Pros and cons to acrylic tub systems

Increasing the value of their home is a goal for many homeowners. Bathroom renovations are among the more popular home renovations, and they're often beneficial to homeowners thanks to their impact on a home's resale value. But bathroom renovations can be costly and messy and can disrupt the use of the bathroom for a week or more, depending on the scope of the renovation. The popularity of acrylic tub systems has risen due in part to their cost and convenience, but some homeowners wonder if an acrylic tub system is worth it in the long run?

Acrylic bath liners are custom-fit molds that are installed directly over an existing tub or shower and is glued into place. There is minimal work done in the bathroom, and the shower can typically be used quickly after installation.

There are a wide variety of companies that offer acrylic tub liners and systems, and many popular nationwide home improvement centers sell their own incarnations while also installing the product.

But there are pros and cons of acrylic tub systems. In certain instances, they can meet a homeowner's needs quite well, while they may not provide the same assurance as a traditional shower and tub replacement for other homeowners. Here are some of the pros and cons of acrylic tub liners and systems.

Pros

One of the primary reasons people look to these products is because no demolition is necessary. Demolition of a bathroom often means taking the room down to the studs. Cemented tile will have to be broken and removed, and this usually ruins underflooring as well. Removing a tub that has been in place for years can also be a hassle, one that means heavy lifting, hiring a plumber to turn off water supply and/or cut pipes, and all of the mess that is left in its wake. Those who are anxious to have their bathrooms up and running quickly like the convenience acrylic liners offer.

Acrylic liners also take some of the work out of planning the new bathroom look. They're all-in-one sets that can include the tub liner and the wall surround. For those who tend to pour over details of tile designs and grout colors, these systems may be advantageous.

Another plus to acrylic liners is that they offer immediate gratification. On one hand, from start to finish, acrylic liner installation can take as little as six hours. On the other hand, a bathroom remodel can take many days, and if products are out of stock or changes are made, the renovation can stretch out indefinitely.

Acrylic bath liners are touted for their durability and longevity. They may be more durable than similar fiberglass tubs. And without grout lines and caulking around the tub, they may also be less likely to foster mold and mildew growth that often plagues even the tidiest bathrooms.

Cons

What they have in convenience and ease of installation, acrylic bath systems lack in other areas. Depending on the model, they can be quite costly. You generally pay more for the convenience of an acrylic liner and fast installation, sometimes four times as much as a traditional bathtub and labor. But some feel the life expectancy of an acrylic tub make them a worthy investment.

Although acrylic is durable and requires basic care, the material can also be easily scratched, which can contribute to the accumulation of dirt in the scratches. Over time you may find the tub no longer has that pristine shine it once did. They're also susceptible to staining from hair dyes and other dark-colored products, like bath-safe crayons and markers geared toward children.

Harsh abrasives should be avoided with many acrylic tubs, which can make cleaning difficult.

A poorly handled acrylic liner may crack during installation. There is uncertainty as to whether or not they can crack over time from routine use.

Because the acrylic bath is installed directly over an existing bath, the result may be a more narrow bath and higher tub walls, which can make the tub less comfortable. The new tub also may take up a few additional inches of space. Some people have concerns of mold accumulation between the liner and the old bath.

A professional bathroom remodel, complete with tile and a new tub, may have more aesthetic appeal than an acrylic surround. Homeowners aiming for aesthetic appeal over all else may be better off to avoid an acrylic tub.

Homeowners considering the installation of an acrylic tub system should weigh the pros and cons of the such systems before making a final decision.