Nothing beats a few moments of tub indulgence after a long hard day. When that tub fills with chest-deep lukewarm water and finally a few moment with yourself in the tub soaking those tired joints and muscles.
Imagine yourself being that person about to step into the tub, finally about to take that long relaxing bath that you deserve. Now ask yourself this question: what kind of tub would that person want?
Bath tubs have gone a long way since the salad days of your grandma's prized enamel-coated cast-iron monstrosity. Today, tubs come in heaps of different shapes, styles and colors, made from different materials.
Before investing your hard-earned cash on such an important decision, it is always best to have a foreknowledge of what's available out there, and which one is best for you.
Here is a brief guide to different types of tubs to help you make a decision.
Acrylic
Acrylic is currently the world's favorite tub, mainly because of its warmth, easy maintenance, malleability, and resilience. But most important, it is affordable.
Acrylic is also known to retain its color and high-gloss finish for many years. This tough material can withstand high temperature and UV rays.
Acrylic tub is very easy to maintain. A regular cleaning schedule with mild cleaner does the trick. Scratches can be sanded out and easy to hide.
Enameled cast iron
Enameled cast iron tubs are also called porcelain. These kinds of tubs are becoming obsolete due to its several problematic qualities.
First, although porcelain tubs are very durable, they are also very heavy and needs extra flooring support.
The smooth finish loses its gloss with continued use.
Unlike acrylic which is warm to the touch, cast iron tubs are initially cold. It gets its warmth from the hot water you used to fill it up. Incidentally, you have to constantly refill it with hot water because the tub does not retain heat and gets very cold after a while.
Porcelain tubs are very pricey and come in limited styles and shape.
Gel-coated fiberglass
Gel-coated fiberglass bathtubs com in many different colors, shapes and styles. They are lightweight and very durable and most important, modestly-priced and affordable. However, they have a short lifespan.
The surface of this tub is very susceptible to stains and mold and they are difficult to remove.
Cultured marble
Cultured marble is a mixture of limestone, fiberglass and synthetic fillers coated with gel that makes the surface tough, durable, stain resistant, and shiny. Best of all, it is easy to maintain. However, when through continued usage you wear out the thin surface coating, the tub's porous body gets exposed. when that happens, it makes it very difficult to clean.
European steel enamel
This tub has a glass-hard, and smooth surface which is very hygienic and easy to maintain.
European steel enamel is resistant to scratches, impact, UV rays, chemicals and heat.
This type of tub is popular in Europe and now invading America.