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Seabridge walk-in baths have a number of comfort and safety technical features that truly make Seabridge walk-in baths clearly different from other walk-in bath manufactures. The importance of providing quality built walk-in baths to our users is paramount to our company. Our ability to provide these specific features gives Seabridge the overwhelming advantage in the marketplace.
The construction of our walk-in baths, combined with the use of Seabridge’s exclusive fast fill taps and quick drain system (that are provided with all Seabridge walk-in bath models) enable the user to enjoy safety and comfort all in one beautifully produced product. Seabridge walk-in baths combine the best in manufacturing with the finest compliant accessories such as ADA compliant shower systems, bath taps, grab rails and ASME compliant thermostatic mixing valves. Seabridge walk-in bath systems are complete bathing systems and address the needs of individuals with unique and varying abilities.
Seabridge Quality Bath Manufacturing
Seabridge Walk-in Baths Gelcoat and Resin Advantages
Seabridges Exclusive Quick Drain System
Seabridge ADA Compliant Accessories
Seabridge Walk-in Baths Fast Filling Advantage
Seabridge Walk-in Baths Anti Scalding System and Understanding Legionnaires Disease
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Bath Manufacturing
All Seabridge brand walk-in baths, slide-in baths and walk-in bath tubs with power seats are made from gelcoat, reinforced with hand laid matt fiberglass backing. Seabridge brand walk-in baths are bonded using composite construction techniques to structural wood frames. They are not assembled after manufacture to metal frames as some other companies do. The practice of combining all materials of the bath together, in the manufacturing process, results in a bath that has greater structural integrity than would a bath whose components are assembled separately to each other.
Seabridge combines the best of wood technology with quality gelcoat and resin to achieve baths that have both excellent insulting abilities and are resistant to fatigue. A small amount of flex in our gelcoat is desirable as it will allow for building settling in new construction and also is superior for temperature fluctuations. The other advantages to Seabridge gelcoat walk-in baths is that they are more slip resistant and less expensive than acrylic. The more slip resistant feature of gelcoat combined with a textured floor in the bottom of all Seabridge baths provides the user peace of mind and less worry regarding falling.
See Prevent Falls!
Although acrylic is less porous than gelcoat the advantage of more slip resistance is certainly of greater importance to the user’s safety. Other advantages of gelcoat over acrylic are that it is warm to the touch, easy to touch up and repair and gelcoat is not prone to delamination. Gelcoat is durable yet extremely easy to clean and can last for generations. Seabridge walk-in baths and slide-in baths use only gelcoat and resins supplied by Scott Bader. Read more to see why.
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Scott Bader Crystic Brand Gelcoat and Resins
For over 50 years Scott Bader has pioneered unsaturated polyester resins and gelcoats for GRP composites under the "Crystic" brand name. Many demanding applications in marine, transport, building and chemical containment markets all over the globe have been successfully made with Crystic products. Scott Bader has established an unrivalled reputation worldwide for outstanding gelcoat products, technical excellence and innovation, setting industry standards for gelcoat quality and performance.
Crystic gelcoats have proven durability in many demanding applications and conditions around the world.
Crystic products are high quality, technical products, manufactured in Scott Bader plants around the world, supported by the best in technical expertise and R & D facilities.
Today "Crystic" is synonymous with:
"Outstanding quality”, "Proven Application Use”, "Innovation”, "Technical Excellence"
and
"Reliability you can trust"
.
Scott Bader has achieved many Crystic 'Firsts' in its 50 year history.
1954: Perpetua
' First' large (16.8M) GRP boat in the world. Built by Halmatic UK using a specially developed marine grade Crystic Resin.
1959: Ecuri Cooper Climax
'First' composite car body shell to exceed 100 mph powered by a 250cc engine. This car held 15 world records and was built using Crystic Resins.
1967: Hovercraft HM2
'First' passenger carrying Hovercraft. Designed for optimum structural weight incorporating a fully stressed 16M skin and in service until October 2000. Designed and built by Hovermarine using Crystic Resin.
1987: Minehunters
'First' GRP mine counter measures vessels to be built by the British Navy. The risk of operational damage however necessitated bolting of the major structural connections to resist delamination. The introduction of Crestomer as a structural fillet and adhesive on the Sandown class ships has not only proved successful under extreme loading conditions, but also shown the way for development of structural filleting as a highly efficient and cost effective construction technique utilized by many of today's production boat builders.
1988: Flippin'Eck
'First' composite boat that stretches rather than bends under load. The boat not only proved to be a world beater in class II but often out-performed the larger class I boats in extreme conditions; testament to the soundness of the design and the resilience of the Crestomer resins used in the construction.
1997: Thrust SSC
'First' ever supersonic World Land Speed Record of 763 mph was set by Andy Green on the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Crystic Resins were used in the construction of the engine Nacelles.
1999: Breitling Orbiter
3 'First' Balloon to circumnavigate the world. The advanced Kevlar and Carbon Gondola kept the pilots Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones safe and well for 21 days with external temperatures as low as –50°C and at altitudes in excess of 38,000ft, where air pressure is one quarter of that on the surface. The gondola was manufactured by W & J Tod using Crystic resins.
