When combined with the use of environmentally friendly adhesives, acrylic bathtub liners offer the lowest toxicity option.  In addition, acrylic bathtub liners are the only recyclable method for renovating an existing bathtub.

Installation is a critical aspect with any acrylic bathtub liner. Some manufacturers, such as American Bath Remodeling, have developed their own proprietary and patented installation process to ensure a complete, watertight fit. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company has been serving the hotel industry for almost 40 years and has remodeled more than a million bathrooms over that span.

According to Rutherford, he first used American Bath Remodeling to install acrylic bath liners in half of his 560 hotel rooms in 1993. He now orders replacements as the need arises.

Because the acrylic bathtub liner comes pre-fitted, installation takes less than two hours. With no drying time required, the bathtub can be used almost immediately after installation.

Of all the options, relining a bathtub is the least disruptive and does not affect overnight room availability.

Wall surrounds are another remodeling option when walls above bathtubs need replacing.  Manufactured from non-porous and stain resistant DuraBath SSP, wall surrounds are available in many color and pattern options.

Installed over existing walls, including tile, this is an excellent option for swift installation with little down time or guest interruption. Wall surrounds also offer a green alternative to replacing old tiles with new, which only adds to landfill.

Ultimately, whether used as bathtub liner or wall surround, the durability of acrylic makes it an excellent choice given the average lifespan is 20 years—much longer than a refinished bathtub or even a regular enamel-lined bathtub.

Industry-Specific Providers

In the hotel industry, remodeling bathrooms is not as simple as hiring a general contractor that subcontracts the work to a local crew. While providers of this kind abound, there are many industry-specific and environmental considerations that are best served by those that already have extensive experience working with other hotel chains and using eco-friendly products.

The work must leave a lasting impression while, at the same time, be completed within budget and as quickly as possible to return rooms to service.

In addition, there are economies of scale. Because renovation is typically completed in blocks of rooms, installers that regularly service the hospitality industry can often provide better pricing on items—for example acrylic bathtub liners—than those that primarily serve the residential home market.

“There are local companies that I can call right now where an acrylic bathtub liner may cost me $1000,” Rutherford says. “But I can get one shipped from one of the more established companies for half that price.”

There are other potential benefits as well. Hotel-specific providers are often already certified to work with existing chains and tend to keep specifications of commonly installed items on file.

“There are quite a few reasons to go with a company that already knows the industry, understands our concerns and can complete the work quickly and quietly,” says Rutherford.