FAQs

• Q Why specify cast polymer products?
• Q What is cast polymer?
• Q How do I care for cast polymer?
• Q How do I clean my whirlpool tub?
• Q Can I use bubble bath or oils with my whirlpool tub?
• Q Can I use plumber's putty?
• Q Will anything stain a gel-coated cast polymer product?
• Q What is the difference in whirlpool tubs?

Why specify cast polymer products?
A Cast polymer will meet or exceed your criteria of excellence in design and use. It offers a durability that meets or surpasses most other comparable products. Cast polymer is affordable, usually priced above plastic laminate yet below solid surface, ceramic tile, quarry stone, and cast iron. Flexibility is available because it is the only product that can be made using one process with one manufacturer using the same raw materials and the same colors. It is the only product that lets you choose your desired color hue. It is easily repaired. Most nicks, scuffs and chips can generally be repaired. A repair kit is available for the do-it-yourself person. (For best results, repair should be done by a professional.)
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What is cast polymer?
A Cast polymer is made by chemically binding fillers with a resin and then molded to provide shapes that meet today's design needs. The manufacturing process and physical properties of the finished product permit uses impossible to duplicate with ceramic tile, quarry stone, plastic laminates, fiberglass, acrylic, or cast iron products. Cast polymer encompasses the following:
1. ONYX: A semi-translucent material that allows light to pass through, allowing multiple depths of veins and color variants of, creating a unique product.
2. GRANITE: A material made up of various spec colors and sizes with background hues that complement each other to create a pleasing look.
3. SOLID COLOR: A material that utilizes a solid color in lieu of a veined or marbled appearance.
4. SOLID SURFACE: A solid color or granite material comprised of filler and resin that is poured without air entrapment. This process allows for the utilization of woodworking tools to add some design capabilities not available through the casting process .
5. VEINED MARBLE: A pigmented material which is not translucent and is generally veined with contrasting color (or colors). The colored vein or marble pattern runs through the material, but cannot be seen below the surface.
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How do I care for cast polymer?
A This product is easily cleaned with soap and water or a foamy tub and tile cleanser. Do not scrape or use abrasive products or drain cleaners. Light scratches and dull areas can be removed by polishing with an automobile rubbing compound. If it should become stained (i.e., cigarette) the stain can normally be removed by using #400 grit sandpaper (wet) then following with #600 grit (wet) and finally polishing with a good automobile compound. However, caution must be used as to not sand through the gel coat. A good furniture wax or Gel Gloss Polish will give your top a more lustrous appearance. Other damage and repair procedures should be discussed with the factory. Repair kits are available for the do-it-yourself person.
To prevent thermo shocking (cracking) of the material, temper the hot and cold water. The cavity of the cabinet or tub must be maintained at normal room temperature (e.g. 70 degrees F). Water temperature should not exceed 120 degrees F. This is suggested for two reasons: 1) It prevents burns to adults and children 2) It prevents thermo shocking.
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How do I clean my whirlpool tub?
A Cleaning your whirlpool system from Custom Marble Products can be accomplished using following steps:
1. Fill tub with warm water. Add 2-4 tablespoons of automatic dishwasher detergent (2 tbsps for small tub and 4 tbsps for large tub). After tub is filled, add ¼ to ½ cup of household bleach (¼ cup for small tub and ½ cup for large tub). Take care not to get bleach on tub deck or side walls.
2. Run system for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain tub.
4. Refill tub with warm water.
5. Run system for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Drain tub.
7. Absorb excess water with absorbent towels.
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Can I use bubble bath or oils with my whirlpool tub?
A Yes, you can, with a Custom Marble Products whirlpool tub. However, be very careful if you put bubble bath into a tub and run the whirlpool for an extended period of time as this will generate excess bubbles and could cause an overflow. (We are aware of customers who used bubble bath and ran the whirlpool tub for a long time---the room filled with bubbles and they had to open a window to shovel the bubbles out.) Mineral baths and oils will not damage the system or the pump and do not void our warranty. For other manufacturers, read their product literature.
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Can I use plumber's putty?
A Yes. Plumber's putty is used to seal the drain of the tub, shower base, or vanity bowl. Plumber's putty will stain quarried stone but it has no effect on cast polymer.
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Will anything stain a gel-coated cast polymer product?
A Generally, gel-coated cast polymer products will not stain provided the spill is immediately wiped up and the surface is then rinsed with water. These products are tested with the ANSI standard using items commonly found in bathrooms such as ink, shoe polish, hair dyes, iodine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, lipstick, crayons, etc. Acetone (nail polish remover) can dull the surface if not wiped up. If this should occur, it can be repaired. Nail polish or paint splatters should be wiped up before they dry. Do not scrape off dried spills.
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What is the difference between whirlpool tubs?
A Whirlpool tubs generally come in the following types of material: Cast iron, fiberglass, acrylic, and cast polymer.
Material Movement: Flexibility is noted in fiberglass and acrylic tubs. This is due to the lack of thickness and structure that cause the bottom to move and sidewalls to expand. Cast iron and cast polymer do not have this characteristic.
Weight: Cast iron is the heaviest tub, followed by cast polymer, fiberglass, and acrylic (the lightest).
Styles and Sizes: All have many styles and sizes to choose from.
Color Choice / Compatibility: All tubs are produced in a solid color. However, cast polymer can also be produced in a marbleized material, onyx material, or granite material. Cast polymer also allows for the deck color to be different from the vessel color, or the ability to mix granite with a solid color. All tubs can be made in colors that match the major name plumbing fixtures and match other fixtures like showers, vanity tops, tub decks, etc.
Access Panel / Service Panel: Most tubs come with one or two options for placement of the whirlpool pump and controls access. In cast polymer, Custom Marble Products can place the pump in locations not found in conventional locations. Most of the time, this will allow the service panel to be located in a less obtrusive location, thereby enhancing the elegance of the bathroom design.
Options: Options include the choice of jet colors (chrome or polished brass), in-line heaters, various jet sizes, choice of electric or air-controlled on-off switches. Custom Marble Products offers the following features: Pump that can run without water; Careflow suction cove (stops the pump if anything is suspended on the cover, a variflow control that allows the pump to operate under various pressures, ability to run the tub as a spa, with both air-only jets and the traditional whirlpool jets.
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