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White paper 1 EXPERTISE IN BATHTUB DESIGN The art of choosing wisely © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 CONTENTS WHITE PAPER Introduction 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 1 What is a luxury bathtub? 04 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 How do you evaluate the quality of a design?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 03 How to choose the best therapies that contribute to well-being and health?. 1 2 04 What architectural factors should I consider when purchasing a bathtub?. . . . . 20 05 Should my bathtub be a practical object or a lifestyle purchase?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Timeline · A brief history of the Bath and the Ritual of Bathing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 06 The utilitarian bathroom 28 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 Spa room 29 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 What kind of bathtub buyer are you?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 TO LEARN MORE Pros and Cons / Most-used Bathtub Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Installation Types 37 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White paper 2 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Introduction White paper 3 THE DESIGN OF ANY OBJECT SHOULD BE THE OUTCOME OF THOUGHT AND STUDY, NOT THE EXPRESSION OF A TREND. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright had this to say about the "art of building": "Art is an expression of freedom, of creativity, of an esthetic ideal. It touches our hearts. Building is about rules, processes, procedures, standards, management, planning, and economic realities. Reconciling the irreconcilable is what makes architecture and design such rich and noble professions. Above all, it is the task we accept as the manufacturers of goods." This philosophy inspires our process for designing bathtubs and complimentary products at BainUltra®. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 1 What is a luxury bathtub? White paper 4 It's a matter of balance between the object's design, its therapeutic benefits, and its seamless integration into the architectural environment. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 5 At BainUltra®, each product is created and developed with serious consideration of design, therapies and architecture. DESIGN The choice of materials, functional and ultra comfortable ergonomics, refinement and absolute beauty of the object, contemporary style and timelessness, and attention to detail during assembly. THERAPIES Research and integration of the best therapeutic technologies in order to improve everyday health, help manage stress, and relieve or prevent many physical illnesses (back pain, insomnia, poor blood circulation, skin problems, etc.). BainUltra is the only company that offers two therapeutic bathtub categories--TMU and TMSU--in order to reach different types of clients and markets. ARCHITECTURE Maximizing the possibilities for spatial integration. We offer many sizes, many installation types, and an easy and simple installation process with direct online (Skype) or phone support from BainUltra. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Practical questions for identifying a luxury bathtub What to ask for · How are the materials, functionalities, ergonomics, and assembly methods chosen with care? · How are the therapeutic technologies offering a superior care of impeccable quality? · How are the bath shapes and formats, installation types, and ease of installation insuring seamless integration into the space? White paper 6 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 7 2 How do you evaluate the quality of a design? In terms of bathtub design, quality is a matter of balance between esthetic and functional elements. A bathtub needs to enhance the art of living well at home. The appearance, ergonomics, and functions should work together to inspire feelings of wellbeing and safety. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Practical questions for evaluating the quality of a design What to ask for · When I look at this bathtub, what do I feel? · When I get into the bathtub, sit down, and get out again, how do I feel? · When I think about using the bathtub, what comes to mind? Do I think of the pleasurable aspects or the irritants? White paper 8 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 9 Design characterizes the use, Why BainUltra® appreciation, and functions of a bathtub. makes 100% acrylic bathtubs. USE What the object is used for. This is known as the object's "universal function." APPRECIATION The object's appeal. This is the subjective relationship the buyer has with the object. It starts with the buyer's sensory perception of the object--what the buyer sees and feels. UTILITY The value attributed to the object in relation to the buyer's situation. USE It's a highly resistant and hygienic material. APPRECIATION It's a material with a glossy, brilliant finish that reflects light. It evokes cleanliness. It's also very soft and smooth to the touch. UTILITY It is a material that conducts heat well. It is easy to clean and preserves its shine through time. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 10 Bathtub ergonomics The ergonomics of a bathtub are relative to the person using it, which is why BainUltra has a variety of ergonomic designs. USE Our basic bathtub is designed with certain functionalities in mind: arm rests, leg rests, grab bars, head rests, and elevated seats. These features can therefore add quality to the immersion experience of the bather. They can be added to better meet the specific needs of each client. So the shape of the bath changes depending on which functionalities are added. APPRECIATION With all the ergonomic possibilities, it's up to the client to evaluate their needs. Each buyer needs to find the right balance between the use and the esthetics of the object. At the end of the day, the buyer should be able to say, "I like this bath because it makes me feel good and because it looks good." UTILITY Ultimately, optimal ergonomics mean the bath is the best possible shape given the client's physical and architectural constraints. Some functionalities or designs may seem desirable, but the true value of the object--the one that justifies the investment--is measured in part by the characteristics that make it useable. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Practical questions What to ask for · How durable and hygienic is the material used for the bath? · How does this material speak to who I am? (clean, cold, soft, humble, ostentatious, etc.) · What are the properties of the material and what do I need to do to care for it? · Which functionalities meet my needs? · Are my purchase criteria justifying the amount of money I want to invest predominantly esthetic or functional? · What physical and architectural constraints are going to narrow down my choices? White paper 11 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 12 3 How to choose the best therapies that contribute to well-being and health? The basic therapeutic benefits of taking a bath have to do with immersion. Soaking in water activates three basic human faculties: memory (a return to the embryonic state experienced in the mother's womb), proprioception (the ability to sense your body in space, situate yourself in time and space, and keep your balance), and sensation (stimulation of the senses by pressure, temperature, and the scent of the water). © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 13 Therapies Humans who stop taking baths become less human and gradually lose basic faculties. Bath therapies are designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic needs of human beings. The more traditional, time-tested therapies you add to a bath, the greater the value of the immersion experience. BAINULTRA® BATHS ARE DESIGNED TO INTEGRATE FOUR ADDITIONAL THERAPIES · Hydro-thermo massage® · Chromatherapy · Aromatherapy · Thermotherapy® © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Hydro-thermo massage® Massage is often associated with relaxation. More importantly, it's a tested medical approach that has been used for therapeutic purposes for over 4,000 years. BainUltra's hydro-thermo massage is comparable to a massage given by hand. It combines three types of massage in a single therapy: · Thermomassage · Hydromassage · Acupressure (the combined action of the water's warmth and its movement against the skin). Hydro-thermo massage is a recognized alternative to professional massages. Hydro-thermo massage is recommended as a treatment for a number of conditions. It can be used to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; ease pain and stiffness; increase blood circulation; stimulate the immune system; treat sports injuries; and eliminate toxins. White paper 14 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is defined as the use of essential oils extracted from flowers, bark, and leaves and inhaled or absorbed through the skin to boost physical and psychological well-being. Our effective, integrated bathtub technologies for misting and diffusing essential oils deliver them to the user's respiratory, circulatory, and lymphatic systems, where they interact with the body's cells to promote healing. Depending on the choice of scent, aromatherapy can be used to reduce anxiety and stress, boost the immune system, and improve your mood. BainUltra has a unique selection of essential oils that can be added to your bathwater or used with our AromaCloud® technology. Each blend of oils has been scientifically selected and combined to enhance a dominant scent that will produce a specific change of mood. You can add your own oils, but make sure they're high-grade. Don't drop them directly onto the surface of the bath or your skin. Essential oils are concentrated substances and could damage your skin or the bath's acrylic. Always