2000: Bluebird
'First' Electrically powered vehicle to exceed 128 mph. The UK land speed record was broken by the grandson of the legendary Sir Malcolm Campbell. Bluebird's bodywork is made entirely from Crystic Resins and Gelcoats.
2000: Laser Olympic Racing
an Olympic ‘First’. Ben Ainslie won a gold medal in a Laser racing dingy in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The 'Laser' class composite dinghies are manufactured by Performance Sailcraft UK, using Crystic Resins and Gelcoats.
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Seabridges Exclusive Quick Drain System
Seabridge walk-in baths, slide-in baths and walk-in baths with power seats all feature Seabridge’s quick drain system. The quick drain system features two drains in the bottom of the baths that enable the water in bath to empty more than twice as fast as a single drain bath. This feature enables the user to exit the bath extremely fast after soaking. Traditional baths and other walk-in bath manufacturers use only single drains to allow the bath water to empty.
During new construction and with existing installed baths 1-1/2” ABS or PVC pipe is used for the purpose of allowing the bath to drain. This is standard plumbing code and serves the purpose for traditional baths as the user exits the bath prior to it draining. With walk-in bathing products, this traditional single drain technology does not satisfy the requirement for the user as the user must wait for the bath to empty prior to opening the door and stepping out.
It is extremely important that the bath drains quickly for those frail or elderly individuals that may be susceptible to chill. When a single drain bath is draining the standard 1-1/2” pipe in which the water drains through only utilizes 1/3 of its capacity.
This amount is even less when a drain mechanism such as a lift and lock, pop up drain or cable drive system is used. These types of drain systems covers impede the water flowing directly into the drain. With these systems the drain cover sits above the drain and the water must flow over the top of the drain cover and then pass under it to enter the drain pipe. The space for the water to pass between the bath and the drain cover is usually between 1/4 to 2/3 of an inch and is not enough to effectively drain the bath quickly.
Only plug and chain drain systems will allow for complete removal of the drain cover from the drain and allow the head pressure of the water to push the water through the open drain into the drain pipe. When Seabridge combines two of these drains into the bottom of its baths the 1-1/2” drain pipe being used is full to capacity, thus draining the bath more than twice as fast as a single drain walk-in bath. At Seabridge we have removed other manufacturer’s walk-in baths and replaced them with a Seabridge dual draining walk-in bath because the user was unhappy with the amount of time the bath took to drain before they could get out.
The safety issue associated with single drain walk-in baths can be a very significant problem. If at any point a single drain walk-in bath mechanism were to fail, the potential for the user being trapped in the bath is possible. Seabridge walk-in bath drains operate independently of each other so that if any malfunction were to occur the secondary drain will always drain the bath and allow the individual to exit the bath.
Enjoy dual draining only available on all Seabridge brand walk-in baths!
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Seabridge ADA Compliant and CSA Barrier Free Accessories - What is ADA and CSA Barrier Free?
All Seabridge walk-in baths include ADA compliant accessories as standard and as optional components. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Barrier Free are both organizations that set guidelines for the operation and installation of products designed for those with mobility issues.
It is important that accessory components such as shower valves, bath taps, grab rails and other products conform to the requirements set out by these organizations. When designing for specific individuals, their particular abilities and preferences should be taken into account. For example, some people prefer to transfer to or from a wheelchair towards their preferred side when using toilet facilities. If a facility is used primarily to serve children, dimensions and other provisions should be adjusted to make them suitable for children. These standards describes technical requirements that can be used in the design and construction of new facilities or modifications to existing facilities.
Seabridge locates and provides products that meet the requirements of ADA and CSA and carry the  mark for accessibility. An example of the requirement for such items such as grab rails is as follows
4.26.2* Size and Spacing of Grab Bars and Handrails.
The diameter or width of the gripping surfaces of a handrail or grab bar shall be 1-1/4 in to 1-1/2 in (32 mm to 38 mm), or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. If handrails or grab bars are mounted adjacent to a wall, the space between the wall and the grab bar shall be 1-1/2 in (38 mm) (see Fig. 39(a), (b), (c), and (e)). Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 in (75 mm) deep and extends at least 18 in (455 mm) above the top of the rail (see Fig. 39(d)).
4.26.3 Structural Strength.
The structural strength of grab bars, tub and shower seats, fasteners, and mounting devices shall meet the following specification:
(1) Bending stress in a grab bar or seat induced by the maximum bending moment from the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable stress for the material of the grab bar or seat.
(2) Shear stress induced in a grab bar or seat by the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable shear stress for the material of the grab bar or seat. If the connection between the grab bar or seat and its mounting bracket or other support is considered to be fully restrained, then direct and torsional shear stresses shall be totaled for the combined shear stress, which shall not exceed the allowable shear stress.
(3) Shear force induced in a fastener or mounting device from the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable lateral load of either the fastener or mounting device or the supporting structure, whichever is the smaller allowable load.
