How to Select a Solid-Surface Bathtub for a Hotel?

Maintenance of a high-traffic space like the hotel bathroom can be challenging. The chances of traditional bathtubs chipping, taking deep scratches, and cigarette burns are high. If damage occurs, the entire tub would need to be replaced. Otherwise, it can affect the hotel rating and guest experience. The costs of replacement, downtime, and lost revenue from unavailable rooms can be very high. It takes around 48-72 hours to replace a traditional bathtub.

Solid surface bathtubs solve these problems with easy repair and return to the original seamless finish in 2 hours. It is just one of many problems that solid surface bathtubs solve for hotels. This article explains why a robust plumbing fixture, such as a solid-surface bathtub, is an ideal investment for hotels. It will provide advantages and factors to consider when buying a solid surface bathtub. Moreover, provide a list of the top 3 suppliers and mention aspects such as the longevity of these bathtubs.

The purpose is to provide our readers with enough data to make a strong case for switching to solid-surface bathtubs, best suited for hotel use.

Advantages Of Solid Surface Bathtubs For Hotels

● Durability and Aesthetics

Guests will use a bathtub almost every time they stay in a hotel. Which means the bathtub needs to withstand heavy daily use and resist chipping, cracking, and staining. Acrylic bathtubs can start to show wear in 5 to 7 years. In contrast, solid-surface bathtubs can maintain their new appearance for 20+ years with simple maintenance.

● Hygiene and Housekeeping Efficiency

Solid surface bathtubs have a non-porous, seamless build, making them highly resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria, grime, and limescale buildup. The result is a reduction in time and effort from the housekeeping staff. It reduces cleaning time for the bathtub area by 20%. Efficient operations mean there is more focus on perfecting the cleaning process.

● Guest Experience and Energy Savings

Typically, solid surface material has a thermal conductivity of 0.4 . Comparing it to material like cast iron, which has a 50  , which roughly means that the heated water in the tub will lose its heat 125x faster in cast iron than in solid surface material. The longer heat retention of solid-surface material enhances the guest experience by enabling extended soaking sessions for relaxation. Moreover, it saves hot water supply for hotels.

● Financial Long-Term Benefits

The easy repairability of a solid-surface bathtub translates into long-term financial benefits, as explained earlier in the introduction. A typical replacement of a standard bathtub costs around $ 3,500 to $ 6,500 for hotels. Repairing a solid-surface bathtub requires an estimate of $150 for labor and materials.

● Positive Guest Reviews

One of the most significant advantages in the social media era is the rise in positive reviews. Having a high-end, solid-surface bathtub with good heat retention and premium aesthetics can lead to a 12% rise in positive reviews. It can also contribute to the 0.3 to 0.5-point increase in the hotel'ss Guest Satisfaction Score (GSS).

Factors For Selecting a Suitable Solid Surface Bathtub

1. Ensure Proper Brand Alignment with the Hotel

If a hotel showcases modern aesthetics, consider choosing a brand that offers freestanding or clawfoot solid-surface bathtubs. Apply a similar methodology to identify experts for your hotel's aesthetics.

Brands can offer the modern, minimalistic look to the rustic look from back in the day. However, it's important to consider the hotel's color scheme so that the plumbing fixtures blend in seamlessly. For visual integrity, consider bold shapes and colors for artistic boutique hotels, or use neutral tones to evoke cleanliness and a spa-like feel.

The solid surface bathtub is going to be the center of attention in the bathroom. Use a rectangular design for maximum space utilization, and irregular dimensions for unique, artistic hotel aesthetics in large rooms.

2. Operational and Safety Requirement

Hotels are open to people of all sizes and weights, which means that their bathrooms and housekeeping need to be equipped with the right fixtures to ensure inclusivity. A typical bathtub can weigh around 500kg when filled. Which means the floor support and bathtub build should be solid. Solid surface bathtubs can handle that much weight. Consider features like integrated seats and deep soak options for guests wanting a therapeutic relaxation.

For hotels around areas with high humidity, consider materials that would not degrade with humidity, like warping or yellowing. Moreover, look for certifications like CE or SGS, which ensure that the product is internationally qualified for hospitality safety standards.

3. Financial and Installation Factors

Solid surface bathtubs have a higher initial cost. However, the cost is quickly offset by the durability and repairability. Their total cost of ownership (TCO) is over 10 to 20 years. Making them a cost-effective purchase decision and investment. Moreover, the reduction in energy costs due to the high insulation properties of solid surface bathtubs also impacts the hotel's finances in a positive manner.

For installation, consider contacting the vendor for customization. If the brand is willing to customize solid surface bathtubs as per your requirement, then it's the ideal scenario. You can ensure a seamless fit and a proper fit in an irregularly shaped bathroom.

Also consider solid surface bathtub models that can directly sit on the floor without structural reinforcement owing to their weight distribution. It can help save structural modification costs like concrete pads or reinforcements.

