Best Acrylic Bathtub Reviews (Top Products Guide 2021)

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A bathtub is a must have for many people since they give you the possibility to create a home spa experience. They do take up more bathroom space than a shower, but they also create a more relaxing experience. And if you’re looking for a new bathtub, chances are that you’re looking for an acrylic one since many of them look stylish, are easy to clean, and there are many budget friendly models. To learn more about what are the best acrylic bathtubs on the market in 2021, read our acrylic bathtub reviews below. They might help you narrow down your choices and make shopping for the right one an easier process.

Top 6 Acrylic Bathtubs in 2021

Best Acrylic Bathtubs Reviewed

Kingston Brass VTDE603122L Drop-in Acrylic Bathtub

Kingston Brass VTDE603122L is one of the best rated bathtubs on the market in 2021. This is an alcove acrylic bathtub, which is perfect for those that have limited space in their bathrooms.

It features 60 inches in length and 30-11/16 inches in width, offering a spacious size for a relaxing bathing experience. The tub’s capacity is 58.2 gallons and it measures 14 inches to the overflow. It provides good depth for soaking.

The tub is designed for easy installation. It drops into a three wall recess, which is easy to do since it weighs just 95 pounds as it’s made of lightweight acrylic. The bathtub also features an integrated apron that hides the underside of the tub from the front, while the surrounding walls hide the other three sides. This gives a very clean and appealing look.

On the sides and back of the tub, there’s a tile flange. It’s designed to prevent water penetration into the walls. When installing this bathtub, you can also level it using the two feet located on the underside.

When buying this acrylic bathtub, you have the option to choose either left hand or right hand drain configuration. So if you’re replacing an old tub, you can choose the same setup.

This bathtub is made of acrylic, which is a lightweight and strong material. The molded acrylic is also reinforced with fiberglass and a resin material. This adds both better warmth retention and strength.

Another advantage of acrylic construction is the smooth and shiny surface. This surface is also highly resistant to stains, which means that you can expect the tub to retain its appealing shine for the longest time possible.

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Empava EMPV-FT1503 Freestanding Acrylic Tub

If you’re looking for a good freestanding acrylic tub, Empava EMPV-FT1503 is one of the most popular options today. The acrylic material makes this modern tub lightweight, stain free, and overall stylish.

This acrylic bathtub is also perfect for those that are looking for a bigger size so that they can properly stretch out while soaking and relaxing in the warm water. Its outer dimensions are 71 inches long, which provides plenty of space even for taller users. However, keep in mind that there are also smaller options of this tub available. The tub also has 60 gallons of water capacity, offering a deep, comfortable soak.

The Empava freestanding acrylic tub is both stylish and durable. It features a contemporary design with beautiful, well defined lines and a glossy white finish. It can become a visually striking point of any modern bathroom.

This tub is also made for long lasting durability. It’s made of acrylic, which is reinforced with a double walled design and fiberglass. To make the structure even stronger, the bottom of the tub is also reinforced with a stainless steel bracket. The use of such a strong design provides a high bearing capacity, which is up to 1000 lbs.

The double walled design and fiberglass reinforcement also provide good insulation for the bathtub. This means that it can keep the water at your desired temperature for a longer period of time.

Being a free standing tub, its installation is a breeze. It comes with the overflow and pop up drain assembly already installed. You will only need to additionally purchase a tub filler.

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Woodbridge B-0013/BTA1513

Another great freestanding tub made of acrylic material is the Woodbridge B-0013/BTA1513. It’s also a high quality bathtub that offers long lasting durability and an elegant, modern design.

The modern design features an appealing oval shape and smooth curves. This sophisticated style will become the centerpiece of any bathroom decor, giving it a luxurious look.

This highly rated acrylic bathtub is designed with a few features that also make it highly durable. It’s made of top quality materials, which include acrylic, fiberglass, and resin.

The acrylic material is the high gloss white surface of the tub, which is resistant to stains and scratches. This ensures that the white gloss retains its shine and keeps looking clean and as good as new for the longest time possible. The acrylic surface is also non porous, so you can easily wipe it clean whenever you need to restore its shine.

As for fiberglass and resin, they are used for reinforcing and insulating the structure. Other structure reinforcing features include the double wall design and a stainless steel bracket supporting the bottom of the tub. Thanks to this high strength design, the tub can hold up to 1000 lbs.

One more feature that adds to the durability of this acrylic bathtub is the integrated and sealed overflow and drain system. This allows avoiding exposed PVC tubing and potential future leaks.

Similar to other freestanding acrylic bathtubs reviewed in our list, this model also comes with an overflow and drain assembly included in the package. And the advantage of this tub is that you can choose their finish. This particular model comes with brushed nickel fixtures. However, you can alternatively opt for black, white, chrome, or brushed gold fixtures.

