Do Acrylic Bathtubs Need Insulation and How to Do It?

If your bathtub’s heat retention is unsatisfactory, you may need to take steps to improve its insulation.

Before starting the project, the most important step is to check the accessibility of your bathtub. Alcove bathtubs are often more suitable because the airspace around them can be easily accessed by removing the surrounding walls. If the bathtub is completely enclosed by walls, it might be challenging to access the interior, and you may need to reconsider.

Once you confirm the project is feasible, gather the necessary materials. These include tools for removing and rebuilding the walls around the bathtub, safety gear like gloves, masks, and goggles, a utility knife for cutting insulation materials, and optional bubble wrap to fill small gaps. Fiberglass insulation rolls (faced or unfaced, depending on availability) and a sturdy long pole (such as a broomstick or vacuum cleaner pole) are also essential. The pole will help position the insulation material.

The first step is to remove the wall panels or walls surrounding the bathtub. You only need to create enough space to access the area, not remove everything. For bathtubs without interior or exterior walls, consider lifting the bathtub and adding insulation underneath and around the exterior walls. However, this is only recommended for those who are physically strong and capable.

Once everything is prepared, use insulation materials like bubble wrap to fill gaps and retain heat. For hard-to-reach areas, use the long pole to push the insulation into place. Note that insulation doesn’t need to be packed too tightly; leaving some air gaps can help retain heat.

After filling the insulation, simply seal the wall openings with materials like cardboard, plywood, or white tape.