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Q:
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How do I clean this?
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A:
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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 a 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!
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Q:
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What colors are available?
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A:
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The bathliners are solid: White, Almond, Biscuit or Gray. The walls are solid White,
Almond, Biscuit or Gray. A simulated-tile pattern is White, Almond, Biscuit or Gray.
We also offer a subtle marble pattern in silver/white, almond/white or white marble
or granite style in white, beige, pewter, pearl and gray. We keep the colors neutral
so you can decorate around your choice.
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Q:
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Can I install this myself?
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A:
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No. You must be certified by the factory to install the acrylic bathliners and other
products.
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Q:
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Who installs bathtub liners?
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A:
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Bathtub liners must be installed by factory trained technicians. The high quality
acrylic is custom fit and cut with industry specific tools that are not sold to
the general public – plus your professional installation comes with a complete,
written warranty.
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Q:
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How long does this take?
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A:
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A tub can usually be installed in 3-6 hours. With a new wall surround, ceiling panel,
new faucet or other accessories, a new bath system can still typically be installed
in one to two days. You can use the bath the next morning after the project has
been completed.
Even if circumstances force us to delay completion (factory sent an incorrect product,
leaky plumbing needs to be fixed by plumber, wall repair is more extensive than
anticipated), the bathroom will be usable and available.
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Q:
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Why haven’t I seen acrylic bath and shower systems before?
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A:
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Bathliners 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. Since bathliners
are sold installed, the product isn’t found in very few retail outlets. It
has become well-known and very popular as the alternative to messy complete tub
and shower replacements. There is an estimated 1,000,000 bathliners installed in
the U.S.
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Q:
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What is the warranty?
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A:
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Bath Doctor offers a limited lifetime warranty that includes the bathtub liners
and/or wall surrounds will be free of defects in material and workmanship (with
the proper care and maintenance of your system).
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Q:
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Is your acrylic system sprayed on?
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A:
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No. This is an acrylic tub that uses your existing tub as a foundation. We come
to the house and take 14 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 ¼” solid sheet of acrylic and
heat it to 400 degrees. 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.
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Q:
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If I have a steel, fiberglass, or claw foot tub can I use your acrylic system?
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A:
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We have molds for 4-1/2’, 5’, and 5-1/2’ steel and cast-iron tubs.
A dented, rusted or chipped tub is not a problem for our system.
We can not create a tub liner for fiberglass and claw foot tubs.
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Q:
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Since my tub bumps out in the front can I still use an acrylic system?
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A:
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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.
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Q:
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How is the bottom of your tub finished? Is it easy to clean?
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A:
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The bottom of our tubs are formed with an exclusive slip-resistance surface for
your safety, yet are still comfortable to sit on and clean. The bottom of our tubs
IS NOT a spray-on harsh surface like some systems available in the market.
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Q:
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Can we take our tub and put in a shower?
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A:
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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.
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Q:
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What is considered to be the #1 benefit of your acrylic system?
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A:
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In a recent study, “Ease of cleaning” was rated the number one concern
homeowners cited in making a bathtub purchase decision. Acrylic’s hard non-porous
surface makes it less susceptible to hard water stains, mildew, and algae versus
gel coat/fiberglass and tile grout used in typical tub/shower installations. With
acrylic, cleaning requires only a mild bathroom cleaner and what many describe as,
“an easy wipe” with a damp sponge or cloth – even after years
of use.
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The Truths About Acrylic Microban
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Microban is a pesticide that an acrylic sheet producer has added to its product
for bath and hot tub surfaces. The company is insinuating and implying health and
cleaning benefits that haven’t been proven. In fact, new scientific evidence
indicates that there is no difference between untreated acrylic sheet and acrylic
sheet made with Microban in killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the
respective surfaces.
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Q:
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What is Microban?
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A:
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Microban is a registered pesticide made by the Microban Products Company of Huntersville,
N.C. Its primary ingredient is a chemical called triclosan, which, in its liquid
form, has been used as a disinfectant in hospitals for over 25 years. In 1980, three
biochemical engineers invented a process to imbed the pesticide into the structure
of plastics. This became the technology upon which Microban would be based, and
in 1990, the Microban Products Company was formed. Since that time, Microban additives
have been incorporated into a variety of consumer and commercial products.
