Introduction of Bathtub And Types of Bathtubs
What is a bathtub?
A bathtub, also known simply as a bath or tub, is a container for holding water in which a person or animal may bathe. Most modern bathtubs are made of thermoformed acrylic, porcelain-enameled steel, fiberglass-reinforced polyester, or porcelain-enameled cast iron. A bathtub is usually placed in a bathroom either as a stand-alone fixture or in conjunction with a shower.
Modern bathtubs have overflow and waste drains and may have taps mounted on them. They are usually built-in, but may be free-standing or sometimes sunken. Until recently, most bathtubs were roughly rectangular in shape, but with the advent of acrylic thermoformed baths, more shapes are becoming available. Bathtubs are commonly white in color, although many other colors can be found. The process for enamelling cast iron bathtubs was invented by the Scottish-born American David Dunbar Buick.
Types Of Bathtubs
Canaroma Bath, Tile & Lighting carries bathtubs in a variety of sizes and styles to fit every budget and give a whole new meaning to the joy of bathing.
Whirlpool and Air Tubs
Whirlpool and air tubs. The pinnacle joy of a bath is to enjoy the warm sensation of pulsating water jet massaging and caressing every part of the body. This procedure is especially welcomed after a hard day's work at the office or the need to relax from a long and tedious journey. The bubbles created by the whirlpool activity, combined with shooting water from the jets help to create the body massage effect. Installing this kind of luxury undoubtedly will cost more as several special dedicated equipment are required and expertly finished.
Walk-in Bathtub
Rather than having to step over a two-foot side of a bathtub, a walk-in bathtub is easily reached by a level surface. The seniors and physically challenged individuals would appreciate the ease of entry and exit. There is a special device at the door which acts like a seal to hold and contain the water and a release button to allow the water to drain after use.
Generic Bathtub
This is usually installed in a house for the purpose of providing a bath experience to family members and perhaps may involve the pets, e.g. dog, tortoise, small mammals to enjoy a dip especially during the hot summer weather. It is usually white in colour with a shower head above and enclosed to allow a sit down or stand up shower
Soaking Bathtub
A true bathing experience involve a full body and head immersion into a bath tub full of water. This style of tub would be deeper than the conventional generic tub so that it could hold more water. As can be expected there are various sizes, styles and shapes to choose from.
Bathtub Materials (COMPOSITE MATERIALS IN BATHTUB)
To provide selection and choice bathtubs are manufactured in a number of materials. Depending on the family circumstances each family would select the most appropriate bathtub for their need.
Cast Iron Tub
A family with young children should consider a cast iron bath tub as it is almost indestructible and able to stand up to much abuse. The cast iron tub is coated with a veneer porcelain enamel to produce a smooth surface. Cleaning the tub is easily accomplished using cloth of a soft sponge and rinse it thereafter. A strong foundation for a cast iron tub is very important as the tubs are heaving and more so when filled with water.
Fiberglass Tub
The fiberglass tub has a layer of smooth and shinning material called 'gelcoat' that lays on top the fiberglass. Another layer of reinforced polyester material lies beneath he fiberglass to give it strength. Compared to acrylic or enamel Gelcoat material is relatively light, thus making it easy to work with and maneuver in a tight space. For its weight, it is durable, strong and flexible. If properly maintained and cleaned gelcoat fiberglass tubs should keep its colour and shine for years. Since gelcoat is more porous that acrylic water may seep through and shown stain if the tub is not properly maintained and looked after.
Composite Tub
When two or more materials are combined to create a superior and unique material the outcome is a composite product. In the quest to produce lightweight material composite materials a combination of plastic, resin and carbon fibre are used in the manufacture. The end result is a composite tub weighing less than half the weight of a cast iron tub. As such it is ideal for high rise apartment bathroom. For aesthetic appearance, the finished surface is smooth and glossy and covered with enamel. Again like all tubs, to maintain its shine and smooth surface and to avoid cracks or chips careful maintenance and cleaning cannot be ignored.
Acrylic Tub
Acrylic tub surface is a high gloss finish which is smooth and a great reflector of light. The gloss will retain its shine for years and is smooth to the touch. Though acrylic is less resistant to scratch than enamel or porcelain the surface is easily repaired to look new again. Acrylic is strong and durable. In fact the US President's motorcade and the Pope mobile are both protected by acrylic material. Little wonder whirlpool and Spa manufacturers use acrylic extensively, not only for its ruggedness and durability but also for the ease of handling and versatility.
Enamel Tub
Several layers of enamel or porcelain are used to coat a tub originally designed in steel. Since steel tubs are lighter than cast iron, the installation process is made easier and completed in less time. The lustre from the enamel shine will always come through if the tub is properly cleaned and dried after use. The negative side of an enamel coated tub is that the material is prone to chipping and cracking over a period of time. Rust becomes visible when steel is exposed.
Cultured Solid-surface Tub
To achieve a cultured solid-surface tub, real stone chunks and pieces are assembled under a crushing machine to which is added liquid polyester resin for strength and durability. Cultured solid-surface tubs has similar qualities to quartz, a hard white or colourless mineral found in certain rocks. In order to produce a smooth and strong surface a gelcoat is added on top.
Cultured solid-surface tubs present a very luxurious and elegant appearance to a bathroom milieu. It requires scant maintenance as the surface does not stain or absorb water. Scratches could be easily buffed away while cracks cannot be resolved so readily. An important feature is that the surface is resistant to mold and mildew growth, a sources of health hazard. Avoid using abrasive cleaning liquid, hair colouring and products with heavy chemicals in the tub.
Specialty Wood & Glass Tubs
Wood tubs come in various shapes, round, oval and oblong, the last being shape being more common. The preferred wood is Western Cedar because of its wood grain beauty and durability. A wood tub holds warm water longer than other types of material, e.g. enamel, acrylic and marble. The tub must be partially filled with water at all times to prevent wrapping or shrinking of the wood as it would lead to water leakage.
The Japanese are fond of wood tubs as they believe the soul is cleansed and the body purified after a bath.
Those are the most common bathtubs in our daily life, please leave comments if you have other style of bathtubs.
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