Reinforced bath panels

[blearyeyedboy]

Dear Wise DIY Men and Women of PH,

I'm planning a bathroom refit. I like the idea of a reinforced acrylic bath because I'm a fat lump powerfully built type.
I'm not keen on a steel bath because I'm a wimpy snowflake not keen on getting into a chilly bathtub in winter.

However, the catalogue I'm looking at also mentions reinforced side/end panels.

Is there any point in reinforced bath panels? At first glance it seems like a load of cobblers, but I wonder if there's something that I'm not getting about the whole issue.

Thanks,

Blearyeyedboy

[blearyeyedboy]

gizlaroc said:

Just do realise that it will only be chilly if you fill it with chilly water?

With no disrespect meant, I think you've missed the point of an acrylic bath.

Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.

I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.

[blearyeyedboy]

Hmm. Fair points on steel, people. Hadn't thought of foam underneath.

I'll have a rethink, thanks.

As for the side panels, sounds like reinforced ones are a load of tosh as I suspected. Thanks.