Why doesn't the new White match my old White?
If your new spare part looks different from your existing fittings, it is due to a combination of aging and production changes:
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Chemical Aging: Years of exposure to hot water, sanitizers (chlorine/bromine), and body oils causes plastic to discolour, yellow, fade, or bleach out. Even plain old "time" changes the shade of white.
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UV Exposure: Even indoor spas are subject to UV degradation and oxidation, which permanently shifts the colour tone of the original plastic.
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Formula Updates: Manufacturers frequently update their plastic "recipes." Changes in raw materials, bleaching agents, or stabilisers mean that the "Factory White" of today may be very different from the "Factory White" of the last batch.
- Most commonly, whites tend to transition to yellowy colours with time and age.
Common White Colour Variations
Not all whites are the same. Bathroom, spa bath and pool fittings are manufactured in a variety of white shades, often with subtle differences in their underlying colour. These differences can become particularly noticeable when replacing older fittings.
- Stark White: A bright, crisp white with a subtle grey undertone. A cooler-looking white.
- Pure White: A clean, neutral white without obvious yellow or grey undertones.
- Arctic White: A very bright, cool white, sometimes with a slight blue undertone.
- Alpine White: A neutral to slightly warm white commonly associated with bathroom sanitaryware.
- Classic White: A softer white with a slight yellow or beige undertone.
- Pearl White: A softer, slightly muted white, sometimes with a creamy appearance.
- Antique White: A warmer, aged-looking white with noticeable cream or yellow undertones.
- Ivory / Bone: A creamy off-white through to pale beige, often found in older bathroom fittings.
- Biscuit / Almond: A warm cream or beige shade, noticeably darker than conventional white.
Important Colour Matching Information:
Colour names are not standardised between manufacturers, and the same named shade may vary between brands and production batches. Existing fittings may also have changed colour due to age, UV exposure, chemicals or general use. Product photographs and screen settings can further affect how colours appear.
These descriptions are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon for an exact colour match.