4. Room Size and Optimization

Bathrooms can vary in size, and there are many bathtub suppliers with unique dimensions. Consider one of the standard dimensions of a bathtub and build your bathroom interior design around it. The bathtub is the biggest plumbing fixture in the bathroom and is mostly the focal point. So give weightage to its size for optimum space utilization.

Use the compact 1050mm models for bathrooms with limited space to allow more space for movement. In case of large bathroom areas, there is more room for creativity, thus go for the large 1800 bathtubs to maximize customer experience and luxury.

5. Regional Influence

Always consider the regional preferences when it comes to designing a bathroom. Solid surface bathtubs are a popular material, irrespective of region. However, their design preference can be affected by regions. Deep immersion models are favored in Asian hospitality. In comparison, North American hotels prioritize spacious inner spaces and wider wellness-oriented designs.

Great Suppliers For Consideration

There are lots of solid surface bathtub suppliers, but only a few have all the designs and offer customization options. Here are the top three suppliers for your consideration:

1. KingKonree (KKR)

From Huizhou, China, the KKR is one of the leading solid surface bathtub manufacturers with a 25,000 sqm factory. They utilize the latest CNC and cutting techniques to ensure a non-porous surface. Their products are CE, ISO9001, CUPC, and SGS certified with anti-yellowing material, high heat retention, seamless repairing, and zero water absorption. They offer customizable 80+ designs, colors, shapes, and sizes with features like ergonomic contours. Their extensive support for hospitality projects in 107+ countries will ensure hygiene and luxury combined.

2. American Bath Group (ABG) Hospitality

The ABG was founded in 2014 through mergers. They specialized in the production of solid surface bathtubs, but under the brand names of Swanstone and MAAX. Their products feature groutless designs and customization in colors, shapes, and features like backrest. In services, they offer design consultation, 24-hr delivery for prebuilt designs, installation support, and solutions for global hospitality projects.

3. MTI Baths

MTI is one of the oldest manufacturers of bathroom fixtures. It was founded in 1988 and has bagged over 160 awards for its innovative designs. Their solid surface bathtub products include different sizes, shapes, colors, and therapies. Hotel services include volume/one-off orders, design collaboration, specification support, and installations in luxury properties worldwide.

Maintenance Requirements of Solid Surface Bathtub
◀ Daily and Weekly Maintenance

In the hospitality business, guest turnover can be high, which may require quick wiping on a daily basis to remove oils, cosmetics, and soap scum. In case they are left to dry, the stain could become stubborn and challenging to remove. It also minimizes the risk of discoloration over a longer time. On a weekly basis, use non-abrasive deep cleaning techniques.

◀ Preventing Damage and Ensuring Longevity

During the maintenance activity, avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the top polished layer and make the bathtub lose its warranty. Train the housekeeping staff to use neutral-pH products to avoid damaging the solid surface material.

◀ Environmental Control

Ensure there is proper ventilation for high-humidity areas. Consider the effect of the season change. The hot and cold cycle can cause the fittings to expand and contract, which may lead to misalignments and faults. These can eventually lead to the failure of fittings. Inspect the solid surface bathtub after the end of every season to ensure integrity.

Conclusion

As our final verdict, a solid surface bathtub is an ideal choice for hotels. However, users need to consider various factors when purchasing one, like matching brand style, safety aspects, maintenance, financial impacts, installation costs, room size, styles, and regional aspects. There are loads of manufacturers for solid surface bathtubs, but there are only a handful that can provide large volume and high durability solid surface bathtubs.

If you are looking for a high-end to premium grade solid surface bathtub manufacturer, then consider KKR. They offer OEM/ODM (custom) services and a design precision of ±3mm. Their products include solid surface, gel-coat stone resin, and 100% non-porous surface bathtubs, especially designed for hotels. Their long-term warranty of 10years and international certifications make them an ideal brand for purchasing solid surface bathtubs for hotels. Visit their website https://www.kingkonree.com/  to explore all the options.

FAQs

Q: What Is The Typical Lifespan Of A Solid Surface Bathtub In Hotel Use?

Typically, a solid surface bathtub can last from 10 to 30+ years. However, it's essential to strictly follow a maintenance schedule to avoid the build-up of oils, cosmetics, and soap scum in the hospitality business. Use non-abrasive techniques and ensure the use of neutral-pH cleaning products.

Q: Do Solid Surface Bathtubs Need Foundation Reinforcement for Installation?

You do not require reinforcement of the floor for every type of solid surface bathtub. Some feature a well-distributed weight to ensure that the floor is not damaged, as a fully filled soaking bathtub can weigh over 500kg.

Q: Is Housekeeping Staff Training Necessary for the Upkeep of a Solid Surface Bathtub?

Yes, it is absolutely necessary to train the staff and emphasize the importance of daily cleaning to ensure proper maintenance. Negligence can lead to challenging cleaning situations or damage to the solid surface bathtub.