mix them in with your bathwater. White paper 15 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 16 Bathwater AromaCloud® BLENDED OILS FOR YOUR BATHWATER Pure Lemon (primary oil); grapefruit and cedar (secondary oils). Helps eliminate toxins and promotes a feeling of well-being. Calm Lavender (primary oil); lemon (secondary oil). Helps you relax and get the deep rest you need. Relax Rosemary (primary oil); rosewood, bay leaf and laurel (secondary oils). Soothes muscular pain and spasms and relieves sore joints. OIL BLENDS FOR AROMACLOUD® Nordic Spirit Lavender (primary oil); black spruce, rosewood, Atlas cedar, cajuput, and white cedar (secondary oils). Invigorates and reduces inflammation. Fruitful Evolution Grapefruit (primary oil); orange and peppermint (secondary oils). Promotes circulation and deep calm. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Chromatherapy Chromatherapy uses the effects of color on the body to change your mood. Colors aren't just decorative--they're also scientifically proven to have a direct effect on your physical and psychological condition. That's because colors produce vibrations that resonate with the body and travel through it, which influences the central nervous system. Chromatherapy is also used to calm, energize, and ground people. Colors have the power to bring balance. The colors produced by our LED lights are calibrated to specific frequencies that are designed to change your mood. Blue Lowers blood pressure and reduces stress Purple Stimulates the immune system and helps eliminate toxins Green Relaxes the body and brings emotional stability Red Stimulates and energizes, activates blood circulation, and awakens the senses Orange Stimulates the respiratory system and soothes muscle pain Yellow Promotes digestion and cerebral activity White paper 17 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Thermotherapy® The therapeutic use of heat. Our WarmTouchShell®, integrated into one of our baths, helps raise your body temperature, improving the circulation of oxygen and nutrients in the blood. Thermotherapy® relaxes your back muscles and helps eliminate toxins. It also prepares your body for hydro-thermo massage®, aromatherapy, and chromatherapy, thereby maximizing the effects. White paper 18 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Practical questions for bathtub therapies What to ask for · Could daily therapeutic baths help with some of my physical ailments? · Could daily therapeutic baths reduce my level of stress and anxiety? · Could daily therapeutic baths help make me feel calm and grounded? · Could daily therapeutic baths give me more energy? · Could the expense of a therapeutic bath prevent future physical and psychological care costs arising from the deterioration of my overall health? White paper 19 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 20 4 What architectural factors should I consider when purchasing a bathtub? Every BainUltra® bathtub is designed to enhance spatial organizational and esthetic harmony. Each is meant for a certain kind of person living and developing in a certain kind of space. As a central piece of furniture, the bathtub becomes a unifying set piece for the daily ritual of wellness. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 21 The architectural considerations therefore include elements of set design, size, and installation type. SET DESIGN The way in which an object organizes a space and facilitates the actions and experiences proper to that space: moving through, getting into, using, caring for, contemplating. SIZE The bathtub and its dimensions must be configured so as to maximize the ways in which it can be integrated into the space. INSTALLATION TYPE Bathtubs that are conducive to different types of lifestyle experiences: practical experiences, esthetic experiences, and art of living experiences. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Practical questions to consider when purchasing a bathtub What to ask for · What do I want to experience in my bathroom? · How do I want to move in my bathroom? · How do I want to use my bath (get into it, bathe in it, care for it)? · Do I consider the bath to be the the central piece of design in the space? · Given the configuration of the bath, where could I put it to have the experience I'm looking for? · Which installation type matches the experience I'm looking for? Do I need it to be purely practical, practical and esthetic, or facilitating care rituals? White paper 22 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 23 5 Should my bathtub be a practical object or a lifestyle purchase? Baths have expressed different values and served different purposes throughout history. In ancient times they were noble, sacred objects used in daily rituals to promote the bather's overall wellbeing. In the 1900s they were utilitarian objects used solely for hygienic purposes. Starting in the 1950s, these two ideas slowly merged to produce the modern bath--an object that is useful and beautiful and has therapeutic benefits. The emphasis in today's society on healthy eating, healthy living, and physical activity ties in with the notion of the body as a temple to be preserved. This trend has made bathtub and bathroom sacred once again, dedicated as they are to physical relaxation and regeneration. Consumers today have renewed with the ancient use of spas and are creating sacred spaces at home dedicated to physical and mental well-being. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 24 Timeline A brief history of the Bath and the Ritual of Bathing 13th century B.C.E. The bath of Nestor, King of Pylos: This Cretan terracota bathtub is said to be the oldest bathtub in the world. Even in this ancient era, the bathtub is already the central fixture of an area devoted to body care. The Egyptians, for whom personal grooming is almost a sacred ritual, nevertheless have to await the arrival of the Romans to reap the benefits of a bath. 6th century B.C.E. The use of thermal water dates back to the 6th century B.C.E., when the Greeks adopt bathing areas and baths for better hygiene. These baths are first built close to natural springs, which explains the strong tie between bath and bathing venue. 4th century The Romans model their bathhouses on those of Ancient Greece, but make considerable structural improvements. In the 4th century C.E., the city of Rome has nearly 1,000 public baths. End of the 4th century C.E. With the arrival of aqueducts and heated water, the Romans build balneae, which are usually private. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 25 Timeline A brief history of the Bath and the Ritual of Bathing 8th century 19th century 20th century In Islamic culture of the 8th century C.E., hammams are often found at mosques. Baths are for bathing, absolution, and purification. They will retain these functions until the end of the 19th century. A bath in a bathroom in 19th century England. Lord John Russell is said to have invented the modern bathtub in 1880. The first baths on American soil appear in 1830, while the first American bathroom is built in the White House in 1850 during the presidency of Millard Fillmore. In 1908, Buffalo's Statler Hotel offers a room with a bath for $1.50. Bathtub innovations are driven by the need to fit baths into rooms that aren't designed for them. Hydraulics come In 1950 and pave the way for hydrotherapy, which is integrated into the bath itself in 1968. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 26 Timeline BainUltra innovations 1977 2003 2005 2008 2012 BainUltra starts producing the first air jet baths, leading to a ground-breaking innovation in hydrotherapy-- thermo-massage, a water massage technique that uses air. BainUltra invents the Temazkal, a shower incorporating three types of therapy--light therapy, aromatherapy, and dry thermotherapy. The inverted V is added to some of BainUltra's collections. This innovative technology channels the thermo-massage to the most sensitive part of the bather's back. BainUltra launches another new product, Vedana, a care unit that combines five therapies--dry thermotherapy, chromatherapy, aromatherapy, and light and sound therapies. This product was designed to help users experience guided meditation. BainUltra invents Geysair. This technology gives bathers a longer, more restful massage using a warm air jet system. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Timeline BainUltra innovations 2013 BainUltra innovations The ThermaSens is introduced, baths designed to deliver sensory experiences through three separate therapies: thermotherapy, chromatherapy, and aromatherapy. The ThermaSens also features two BainUltra innovations--the Warm Touch Shell (a system of rapid-heating zones) and the AromaCloud (a diffuser incorporated in the bath). · 23 Canadian and American patents · 114 active trademarks · 5 complementary products · 25 free-standing baths · 3 international patents · 4 industrial design registrations · 18 bath collections · 175 baths in 6 types of installation White paper 27 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 28 6 The utilitarian bathroom The utilitarian bathroom is defined by the systems and practical objects it contains (water inlets, toilet, drains, ventilation, cabinets, sinks, shower, bath, and so on). It is used primarily for hygiene and personal grooming. In this type of space, the bathtub is a bathroom staple. It's used for washing up and can occasionally be used for relaxation through immersion. In such spaces, esthetics and quality of care aren't factors in the purchase decision. Utilitarian bathrooms are there because they need to be. They aren't designed to be intimate personal spaces or increase the value of the home. