What is the Difference Between GRP and Acrylic Baths?
When choosing a new bath, especially a walk in tub designed for safety and accessibility, the material matters as much as the design. Two of the most common choices are GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and acrylic. Every walk in bath manufacturer, walk in tub manufacturer, walk in bath supplier, and walk in tub supplier works with these materials, but they perform differently in terms of strength, finish, and comfort.
At Oasis, all of our walk in tubs are made from reinforced acrylic, combining the warmth and beauty of acrylic with the durability traditionally associated with GRP. This ensures our customers get the best of both worlds — stylish, comfortable, and extra strong baths that last for years.
GRP Baths Explained
GRP is a composite material made by reinforcing plastic with fine glass fibres. A walk in bath manufacturer may choose GRP because it is tough, long-lasting, and capable of withstanding heavy use. The rigid structure makes it a reliable choice for products that must endure years of daily bathing.
From the perspective of a walk in tub manufacturer, GRP provides strength and stability. It holds up well under pressure, keeps door seals secure, and resists cracks. Many a walk in bath supplier values GRP’s durability. However, GRP baths can feel cooler to the touch, are often heavier, and lack the natural gloss of acrylic.
Acrylic Baths Explained
Acrylic is a lighter plastic material known for its smooth, glossy finish. Today, many walk in tub suppliers recommend acrylic because it looks modern, feels warm, and is easy to clean. Acrylic baths resist staining and scratching, and the surface remains attractive over time.
A walk in bath supplier often highlights acrylic’s comfort: it feels softer and warmer, making the walk in tub more inviting. A walk in tub manufacturer may also prefer acrylic for customers who want style and practicality combined.
On its own, however, acrylic is not as rigid as GRP. That’s why at Oasis, we reinforce our acrylic baths to make them extra strong and durable — giving you the reliability of GRP with the comfort and appearance of acrylic.
GRP vs. Acrylic – The Key Differences
Strength
GRP is naturally rigid and dependable, which is why traditional walk in tub manufacturers use it.
Reinforced acrylic, as made by Oasis, matches GRP in strength but adds superior comfort and finish.
Appearance
Acrylic baths have a glossy, modern look that appeals to many. Every walk in bath supplier offering stylish options includes them.
GRP baths are more functional in appearance and less visually appealing.
Comfort and Feel
Acrylic retains warmth, making a walk in tub feel inviting and comfortable.
GRP can feel hard and cool to the touch, which some customers find less pleasant.
Weight and Handling
Acrylic baths are lighter and easier to install, which is why walk in tub suppliers prefer them for convenience.
GRP baths are heavier and more difficult to manoeuvre during installation.
Why Oasis Chooses Reinforced Acrylic
At Oasis, we specialise as both a walk in bath manufacturer and walk in tub manufacturer, and we design all of our products using reinforced acrylic. This decision is based on years of experience and customer feedback.
Here’s what reinforced acrylic means for your walk in tub:
Exceptional strength: Reinforcement makes the acrylic shell rigid and secure, resisting flexing just like GRP.
Superior comfort: Acrylic feels warmer and smoother, creating a pleasant bathing experience every time.
Lasting style: Acrylic’s glossy surface stays bright and fresh-looking, even after years of use.
When a walk in bath supplier or walk in tub supplier partners with Oasis, they know they’re offering customers a product that blends elegance, comfort, and durability.
Which Material Should You Choose?
If you’re working with a walk in bath supplier and your top priority is sheer toughness, GRP has a proven track record. However, most people now prefer the combination of comfort, looks, and strength offered by reinforced acrylic.
That’s why more and more walk in tub manufacturers are choosing reinforced acrylic. It gives customers everything they want in a walk in tub: warmth, durability, and style.
Conclusion
The difference between GRP and acrylic baths can be summed up as strength vs. comfort. GRP is strong and reliable, while acrylic is warm and attractive. At Oasis, we provide the best of both worlds through our reinforced acrylic baths.
As a trusted walk in bath manufacturer and walk in tub manufacturer, we ensure every bath combines modern comfort with long-lasting strength. Whether you are working directly with Oasis or through a walk in bath supplier or walk in tub supplier, you can be confident that our walk in tubs are built to be strong, safe, and stylish.