Refurbished bathtub?

Question

I had cracks in my bathtub. So 3 years ago, I had it refurbished. It has 5 years warranty and they charged me $600. They said clean it with sponge and everything you clean your car with. I've been cleaning it with dishwasher liquid. Recently a lot of dark spots appeared in the bottom of the tub. I can't remove them by sponge. Does anyone know what should I do? Has anyone heard about re-bath? how much re-bath cost? and are they really that easy to install? isn't that heavy to have two baths on the top of each other? and how we can clean the re-bath?

Answer 1

There are 3 main companies doing this type of remodel, but only 2 worth discussing. Make sure you  get quotes from at least two (2) so you can make the best and most informed decision. The companies are:

1) Luxury Bath

2) Re-Bath

Luxury Bath has the best material in the industry. It also has a product called microban. Acrylic is a non-porous surface, requiring less maintenance than many other available surfaces. however, the bathroom is a fertile breeding ground for microorganisms that can double in number every 20 minutes on an untreated surface. Microban is built-in to Luxury Bath liners to provide an added level of cleanliness. Microban inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains and odors on the surface of your tub. The continuous antimicrobial cleaning action of Microban makes you Luxury Bath tub liner easier to clean and keeps it cleaner between cleanings. The antimicrobial additive used in Luxury Bath tubs is registered by the EPA for use in many products including acrylic tubs and walls, sinks, and bath accessories. Luxury Bath also has a no nonsense Lifetime Warranty. www.luxurybath.com

Re-Bath would be my second choice. The reason being is they, like Luxury Bath have a one piece "dog leg" (The dog leg goes from the top of the tub rail to the floor in front of the tub.)

As far as other options there is

1) tearing it out and starting over

2) Ceramic tile

3) re-glazing

With tearing it out you will be forced to use a fiberglass tub, which is very porous making it very difficult to clean. (for those that are reading this, thinking how nice your fiberglass tub is, go in there and rub your fingers over it. It may look o.k. but it will be greasy, that’s because the porous material is literally sucking the soap scum in.  Fiberglass surrounds are also known for cracking and being "spongy" when you stand in them.

Ceramic tile is definitely attractive, but unfortunately the grout is the weak point, after all its 80% sand, and sand sucks in the water making it a perfect surface for mold and mildew. Grout also needs maintenance once a month, but before you do the maintenance, you need to clean it with a toothbrush.

re-glazing is when they paint the tub. This is more of a band-aid if your trying to sell the home, but don’t care how it will look in 6 months to 1 year. It also doesn't address the walls or fixtures.

Answer 2

Dark spots on the bottom are probably mold under the paint or rust from your tub depending on the color of the spots. if you have a warranty then call them to paint it again - that is what the warranty is for!   Re-bath is an acrylic installer...not a product YOU install. they use tub liners and they are 1/4 inch thick and are not heavy at all. the old tub actually acts as support for the new tub.

Bath Fitter is the best. They are the ONLY company who brings a tester tub to make sure the liner fits like a glove. the other companies send tub measurements to a factory somewhere and just hope the liner fits.  There are over 700 tub sizes and MANY are close in size but you need the EXACT one,

Re-Bath uses sub-contractors so it could be their very first job and you have no way of knowing???  Bath Fitter uses employees who are trained for 3 to 6 months and do 60 to 80 jobs and are definitely certified, before they are allowed to do a job at your house. Be careful because there is another company in this industry who is famous for bad-mouthing other companies and lying about their own products and what they really do. Research EVERYTHING they tell you.  I mean EVERYTHING. Don't believe a word.  they will even direct you to consumer sites where the consumers rant on and on about things that are not true and things the consumers cannot possibly know...for instance one consumer complaint accused Bath Fitters technicians of not being certified - how could that consumer know whether a tech was certified or not?  It's the nature of every business that you will have a few unsatisfied  customers who lash out.  

I work for Bath Fitter and I guarantee you they stand behind their products and they are the largest and oldest acrylic company in existence.  They NEVER bad mouth their competition or even mention them, because Bath Fitter's product is superior and stands on it's own merit.