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 7 Spa room White paper 29 Spa bathrooms are defined by what they allow bathers to feel and experience. The space is laid out according to what the user wants to do and experience, which means quality, beauty, and the desired types of personal care are key. Spa rooms are meant to make you feel good when you contemplate them and increase your physical well being when you use them. In such spaces, the bathtub is a beautiful, sacred, and sophisticated object with integrated therapeutic systems. It is mostly dedicated to body care and is used to relax, stimulate, and improve overall health. The esthetic value of the object and space and the quality of care the bathtub provides are central factors in the purchase decision. Giving yourself a spa room is an act of self-love that brings added value to your life and home. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 30 8 What kind of bathtub buyer are you? Pragmatic, wellness, or design lover? 1. When I think of choosing a bathtub, the first factor that comes to mind is: A. My budget B. How the bathtub looks C. How comfortable it is D. What kind of therapy it offers E. All of the above are equally important 2. I associate bathtub quality primarily with: A. Price B. Materials C. Appearance D. Contribution to my daily health E. All of the above are equally important 3. I really want my bathtub to be: A. Hygienic and easy to care for B. Safe and easy to get in and out of C. Beautiful and comfortable D. Comfortable and therapeutic E. All of the above are equally important © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 What kind of bathtub buyer are you? 4. My bathtub is: A. A staple that needs to be installed in a predetermined space B. A luxury object that is the central piece of furniture in my bathroom C. A "design" object that is useful and functional D. A value-added object used for my health E. All of the above are equally important 5. To get the advice I need when looking to buy a bath, I want to hear about the bath's: A. Materials and durability B. Ease of installation and care C. Ergonomics and comfort D. Functionalities and quality of care E. All of the above are equally important 6. When buying a bath, the most important sources of information are: A. Installers and plumbers B. Designers and architects C. Specialized buyer's guides D. Manufacturer websites and demonstrated benefits that differentiate their product E. All of the above are equally important 7. When I go on a manufacturer's website, the first thing I look at is: A. Product sheets and specifications B. Photo gallery C. Technical expertise section D. Consumer section (FAQs) E. All of the above are equally important White paper 31 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 32 What kind of bathtub buyer are you? 8. Complete the statement: A bathroom is: A. A place for my daily hygiene routine B. One of my favorite rooms in the house C. A space that fits with who I am and where I feel good D. A private and intimate wellness sanctuary E. All of the above are equally important 9. The amount that I am willing to invest in my bathroom is justified by: A. The need to renovate the space and refresh the style B. A wish to make the space more beautiful and comfortable C. A desire to add to my home's resale value D. The decision to have a spa room at home E. All of the above are equally important 10. When I close my eyes and think of my bathroom, the first thing that comes to mind is: A. A clean and useful space that I use on a regular basis B. A beautiful space that I like and feel good in, with a strong design element C. A practical space that I can move around in with ease D. An intimate relaxation space where I take care of me E. All of the above are equally important © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 33 ANSWERS PRAGMATIC LOVER If you answered (A) more than any other letter, you're a practical kind of buyer. When purchasing a bathtub, you have practical considerations: What is my budget? How much space do I have? Which bathtub will be the easiest to install and clean? Needing to create or renovate a bathroom is a necessary chore, and you aren't swayed by beauty or complementary care features. You want to know that the bath is a good value and will serve its basic purpose. Your bathroom won't add value to your house or increase your sense of well-being, nor is it a place where you'll spend a lot of time. Basically, your bathroom is for personal hygiene. DESIGN LOVER If you answered mostly (B) and (C), you're a lover of good design. Your bathtub will need to meet a number of criteria: utility and use (your needs and how they are met), ergonomics and appreciation (comfort, feel of the materials, look, why you like the bathtub), and integration in the space (which shape and installation type will best create a beautiful, functional space). You want to live in a space you love, with objects that make you feel good, both when you look at them and when you use them. This means you need to go beyond the purely practical aspects of your tub if you don't want to be disappointed by your investment. Contrary to popular belief, design isn't just the "look" of the object. It's also the "feel" of every aspect: how it looks, how it feels to the touch, but