Acrylic whirlpool baths: varieties, selection, nuances of use

Acrylic hot tub appeared relatively recently and immediately gained popularity. People appreciated the convenience and functionality of this device, and when arranging bathrooms, they began to increasingly choose in favor of it.

Acrylic whirlpool bathtubs are plumbing fixtures equipped with high pressure air and water jets. Devices are able to combine a water stream with an air stream, which significantly increases the effectiveness of massage. The design of the bath includes a compressor and a hydraulic pump, powered by an electric motor.

Vortex, micro-jet and rotating nozzles located on the walls and bottom of the bowl are used to adjust the direction of the jets. The range of water-air jets of most samples reaches 70 cm. For the manufacture of nozzles and sprays, brass, steel and heat-resistant plastic are used.

There are cheaper models equipped only with a pump and without a compressor. The pump drives the fluid along the circuit, and the bubble effect is achieved due to the pressure difference. However, such models are considered less effective, unlike samples with a compressor, they are not intended for therapeutic purposes, but for relaxation.

The first samples of hydromassage acrylic bathtubs were quite dimensional designs and were used in health centers. However, with their arrival at home, they underwent a number of changes and significantly decreased in size. The average weight of most modern samples does not exceed 50 kg, and compact sedentary products weigh no more than 25-30 kg.

High consumer demand for acrylic hot tubs is due to a number of their important advantages.

• The Jacuzzi bath was invented by the Italian engineer C. Yakuzzi to alleviate the condition of rheumatoid arthritis, which suffered from his son. Today, it is used as part of complex therapy for disorders of the musculoskeletal system and disorders of the nervous system. Hydromassage relieves stress and tension, normalizes blood circulation and restores the emotional background. The device has a positive effect on the immune, genitourinary, cardiovascular and digestive systems, helps to fight excess weight and has a powerful tonic effect.

• In addition to the healing function, hot tubs have a positive effect on the skin condition and are used for cosmetic purposes.. After several hydromassage sessions, the condition of the skin improves and their elasticity increases. Acrylic whirlpool bathtubs are very popular among women who want to get rid of cellulite: jet air bubble massage not only helps to smooth the skin, but also acts as a powerful preventive measure.

• As for the technical side of the issue, then here acrylic bathtubs are at their best. Models are light weight and high strength, only slightly inferior to cast iron. In addition, due to the special manufacturing technology and good plasticity of acrylic, it is possible to give bathtubs a variety of embossed and anatomical shapes. It is worth noting the antibacterial surface of acrylic models, which retains its properties throughout the entire service life.

Moreover, acrylic has a low thermal conductivity, and does not allow water to cool quickly. In 30 minutes, the water temperature drops by only 1 degree. Acrylic has excellent sound-absorbing properties, which is why the water gets into the bath almost silently. An equally important advantage of acrylic Jacuzzi is lack of reaction of acrylic on the composition and quality of water.

There are also a lot of disadvantages of an acrylic jacuzzi, and along with technical shortcomings, there are medical contraindications to the use of such bathtubs. Therefore, before purchasing such expensive models, you need to read the instructions and take into account all the nuances.

• So, the use of whirlpool baths is contraindicated in severe viral and infectious diseases, urolithiasis, chronic ailments during exacerbation, hemorrhages, pregnancy, lactation, open wounds, tuberculosis, thrombophlebitis, pathologies of the cardiovascular system and oncology.

• As for technical issues, most acrylic whirlpool tubs are designed for large bathrooms, especially for stand-alone and most corner models. In addition, many jacuzzi do not go into standard doors 60 cm wide - for entering the bath into the room, it is necessary to dismantle part of the wall and expand the opening. A minus is the too soft structure of the material, which entails the appearance of scratches and dents. The disadvantages also include the risk of clogging of nozzles due to the use of low quality water.

Acrylic whirlpool bathtubs are classified according to features such as a control system, installation method and location of nozzles.

• By the first criterion there are two design options - electronic and mechanical. The former are equipped with a remote control and touch panel, while the latter are controlled by buttons, keys, valves and levers located on the bowl body.
• By installation method Jacuzzis are divided into wall and freestanding.The first are installed close to the wall or corner, very convenient for small bathrooms. The second are designed for spacious bathrooms and require extended communications. Such models look very stylish, but they are very expensive and are not suitable for most apartments.
• By location of nozzles bathtubs come in several types. For cheaper models, they are concentrated in only one area, most often in the neck or lower back, while for expensive samples they go around the entire perimeter of the bowl. At the same time, nozzles with large openings are used in the back and hips, and small ones for the neck and feet.

Acrylic whirlpool bathtubs come in several forms. This allows you to choose the appropriate option and make more rational use of the bathroom space.

• Rectangular Patterns are the simplest designs and are not too expensive. Nevertheless, they perfectly perform their functions, have an anatomical bowl and modern control.