This acrylic bathtub is also designed for comfort and safety. It features an ergonomic design with curves of the sides formed to the body’s shape, making it comfortable to lean back and enjoy the relaxing soaking. As for safety, it features a non-slip bottom. It adds safety and makes it easier to get in and out of the tub without slipping.

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Ove Decors Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub

Ove Decors is yet another top rated acrylic bathtub that takes a freestanding design. Freestanding tubs have the benefit of easy installation. They are also lighter and offer the convenience of where to place them in the bathroom.

However, this Ove Decors bathtub offers a lot more besides ease of installation. It’s a spacious tub, for one, with a capacity to hold up to 60.76 gallons of water. In addition, it measures 69 inches in length, giving you plenty of room to stretch out your legs as you soak in the warm water.

Moreover, the tub features an impressive oval design with curved sides that give ergonomic support to your back. These gently sloped sides are perfect for comfortably leaning back and getting the ultimate bathing relaxation.

This acrylic bathtub features a body made of reinforced fiberglass and acrylic coating. For durability and stability, the construction of this tub additionally features a structural reinforcement layer. The coating has a high gloss white finish. Similar to other acrylic bathtubs, it’s stain and fade resistant, so you won’t have to worry about the acrylic surface discoloring.

On top of that, the acrylic surface is non porous and very smooth. This makes cleaning the tub an effortless process. So if you will see any stains start appearing, you can easily remove them, restoring the shine of the white acrylic coating.

For ease of installation, the bathtub also includes hidden leveling feet. They allow adjusting the tub to uneven floors. Moreover, this tub comes with a pop up drain and an overflow assembly, which are pre-installed to make the installation more convenient.

Another advantage of this acrylic bathtub is the great warranty. Ove offers one of the longest warranties offered by acrylic bathtub manufacturers. This shows the confidence of the brand in the quality of workmanship and the materials used for this tub.

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American Standard 2973102.011 Alcove Acrylic Bathtub

American Standard 2973102.011 is also one of the top acrylic bathtubs on the market today and for a good reason. With its modern, minimalist design, spacious size, and durable construction, it contains all the features that you would want in a high quality acrylic alcove bathtub.

This acrylic bathtub comes in a square shape that is perfect for smaller bathrooms as it fits into a compact alcove, allowing you to save limited bathroom floor space for other use. It measures 60 inches in length and 30 inches in width, providing maximum bathing space.

The structure of the tub consists of fiberglass reinforcement and high gloss acrylic coating. This combination provides both durability and good insulation so that the water temperature in the tub stays warm for longer.

This tub is designed for safe and convenient use. It features 18 inches in height, so while it’s deep enough for relaxing bathing, it’s also low enough for comfortable stepping in and out of the tub. Moreover, the bathtub is ADA compliant, which means that it’s made to be accessible to people with disabilities.

To keep your bathing experience safe, the floor of the bathtub also has a textured surface. It helps prevent accidental slipping when you stand, get in, or out of the bathtub.

For a more comfortable bathing experience, the bathtub is built with slightly sloped sides. They provide good lumbar support and give that extra comfort for more enjoyable relaxation.

This alcove acrylic bathtub is also easy to install whether you’re renovating your existing bathroom or working on a completely new project. It fits into a three wall alcove and since it includes a three-sided tile flange, it creates a protective barrier that prevents water from seeping into the wall. Moreover, the design includes a pre-leveled tub bottom that installs with an above floor rough-in. This allows installing it without altering your existing plumbing setup.

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Kohler K-1130-0 Underscore Drop-in Acrylic Bathtub

If you would like to upgrade your bathroom with a drop-in acrylic bathtub, one of the best options on the market is the Kohler K-1130-0 model. It’s a contemporary bathtub that features a refined style with a streamlined shape and lines. The drop-in design allows creating a smooth transition from your surface material to the bathtub.

This bathtub can also be installed as an undermount tub. However, for this type of installation, you would need to separately buy an undermount kit.

Since it’s a drop-in bathtub, you can rotate it whichever side you want. So you can choose whether to have the drain on the left or right side.

The bathtub is 60 by 32 inches in size. It’s also 21 inches high. This size creates ample space for relaxing in the bathtub and deep soaking. And for extra comfort, the design features sloped sides, so you can comfortably lean back while bathing.

It comes from one of the most reputable brands in the kitchen and bath fixtures industry. However, though Kohler does usually deliver high quality, durable products, it would have been nice if they also offered a better warranty. This acrylic bathtub is backed only by a 1 year limited warranty, which is much shorter compared to some of the other products on our reviews list.