also how well it meets both practical and esthetic considerations (utility, use, appreciation, and integration into the space). WELLNESS LOVER If you answered (D) more than any other letter, your focus when buying a bathtub is on the value it adds to your life and home. Your main concern isn't the utility of the object or your appreciation of it; you want a bathtub you can use on a daily basis to reap all the benefits of immersion and the various therapies and improve your overall health. You may even have already identified specific physical or emotional states that could be improved through hydro-thermo massage®, chromatherapy, thermotherapy®, and aromatherapy (back pain, muscle pain, poor circulation, insomnia, anxiety, etc.). To meet your needs, the focus of your purchase should be on adding all the therapy-delivering functionalities and technologies that will enhance the benefits of immersion. The profit or return on your investment isn't measured in dollars so much as in greater well-being. Of course, a fully decked-out bathtub is a more costly option at the outset, but it will pay for itself in under a year if you compare using your bathtub with the cost of daily care from external therapists. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 ANSWERS THE ULTIMATE LOVER Finally, if you answered (E) more than any other letter, you don't cut costs on any factor that could add value to your purchase. You want something practical, beautiful, and good. This means you'll spend a lot of time carefully reviewing all the options before buying a bathtub and will consider every factor mentioned above to ensure you get the full package. Your bathtub will add to your enjoyment of life and the value of your home. You want the ultimate in quality and won't settle for anything less; you believe health to be an indispensable luxury. Design is integral to your lifestyle, because bringing beauty to the world starts at home. White paper 34 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 TO LEARN MORE White paper 35 Pros and Cons Most-used Bathtub Materials While others use all kinds of materials, BainUltra only uses acrylic. For your consideration, here is a list of the most-used materials for bathtubs and their pros and cons. Enameled Cast Iron Advantages · Highly resistant to bangs and scratches · Colour stays bright (doesn't fade or yellow much with age) · Highly stable material, which means it's a very good insulator (holds in heat) Drawbacks · Cast-iron bathtubs are very heavy (300400 lbs) · Have to be installed on reinforced flooring · Fairly limited design options · Can't have integrated therapy systems, as these would visibly protrude from the bath Enameled Steel Advantages · Lighter than cast iron · Easy to move and install Drawbacks · Enameled steel is a poor insulator; loses heat rapidly compared to other materials · Not recommended for prolonged bathing · The enamel tends to chip off with age · Entry-level bath; no integrated therapy systems Rotomolded Polymers Advantages · Light bathtubs; possibility of integrating mood lighting (lights placed under the bathtub are reflected in the bath) · Heat resistant · Easy to move and install Drawbacks · So light they need to be fastened to the ground · Mediocre insulators, so not recommended for prolonged bathing · Air jets and other therapy systems can't be integrated (mood lighting isn't chromatherapy, because you can't calibrate the frequency and wavelengths of the light) © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Pros and Cons Most-used Bathtub Materials Concrete or Cast Polymer Advantages · Highly stable material; very good insulator · Available in matte or glossy finish · Material has a very nice look and feel · Tub keeps sound in (high density provides acoustic insulation) Drawbacks · These bathtubs are very heavy because they're cast as a single block (175250 lbs) · Can usually only be self-standing tubs because of the fabrication process · Because of the casting process, the tubs can't have hydro-thermomassage systems built into the bottom of the tub, which makes the bathtub less hygienic and the massages less effective · Stains easily · Glossy version is finished with a polyester resin (gel coat), which soon yellows/grows dull Reinforced Acrylic Advantages · Can be used to make light baths in a variety of shapes · Holds in the heat, making it perfect for long baths · Available in a matte or glossy finish · Material looks and feels great · Good for all types of designs, including welded free-standing, alcove, drop-in, and corner bathtubs. · Can be used to produce 100% acrylic welded tubs, which have a very long product life · Can integrate several therapy systems: hydro-thermomassage, heated back and head rests, chromatherapy, etc. · Non-porous surface is stain-resistant and doesn't harbour bacteria · Very easy to clean and repair Drawbacks · Scratches easily · Can be damaged by chemicals · Only partly recyclable · Rounded shapes only because of the molding process White paper 36 