• Corner baths are leaders in popularity, are symmetrical and asymmetric. The former are an equilateral segment, and the latter may have the most bizarre shapes with depth differences and different sides.

• Oval bathtubs They look very unusual and can be installed both against the wall and in the middle of the room.

• No less interesting option are round patternsHowever, they require a large space and appropriate interior decoration. They look very rich and stylish, freely accommodating two people.

• Square bathtubs designed for installation in the middle of the room, they relate to extra-class products. They, like round samples, are equipped with a large number of additional functions, equipped with head restraints, a powerful pump and a large number of various nozzles.

• Custom models make up the smallest category, are very expensive and are often made to order. Products can take the most daring forms, the most interesting of which is a heart-shaped bath.

As for the sizes of acrylic whirlpools, their choice is simply huge. This allows you to choose the right model not only for the dimensions of the room, but also for your height. Among rectangular full-size bathtubs, the most common are models with a length of 170-180 cm, a width of 70-80 cm and a depth of 50 cm. More compact semi-sitting samples have dimensions of 150x70 cm and a depth of 46 cm.

Such products are well suited for small rooms and allow more ergonomic use of space. For spacious bathrooms, a round model with dimensions of 180x180 cm is suitable, and in a very small bathroom you can buy a sit-in asymmetric whirlpool bathtub with a size of 100x130 cm.When choosing a size, keep in mind that double baths longer than 200 cm require reliable overlap. This is due to the large volume of such models, containing 1000 or more liters of water.

White acrylic whirlpool bathtubs are a classic option, representing the most numerous category of bathtubs. However, modern technology does not stand still, and increasingly you can see models of different colors, decorated with patterns and even sparkles. This makes it possible to choose a product for any color of the bathroom or toilet.

The acrylic bathtub in the jacuzzi should be combined with the environment and harmoniously fit into the interior. In large rooms it is better to choose high freestanding bathtubs taking into account the style in which it is designed. So, oval bathtubs on high curved legs fit perfectly into the classic and retro styles, and straightforward designs will be more appropriate in modern interiors.

The modern market offers a large number of acrylic whirlpool tubs from different companies. Below are the three most famous companies that produce beautiful and functional models.

• Russian LLC Triton It produces high-quality products in a wide price range, which significantly increases their consumer accessibility and allows you to buy the product for any wallet. The cost of the most inexpensive model is 6,000 rubles, despite the fact that for the most advanced one you will have to pay more than 95 thousand.

• Spanish-Russian company Roca also well known to domestic consumers. The assortment of the company is represented by rectangular, angular and oval models, often equipped with headrests, armrests, built-in drawers for storing soap accessories and convenient handrails. For the manufacture of bathtubs, a variety of massage systems and integrated faucets equipped with a thermostat are used. The cost of products depends on their functionality and varies from 8.5 to 120 thousand rubles.

• Czech company Ravak produces comfortable and easy-to-use hot tubs, guaranteeing the durability and high quality of each sample. The company’s product line includes both economy-class models and elite models, the cost of which reaches 400,000 rubles. Such jacuzzis are equipped with aromatherapy and automatic drainage functions, have built-in radios and telephones, and are equipped with speakers and a screen for watching television.

When choosing an acrylic bathtub with hydromassage, a number of important points must be taken into account.

• The number of layers of the acrylic layer must be at least 5. You can calculate their number on the edge of the bathtub edge, where they are usually clearly distinguishable. It is also possible to illuminate the wall of the bath with a flashlight, and if light is visible from the back, it is better not to buy a bath.
• When pressing on the bottom of the bath, acrylic should not vibrate and bend, and its surface should be smooth, uniform and glossy. If the bowl has a matte finish, then most likely it is a plastic fake.
• It is advisable to choose nozzles that are adjustable, located not only horizontally, but also vertically. An ideal option would be a model equipped with an air compressor that increases the pressure of the jet.
• The depth of the bowl should be at least 42 cm before overflow, since in smaller baths it is very difficult to relax.

In order for the hot tub to last as long as possible, you must use it correctly. The following are a few important rules that will ensure long and safe operation:

• obligatory waterproofing of the bathroom will prevent flooding of neighbors and the ingress of water on the wires in case of breakage of nozzles and pipes;
• due to the fact that the jacuzzi is an electric device, the allocation of a separate line, grounding and installation of RCDs are mandatory;
• to extend the life of the nozzles you need to install a filter;
• the use of foam with the hydromassage turned on is strictly prohibited;
• after each use, the bowl should be washed well, and the nozzles should be cleaned of hair and dirt;
• in order not to have to deal with the restoration of acrylic coatings, the use of metal sponges and abrasive products is prohibited;
• after every 6-8 massage sessions through the system you need to drive the disinfectant.

To learn how to choose a quality hot tub, see the video below.