ADVANTAGES OF ACRYLIC

How do I clean this?
Because acrylic does not allow the growth of mold or mildew, cleaning is very simple. Make a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water or 10/90 solution of bleach and water. Mix it in a spray bottle, spray on and rinse off with a soft cloth. Don't use ammonia or aerosol cleansers, the propellant will cause cracks and void the warranty. Also, don't use Tilex for the same reason. Usually, less is best- just wipe off areas where soap or shampoo accumulated. No scrubbing required!

What colors are available?
The tubliners are solid: White, Beige and Topaz. The walls are solid White, Beige and Topaz in smooth glossy. A simulated-tile pattern is available is White and Beige. We also offer a marble pattern in Classic White and Sandshell Marble or an alternative pattern; Classic Granite. We keep the colors neutral so you can decorate around your choice, but you won't be mad at yourself in six years when Puce Aqua is no longer in style!

Can I install this myself?
Who installs this?
We don't recommend D-I-Y installation. The high quality acrylic is expensive enough that if you cut a panel wrong, you'll be very unhappy! The installation is done by factory-trained and certified Acrylic Technicians. They also use industry-specific tools that are not sold to the general public.

How long does this take?
A tub can usually be installed in 2-4 hours. With a new wall surround, ceiling panel, new faucet or other accessories, a new bath system can still typically be installed in the same day. You can use the bath the next morning.
Even if circumstances force us to delay completion (factory sent wrong hand, leaky plumbing needs to be fixed by plumber, wall repair is more extensive than anticipated), the bathroom will be usable and available.

How come I haven't seen these before?
Tubliners were first used commercially in the late 70's. It was the mid-80's when they were introduced to the residential market in the Southwest. Because tubliners are sold installed, the product isn't found in just any store, but they're becoming well-known and very popular as the alternative to messy replacement. There is an estimated 500,000 tubliners installed in the U.S.

Is this sprayed on?
No. This is an acrylic tub that uses your existing tub as a foundation. We come to the house and take 13 measurements and photos which are sent to the factory. The factory enters the figures into a Tub ID program to determine which of our hundreds of molds is correct. Then, they take a 1/4" solid sheet of acrylic and heat it to 400*. It is then placed over your tub mold and the air is vacuumed out forming the tub to your exact dimensions. This way, you don't lose any space in your tub either.

I have a steel/rusted iron tub...
I have a fiberglass tub...
I have a claw-foot tub...
We have molds for 4 1/2', 5', and 5 1/2' steel and cast-iron tubs. A dent, rust, or refinishing that is pulling away is no problem.
If the existing fiberglass tub provides sufficient structural strength, a tubliner can be installed in quite a few styles.
Neither old-style, "rolled edge" tubs nor claw-foot tubs are candidates for a tubliner. Early tub manufacturing processes allowed deviations to the extent that measurements taken on one tub may not accurately fit another tub of the exact style.

My tub bumps out in front.
We can accommodate lots of tub styles! If you have a bump, that's a formed skirt. We can make a similar curved front or make a flat front for anyone who wants a wider rail or are perhaps having a shower door installed. We can install a two-dimensional skirt for an exclusive look, as well.

How well does this pebbly bottom clean?
It is formed right into the bottom of the acrylic sheet so it cleans as easily as the smooth acrylic. It's much kinder to a person bathing too, as opposed to the actual sandpaper on other brands of tubs.

Can we take out our tub and put in a shower?
Yes. In fact, a lot of homeowners with two bathrooms are doing that now, and the home retains or exceeds its original resale value. We can also line very small showers or very large showers.

Is the wall one piece?
No. We use three separate pieces for a few reasons:
1- They fit through any doorway.
2- Your house is not plumb (or square), this allows us to cut each piece for a custom fit.
3- Acrylic contracts and expands with temperature or climate changes. Three walls accommodates this change more easily. One-piece surrounds, especially fiberglass, will eventually crack under this stress.
4- Our side walls can go up to 98-1/2" (over 8'), so they go from the floor to the ceiling in the front of the tub. One-piece systems go only to the top of the tub, water splashes out, and the front walls begin to deteriorate.
5- If it's ever necessary to get to the plumbing, the plumbing side wall can be removed with a little work. A one-piece system would have to be completely ripped out.
The 100% silicone we use has a mildewcide and is custom-colored to the walls for a seamless look.

What if my tile is broken/walls unfinished/fiberglass surround...
If tile is missing from the wall, we'll patch that area when we install the new wall surround. When we measure the tub, we also check the area around the shelf and valve for soft tile areas. You may not realize where tile is weak- any deterioration is repaired on the day of the install. If studs are exposed, only drywall needs to be put up. The acrylic is so waterproof that green board or cement board is not necessary. If there is a fiberglass or one-piece surround, we may have to tear it out and then put up the acrylic, so the acrylic has sufficient support.
Also, if the tile does not go to the ceiling, the walls can still go the full height which gives your bathroom a more expansive appeal. The technician will fur out the area so the walls are installed level. Or, if you have a special border or molding, we can install a wall system with a "cap" three-quarters of the way up.

Aren't you just covering the scum?
No. We put a primer on the walls before they're installed. Afterwards, the seal is so tight that air no longer circulates which is a necessary requirement for mold or mildew to grow.

Yah, but I have a window...
We do windows! And ceilings and wainscoting and cap knee walls. We have four types of soap dishes and three different corner caddies- so we are ready to personalize your bathroom.

Do you replace my faucet?
It is not part of the standard install. We do offer it, however. We/Our plumber are able to change a two-handle valve to a single lever, as well. We only put in valves meeting plumbing codes which requires pressure-balanced and temperature balanced faucets which means you no longer get scalded when the dishwasher is turned on.
We do replace your drain and overflow, though, in the tub. Because we're installing 1/4" material, we have to use a custom-made drain for the deeper length.

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