There are no better means of relaxing and give your body a treat than visiting a spa. A spa is a chill place where people go to have a relaxing time and experience health treatments. Most spas are located where springs with mineral-rich waters run. There is a variety of activities that take place in a spa. Some of them include meditation and spa therapy. Spa therapy refers to several treatments that are all related to water. Some of these treatments involve spending some time in a spa bathtub. Note, a spa bathtub is similar to a regular tub. However, the main difference is the fact that spa bathtubs use water that is rich in minerals (from springs). On the other hand, one of the main similarities between the two is the materials from which bathtubs are made.
Materials used to make bathtubs
- Porcelain-enameled steel
Porcelain-enameled steel is one of the most common materials used to make bathtubs. The main reason for porcelain popularity is cost-efficiency. Tubs made from this material are built basically from steel and later coated with porcelain enamel. Another beneficial element of this material is that it is lightweight. Porcelain-enameled steel is straightforward to maintain, especially to clean. The content is also very durable. However, the downside to porcelain-enameled steel is that it is prone to chipping. The chipping may also lead to other issues, such as rust.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass used for making bathtubs also go by the name fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Like porcelain-enameled steel, fiberglass is also inexpensive. Making a fiberglass bathtub involves the making of layers upon layers of fiberglass in the shape of a tub. The result is then coated with gel coat resin. This material is also lightweight and easy to install. The downside is that this material may not be as durable as desired.
- Acrylic
Acrylic is one of the most popular yet expensive materials used in making bathtubs. Tubs made out of this material are durable and luxurious. Acrylic can easily be colored and curved into different shapes and sizes. However, it can also easily discolor as time passes. This issue can yet, be resolved by using finishes.
Additionally, this material is universal because it is non-porous. This feature attributes to its durability and appeal. The surface is also repairable, hence the high cost. The downside is that acrylic is prone to scratches during cleaning.
- Stone and wood
Bathtubs can also be built from natural stone minerals. Such stones include granite, marble, sandstone, and onyx, among others. Tubs made from stone usually are very heavy and prone to custom design. Customized bathtubs can also be made from wood. The main downside to stone and wood bathtubs is that they are very costly. Such tubs may also require a lot of maintenance. However, stone and wood bathtubs are luxurious and aesthetically pleasing.
Bottom Line
There are several other materials from which bathtubs are made. These materials include ceramic tiles and cultured marble. Enameled cast iron is also a classic material from which several bathtubs have been made.