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Q:
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Does Microban kill or slow the growth of bacteria when used in acrylic sheet?
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A:
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No. A new study was recently conducted by SGS U.S. Testing Company Inc., an independent
laboratory in Fairfield, N.J. Completed in January of this year; the tests indicate
that there is no difference between untreated acrylic sheet and acrylic sheet made
with Microban in killing or slowing the growth of bacteria on the respective surfaces.
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Q:
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How was the new study conducted?
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A:
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Samples of the manufactured bathtubs that contain both the untreated and treated
acrylic sheets were purchased from retail establishments and cut into samples. Each
sample was exposed to strains of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli),
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Streptococcus faecalis (S. faecalis). The
acrylic samples sat for periods of 0, 4 and 24 hours. The bacteria were then removed
from the acrylic surfaces and measured and counted according to standard protocol.
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Q:
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What are the results of the study?
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A:
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Specifically, SGS U.S. Testing Company concluded that the samples of untreated and
treated acrylic sheets “did not show any anti-microbial activity (0% bacterial
reduction) at 4 or 24 hours against E. coli, St. aureus, and S. faecalis.
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Q:
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Is a bath or hot tub made with Microban “healthier?”
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A:
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Absolutely not. In fact, manufacturers of Microban-treated acrylic sheets are not
allowed by law to even imply that they are. The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) will not allow Microban Products Company, or any of its customers,
to make claims regarding health benefits, such as protection from germs or disease
prevention. Why? Because there is not specific evidence that any of the products
treated with Microban are effective in preventing the spread of bacteria or disease.
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Q:
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Do hot tubs and baths treated with Microban need to be cleaned?
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A:
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Absolutely. Materials with Microban still need normal and frequent cleaning and
disinfecting. Microban does not protect against hard water film build-up or stains,
or soap scum residue. Also, the presence of Microban does not reduce the need or
amount of sanitizers needed in a hot tub’s water.
In fact, a hot tub or bath treated with Microban needs exactly the same level of
maintenance and cleaning as one that is not treated with Microban.
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Q:
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Does Microban make acrylic easier to clean, last longer, or look newer longer?
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A:
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There is no published evidence that shows Microban makes acrylic sheet easier to
clean, last longer, or look newer longer.
Why? Because acrylic sheet is already one of the most durable, long-lasting,
and beautiful materials used in hot tub and bath markets.
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Q:
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What benefit does Microban add to acrylic hot tubs and baths?
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A:
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Strictly speaking, acrylic sheet treated with Microban offers customers and consumers
no benefits that are not inherently part of the acrylic material. There is no proof
that anti microbial agents incorporated into acrylic sheet products provide any
health benefits whatsoever. And now, there is specific scientific evidence that
indeed Microban does not provide any antibacterial benefit when used in acrylic
sheet.
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Q:
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What do expert scientists say about adding Microban to consumer goods?
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A:
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Several noted microbiologists have said that adding Microban to many consumer goods
is unnecessary, and some have even called it a “marketing gimmick.”
Not only have experts said that the benefits of Microban are questionable, but many
are also concerned that the wide-spread use of these substances may cause a major
public health problem. Researchers are concerned that repeated use of products containing
triclosan could be breeding resistant bacteria, or “super bugs.” A 1998
Tufts University study showed that over-exposure created five different triclosan-resistant
strains of E. coli. According to Tufts; Dr. Stuart Levy, “If the idea is to
sterilize surfaces, it is misguided. You can’t sterilize surfaces that are
open to the air. You will not eliminate bacteria, but rather replace them with other
micro-organisms which could be potentially harmful.”
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The truth is…
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Continuous cast acrylic has served as the premier surface for millions of hot tubs
and baths sold in North America over the past 20 years. Acrylic has a proven track
record of retaining its beauty and high-gloss shine through years of everyday use.
Acrylic is extremely hard and non-porous by nature. So, dirt, soapy film, and germs
can’t easily penetrate. Untreated, it is the material of choice for quality
baths and hot tubs.
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Microban is a registered trademark of Microban Products Company.
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