What Should I Look Out for When Buying a New Bath?

JadeHighland

I'm in the market for a new bath and was hoping to get some advice before I buy. Most of the baths I’ve come across seem to be made from acrylic, and in all honesty, I’ve never encountered a situation where a bath has failed due to a quality issue—so I’m not sure what actually separates a good one from a bad one.

I’m specifically looking at something like this L-shaped option:
https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/milan-shower-bath-1600mm-l-shaped-inc-screen-with-rail-panel

Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for in terms of build quality, screen durability, or long-term issues with acrylic? Are all acrylic baths basically the same, or are there signs of better construction I should check for (e.g. reinforcement, thickness, screen seal, etc.)?

Any tips or experiences would be really appreciated!

Baldytyke88

AI Overview - Acrylic bathtubs typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

My acrylic bath was in the house when I moved in and wasn't new, it's still ok after 12 years. A 10+ year life span may be enough for most people.

Green_hopeful

Go somewhere and try them out. I always get in the showroom baths. No point in buying one that is not comfortable. 

danrv

If fitting it yourself, acrylic is light and easy to lift and manoeuvre into place.
I bought this one from B&Q and it's great. I wasn't able to try it out in store but the 1685mm length was just right to fit between the bathroom walls. 
https://www.diy.com/departments/armitage-shanks-sandringham-white-acrylic-rectangular-straight-bath-l-1685mm-w-695mm/37076_BQ.prd?storeId=&&&&&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21158133059&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxrSXifPBjQMVT49QBh0QEjUdEAQYASABEgJB3PD_BwE

Grinch6912

Like most things, be wary of cheap, unless in a genuine sale. Some acrylic baths would support a whole rugby team, whilst cheapo ones would buckle under one player.  Cheap ones lose heat much quicker and flex enough that creating a watertight seal against the wall is problematic, even with good silicone.

Number-6

Note there are different types of acrylic bath...
The cheapest is co-cast acrylic on ABS - a thin skin of acrylic on ABS - cheaper
Better is cast acrylic - this is usually cross linked for baths meaning it will have better craze resistance.
4mm is standard, 8mm is best. You can tell the acrylic thickness by looking at the rim underneath.

Also is the amount of re enforcement on the back which will determine the strength.
A good acrylic bath will last much more than 10 years if looked after. I have a 22 year old one that still looks good!

I agree with Green_hopeful re seeing what you are buying.

TELLIT01

When we were looking for a new bathroom suite, the most obvious thing was the difference in quality of baths i.e. thickness of the material.  We didn't actually pay a huge amount more for an 8mm thick bath.  It's been in use for 13 years and still looks as good as new.  There is absolutely no movement in the bath when getting in and out.  I've seen baths where the seal has failed in a very short time due to flexing.

danrv

TELLIT01 said:

There is absolutely no movement in the bath when getting in and out.  I've seen baths where the seal has failed in a very short time due to flexing.

I used wall battens when installing my bath. No flexing even with a cheaper one.