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Acrylic vs. Cast Iron Tub

Most bathtubs you will find around are either made of metal or acrylic. Metal is definitely stronger and more durable, but acrylic is wildly popular. So, which among the two is the best material for your next bathtub?

Acrylic

Acrylic bathtubs are lighter and much easier to install. With an average weight of 300 pounds, you could install an acrylic tub anywhere in your house. When properly engineered, an acrylic bathtub is able to maintain heat for a longer time than metal or fiberglass would. In terms of costs, acrylic tubs are less expensive. A quality acrylic bathtub will cost $1000 or less, compared to cast iron tubs which can be more expensive.

There are several reasons to choose acrylic over cast iron. For many people, acrylic is the best bathroom material. Here are some of the reasons why and probably why you should buy an acrylic tub:

• You need a bathtub in an upstairs bedroom. With their lightweight nature; a freestanding acrylic bathtub is the best option for places such as upstairs rooms where you really don’t need heavy installations.
• You need a quality tub but you are limited on budget. Since acrylic tubs are well rated on the market in terms of quality, they are the best option when your budget does not allow you to buy a cast iron tub.

Cast Iron Tubs

Cast iron tubs are the heavier, more durable versions of acrylic tubs. Quality cast iron tubs are very sturdy. They can have impressive designs and can retain heat as much as acrylic tubs do. The downside of cast iron tubs is their heavy weight and high expenses. However, if you are the person who wants a completely durable tub with no risks of cracking or damage, a cast iron tub will be your best option. It will also be a better option if:

• You can afford the high initial and installation costs.
• You want a long lasting bathtub that could last for decades with little maintenance.

Acrylic Bathtub Types

Before you buy your next bathtub, learn the different types of acrylic tubs on the market, acrylic bathtub pros and cons, and why they would probably fit in your bathroom more than others would.

Freestanding Bathtubs

Also known as roll top baths, freestanding tubs come in easy to install design in any location around your bathroom. They stand on their own, with only a faucet and the drainage system connected to your bathroom water lines and drainage systems. Modern freestanding bathtubs feature high-end designs that allow you to lie confidently in the tubs. The reason they are sometimes called roll ups is that of their elevated designs meant to prevent fungi or mold build up. If you are looking for an easy to install a bathtub, a freestanding bathtub will be your best option.

Corner Bathtubs

Corner bathtubs are very popular among people with small bathrooms. They are small in size, often feature a right angled design to fit easily in one corner and the outer side curved for aesthetics. You can get a left hand or right-hand side corner tub depending on your preferences. If you have a small bathroom, or if your bathroom has an odd shape, a corner tub will fit in perfectly and still provide you with the convenience you need.

Walk In Tubs

If you’re looking for a bathtub for the elderly, you might opt for the walk in type. This type is designed with a door on the side of the tub that allows easy access inside the type. On top of that, walk in tubs come with a few other ergonomic features that are designed to help seniors have an easy and safe bathing experience.

Left or Right Tub

Bathtubs conventionally come with a drainage system installed on either the left or left side. If the drainage is on the left side, the tub is better suited next to a left sided wall. However, if you already have your bathroom drainage system connected to the right side of your wall, the best choice is to buy a right sided bathtub. It will be easier to install on the left side of your bathroom.

Configuration

When replacing the bathtub, size matters. Bathtubs come in numerous sizes, but you want to get the exact size that will be comfortable for you and your family. Measure the bathroom configurations in inches, because many tubs are also sized in inches.

1 and 2 Person Tubs

Also known as double ended tubs, these tubs are designed for one or two people. They often feature two identical ends so that two people bathing can face each other while inside the tubs. Modern 2 person tubs have backrests to add comfort. They are more suitable families.

Best Acrylic Bathtub Buying Guide

Bathing in a stylish modern soaker bathtub is a luxury most of us would want to have. Fortunately, it’s also a luxury many people would afford. With a budget of $1000 or even less, you could get one of the best bathtubs on the market today. Making sure that you find exactly the quality bathtub you deserve is, therefore, not an option but a necessity. Below we look at the factors you need to keep in mind as you head on to shop for a good tub.

Installation Position

While installation is probably the last thing on your mind, it’s also an important factor that will affect the type of bathtub you will buy. Bathtubs are often installed in a variety of ways. Freestanding tubs, for example, are designed not to lean on a wall. They sit at the center of your bathroom and could consume a lot of space. If you have a small bathroom, a freestanding tub may not be for you. Instead, a corner tub that can be fit in one corner will be a better tub. If you want a more luxurious bathtub, a whirlpool or under mount bathtub that is installed through your floor will be more ideal.