(4) Tensile force induced in a fastener by a direct tension force of 250 lbf (1112N) plus the maximum moment from the application of 250 lbf (1112N) shall be less than the allowable withdrawal load between the fastener and the supporting structure. Grab bars shall not rotate within their fittings.
4.20.7 Bathtub Enclosures.
If provided, enclosures for bathtubs shall not obstruct controls or transfer from wheelchairs onto bathtub seats or into tubs. Enclosures on bathtubs shall not have tracks mounted on their rims.
4.27.4 Operation.
Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N).
Seabridge Walk-in Baths Fast Filling Taps Advantage
All Seabridge walk-in baths come with Seabridge’s certified bath filler taps. Our bath taps are available only on Seabridge brand walk-in baths, slide-in bath and walk-in baths with power seats and are an exclusive Seabridge product. As important as it is for Seabridge walk-in baths to drain quickly, it is equally important that our baths fill extremely fast.
The Seabridge fast filling taps have a full 3/4” inlet to provide fill times of the bath that exceed any other products available on the market. If you are looking at other walk-in bath manufacturers, be sure they are providing full ¾” inlets on there taps. If they are using traditional “roman tub filler” taps that are typically used on traditional style baths or shower valves with a bath spout diverter spout, you will find that these fillers will not adequately fill your bath in a sufficient time.
This error in choice will result in you sitting and waiting for your bath to fill and makes the bathing experience certainly less enjoyable. These types of bath fillers will also not meet the guidelines set out by ADA and CSA Barrier Free for ease of operation as noted above. Seabridge fast filling taps meet the requirements of these organizations and operate with less than 5lbs pressure. They also house ceramic disc cartridges for ease of operation. Our bath filler taps offer both safety and comfort features that cannot be attained by traditional bath taps and fillers.
ADA Guideline for Operation 4.27.4.
Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N).
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The Seabridge Anti Scald System and Understanding Legionnaires Disease
It is imperative that the temperature of the hot water entering your Seabridge walk-in bath is controlled to protect you against scalding. This aspect of bathing as well as the concerns surrounding Legionella disease are both extremely important issues . The issue surrounding bath water temperatures, especially for those that may be cognitively impaired, is extremely important.
Seabridge addresses this issue by installing a thermostatic mixing valve prior to the point where the hot water leaves the bath taps. The water temperature is preset for the comfort of the user and the valve is located where it cannot be accidentally bumped or adjusted by the user. See the following study on Burns Sustained by Hot Bath and Shower Water.
Burns Sustained by Hot Bath and Shower Water
(A study) Sonja Cerovac and Anthony H.N. Roberts
Accepted 24 August 1999.
Abstract
An 8-year retrospective review of patients admitted to Stoke Mandeville Hospital ( Aylesbury, UK) because of burns sustained by hot bath and shower water was undertaken. Fifty-seven patients of all ages were identified and stratified into pediatric (<16 years) and adult groups. Nine patients died. The main characteristics of the burns, causes and outcomes of treatment were analyzed for each group. Children were predominantly under three years of age (83%), sustaining most frequently only superficial burns (41%) with areas of less than 10 % total body surface area (72%). Parents" supervision was inadequate in 85% of cases. Eighty-three percent of the adults were over the age of 60. Two thirds had some form of psycho-motor disorder that predisposed to an accident which should have been anticipated. In comparison to children, adults suffered more extensive and deeper burns that resulted in a mortality of 44% (8/18). In both groups, the lower parts of the body were most frequently involved. The observed decline in the number of admissions for the period of investigation is encouraging. It supports an ultimate need for further development and actual implementation of preventative measures for hot water burns in the homes of people who are at greatest risk.
For more information on Thermostatic Mixing new plumbing code requirements please see Plumbing Code Update
Read about Water Temperature Control And Limitation
Read about Senior Safety from the American Burn Association
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What is Legionnaires Disease
- Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia. It was named after an outbreak of severe pneumonia which affected a meeting of the American Legion in 1976. It is an uncommon but serious disease.
- The illness occurs more frequently in men than women. It usually affects middle-aged or elderly people and it more commonly affects smokers or people with other chest problems. Legionnaires' disease is uncommon in younger people and is very uncommon under the age of 20.
- The germ which causes legionnaires' disease is a bacterium called Legionella pneumophila. People catch legionnaires' disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air which contain the Legionella bacterium.
- Outbreaks occur from purpose-built water systems where temperatures are warm enough to encourage growth of the bacteria, eg in cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas (tradename Jaccuzi) and from water used for domestic purposes in buildings such as hotels.
Seabridge provides an anti-scald mixing valve at the discharge point of the walk-in bath as this allows water temperatures to remain high enough to discourage the growth of Legionella Bacterium while providing safety against scalding to the user. Seabridge uses only bacteria free air systems in its baths to prevent the stagnant water conditions found in re-circulated water systems. See Seabridge Warm air Massage Therapy. See why re-circulated water systems can be a problem.
Other great articles for review regarding anti-scald and legionnaires can be viewed here:
Safe Bathing Temperatures,
CDC and Health-Care Infection Control
Water Safety for the Elderly
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