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Installation Types FREESTANDING The freestanding bath is a tub that takes pride of place in the center of the room. Like a work of art, it draws the eye and sets the tone. This type of installation is designed to be admired from all sides and requires a certain amount of bathroom space. Freestanding baths come in a wide variety of designs, with a host of symmetrical and asymmetrical models to fit beautifully into any space. New technological advances now make it possible to incorporate ThermoMasseur, chromatherapy, and heated back and headrests to freestanding baths. Our products · AMMA Oval 7242, Oval 7242 NB · BALNEO Cella 6036, Cella 6636, Cella 7240, Naos 6636, Naos 7240, Sanos 6636, 7240 · CHARISM 5736, 6434, 6436 · ESSENCIA 6838, 7236, Design · ESTHESIA 6436 · EVANESCENCE 5936, 6634, 6636 · NOKORI 5827, 6331, 6429, 6935, 7131 · ORA 6838 · ORIGAMI 6838D, 7242D White paper 37 Essencia Design Charism 5736 Nokori 6935 EVANESCENCE 5936 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Installation Types ALCOVE An alcove bath is a tub that is installed between three walls. The advantages of an alcove bath are that it has a small footprint and can be paired with a shower. Although compact, these baths can be fitted with a variety of therapeutic systems and accessories such as ThermoMasseur, AromaCloud, chromatherapy, and heated back and headrests. This type of bathtub comes in a variety of models: with or without inserts for a therapeutic system or faucet fixtures, and with or without integrated skirt for access to the mechanical components of the bath. Our products · AMMA 6030, 6032, 6036, 6636, 7236, 7242 · AZUR 50, 55, 60, 642 · CITTI 6032, Trio · ELEGANCIA 6032, 6636, 6642, 7236, 7242 · MERIDIAN Uno, Duo, Trio, 6030, 6032, 50, 6042, 55, 60 · Pro-MERIDIAN 55, 60 · ORIGAMI 6030, 6032, 6632, 6636, 7236, 7242 · THALASSA 50, 55, 60 White paper 38 Elegancia 7236 Meridian Duo Thalassa 50 CITTI 6032 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Installation Types UNDERMOUNT Undermount baths must be placed on a pedestal or frame with an opening designed for the bath. The frame can be covered in tile, precious wood, or a full range of other finishing materials. This highly practical and popular design allows users to change the finish of the undermount frame to create new looks. In smaller rooms, the pedestal is often placed against one or two walls to maximize space, while in bigger rooms, it can be placed front and center for maximum effect. This type of bath can often accommodate full faucet fixtures as well as the various controls for therapeutic systems. Our products · AMMA Oval 7242 · ESTHESIA 6638 · ELLIPSE 6036, 6636, 7240 · MERIDIAN 6030, 6032, 50, 6042, 55, 60 · Pro-MERIDIAN 55, 60 · ORA 7240 · ORIGAMI 6030, 6032, 6632, 6636, 7236, 7242, Oval 7242 White paper 39 Amma 7048 Esthesia Origami 7242 ESTHESIA 6638 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Installation Types DROP-IN Drop-in baths are installed inside a frame, which can be covered with a striking finishing material such as marble, granite, or precious wood. This island can be placed flush with one, two, or three walls or placed in the middle of the room as a centerpiece. The surface can also be used to accommodate full faucet fixtures and other accessories. A wide variety of therapies and accessories can be integrated into this type of installation-- ThermoMasseur, chromatherapy, heated back and headrests, and others. Our products · AMMA 6032, 6036, 6636, 6638, 7048, 7236, 7242, Oval 7242 · AYOURA 7236 · AZUR 50, 55, 60, 642 · ELEGANCIA 6032, 6636, 6642, 7236, 7242 · ESTHESIA 6638 · INUA 6036, 6636, 7240 · ELLIPSE 6036, 6636, 7240, 7842 · MERIDIAN 6030, 6032, 50, 6042, 55, 60 · Pro-MERIDIAN 55, 60 · ORA 7240 · ORIGAMI 6030, 6032, 6632, 6636, 7236, 7242, Oval 7242, 6838 D, 7242D · THALASSA 50, 55, 60 · THERMAL 50, 55, 60, Emotion 642, Plus, Oval Addition White paper 40 Amma 7242 Ora 7240 Origami MERIDIAN 55 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 Installation Types CORNER The corner bath is a triangular-shaped tub designed for corner spaces. These types of baths are roomier and, surprisingly, fit seamlessly into narrow spaces. The shape lends itself beautifully to massage, and the design easily accommodates a variety of accessories and therapies--ThermoMasseur system, chromatherapy, heated back and headrests, and more. Our products · AMMA 6060 · THALASSA Sensation · THERMAL CN2K, CR2K · TMU 5454, 6060 White paper 41 Amma 6060 Thermal CN2K TMU 5454 THALASSA SENSATION © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016 White paper 42 LEARN MORE ABOUT US Visit our Web Site bainultra.com Download our App Compatible with iPad & iPad Mini. Available in english. Follow us Contact us 956 chemin Olivier, Lévis, Québec G7A 2N1 Canada Tel.: 418 831-7701 Fax: 418 831-6623 1-800-463-2187 1-800-382-8587 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED // 2016Adobe PDF Library 15.0 Adobe InDesign CC 2017 (Macintosh)