Size

If you are replacing your old bathtub with a newer model, you shouldn’t have problems figuring out the size to buy. However, you may have to take some measurements of your bathroom to ensure that the bathtub you are about to buy can fit where you want to install it. In a lot of cases, problems arise when you want to buy a bigger bathtub than the one you had before. You can avoid the problem by ensuring that your bathroom desired installation space is slightly bigger than the tub you plan to buy.

Features

Modern bathtubs come with them a lot of luxurious features. You may want to buy a bathtub with some convenient features such as massage jets or aromatherapy features at an extra cost. But even without luxurious features, a quality bathtub should come with necessary features such as drainage, a faucet, and maybe a shower head. Other features to look out for in a modern tub include speakers, digital controls for tubs with luxurious add ons, tub lighting, and a warranty. A bathtub that shows compliance for use by people with special needs will also be a better feature if you have someone with special needs in your home.

Ease of Installation

Once you are done with the tub buying process, an equally crucial job called installation will be awaiting you. Bathtubs are expensive, and that means you don’t need one that will give you or the technician team troubles during installation. Tubs with the easiest installation job are freestanding tubs because they simply lay at the center of your tub and only connected to the drainage and water lines in a quick process. If you are prepared to pay more to have your dream bathtub installed in your bathroom, however, don’t worry too much about installation. There are many companies that handle bathtub installation at reasonable charges.

Configuration

Your ideal bathtub is certainly one with the best possible configurations. One that is smooth to operate, easy to access and comfortable to bathe in. If you prefer a freestanding bathtub for two persons, go for nothing different but that one. It’s easy to find your perfect bathtub when you have the right configurations for your bathtub space.

Design

A tub’s design should be synonymous with your personal style. Your ideal tub should not clash with the bathroom’s overall style. Bathroom tubs come with a wide array of designs, color finishes and themes. There are classically designed tubs, contemporary designs, and futuristic designs. Choose a tub that fits your bathroom’s style if you want your bathroom to have a heavenly feel. Keep in mind though that tubs that provide a touch of uniqueness and creativity in their design will cost more than conventionally designed bathtubs.

Accessories

The best tubs come with a variety of accessories to provide you with strong acrylic baths. Choose a tub with the maximum number of helpful accessories for best experiences. Installation accessories for the drainage are definitely a must have accessories for a good quality tubs.

Warranty

A long warranty on your tub is always a good thing. Even the best quality materials sometimes crack, in which case the warranty can help you cover repair costs.

Acrylic Bathtub Installation

Thanks to the fact that acrylic bathtubs are some of the most popular on the market, installing them is easier than installing most other types of tubs. They also tend to have near similar formats, with the lower part carrying the most amount of weight. In addition, they often feature frames to add steadiness and the most important accessories. With that format, installing an acrylic tub tend to follow the following procedure.

1. Install the Frames

   Typically, the tub will come with four frames to be fixed on each of the tub’s four corners. Alternatively, the frames can be stand alone frames that tie into the walls of your bathroom. Either way, the frames should be installed properly on the floor’s joists and fixed to joists on the tub itself. The header frames tend to be slightly higher, but on the level.

2. The Base

   Once you install the frames into strategic positions, follow the manufacturer’s guide on what to do for the tub’s base. Some manufacturers recommend that your place hard foam shims under the tub while others simply don’t recommend anything. Some recommend that you install the tub on concrete mortar while others recommend expanding foam. Follow the manufacturer’s guide so that you install the tub in a way that it could last for long without getting affected by fungi.

3. Install the Flange Mounts

   Except for freestanding tubs, a lot of bathtubs feature flange mounts designed to hold onto bathroom walls for better sturdiness. If your tub has flange mounts, install them after you have already installed the tub at the right position and locked it with supporting frames. Flange mounts lock onto wall studs, locking each other such that the tub has minimal or no movements at all.

4. Access Door

   From time to time, you will need to access the drainage system for repair and maintenance. As you cover the frames with tiles around, therefore, create an access door for easy repair later. The best time to create this access door is during the installation process.

5. Connect the drainage plumbing

   Since this a process you want to do right, follow the manufacturer’s guide to the letter. It’s not a hard process though, and you can connect both the drainage and the overflow plumb lines in a matter of minutes. But as already stated, follow the manufacturer’s guide to knowing the right measurements and accessories to use for this part of the installation.

Bottom Line

Modern generation bathtubs have everything your old tub misses. They combine quality engineering with a wide range of features to make your baths luxurious and enjoyable. But without the best acrylic bathtub, you risk losing some of the luxuries of a modern tub. Fortunately, there is nothing more you need to learn about after reading our acrylic bathtub reviews above. What remains of you is to actualize the buying process by taking measurements in your bathroom and deciding on a tub style to buy.