INSTALLING A LUXURIOUS SPA TUB IN THE BATHROOM: STEPS TO TAKE TO REPLACE THAT OLDER STANDARD BATHTUB
Spa tubs are a fantastic invention. They are deeply relaxing – perfect for escaping the stress of daily life. The jets and ergonomic shapes are great for bodies in need of care, whether you’re suffering from arthritis, sports injuries, or just soreness from working all day. Installing a spa tub in your own bathroom is a serious undertaking, but it is within your reach!
Selecting A New Spa Tub
The first step in selecting your new bathtub is measuring the space you have to work with. Spa tubs are almost always bigger than the standard tub, so there will have to be at least some bathroom renovation. You may need or want to remove structural elements such as dividing walls. But you need to be aware of any load-bearing walls, and be sure of the amount of space you have to work with. You can’t choose a tub that’s bigger than the room it’s going into, after all. When you’re armed with your room measurements, also take a moment to measure the door into the room, as well as any other doors, hallways, or tight corners between the entrance to your home and the bathroom – you want to be sure that the tub will be able to get into the room!
Demolition
Removing an old tub can be quite a job. The tub itself may be heavy, and should have been securely sealed in place. There are also several plumbing pieces in place, around which you need to be careful. (Make sure the water to the room is turned off before beginning!)
Since the new tub is bigger than the old one, removing the tub is not enough. You will want to remove all the flooring (tiles, laminate, or whatever you have) from the space that will be occupied by the new tub. You may also have chosen to remove dividing walls or do other renovations. Special tools may be needed to scrape, pry, and remove the old materials.
Before installation, you will want to be sure that all the debris has been cleared away (contact your waste removal company to find out about disposal options) and the area is all clean.
Installing A New Tub
Installation is not a one-man job. The new tub is large and heavy and you will need help maneuvering it into place. You should also consider hiring a professional plumber for this job, to make sure that all the plumbing is properly connected and sealed. This will eliminate problems and ensure that you’ll be able to use your new spa tub right away, without fear of leaks.
When the tub has been hooked up, it needs to be sealed in place. A clear waterproof caulk is used for this for several reasons. It helps to keep the tub in place without wiggling or migrating. It also seals the joints between the tub and the floor and walls so that water cannot get in and cause damage where you can’t see it.
Reinstalling flooring and wall coverings will probably be the last task in this renovation. You may take this opportunity to replace these in the whole room, or choose to match the old choices.
With your new spa tub in place, all that’s left to do is lay back and enjoy the relaxing jets and bubbles. This project will generally take at least a weekend and is often too difficult to do yourself, but the results are always worth the work.