtubs, senior tubs, senior tubs

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