Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 19, 2004 08:17am | #1

   If three sides are supported, and the front skirt is removeavble thus there's no support in the front, I'm surprised the installation instruction didn't require a 2x4 support wall behind the skirt.

    

   I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

2. 
   IMERC | Dec 19, 2004 10:02am | #2

   BUILD A SUPPORT...

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

3. 
   level1 | Dec 19, 2004 10:03am | #3

   Is it possible to support the bottom of the tub thus alleviating any pressure on the unsupported side?

4. 
   DanT | Dec 19, 2004 01:56pm | #4

   Was any medium used under the tub for support.  Typically they tub gets a bag of mortar, plaster of paris etc. mixed to a damp mixture and put under the bottom of the tub to help support the bottom.  A lot of weight when you consider water and people combined.  As Imerc said, build a support.  DanT

1. 
   dredfbird | Dec 20, 2004 08:51am | #5

   The tub has a factory installed frame base that is fiberglassed to the bottom. This base has a total of six 3" round 'feet' that rest on the floor. After the tub was placed onto the ledger in the alcove I had to shim each of these feet with one layer of 7/16" OSB. The OSB is glued to the subfloor and the feet are glued to the OSB, so support under the tub is firm to the floor and in accordance with the installation instructions. The flex only occurs when I sit or lean on the front edge of the tub. And with the plumbing for the jets and all there isn't room for a full 2x to rest on the underside of this front edge.

   The consensus appears to be that I should build a support and so I will try either some 1x stock or a 2x and shape it to fit into the available space at the top. Thanks to all who responded for your advice.

1. 
   DanT | Dec 20, 2004 01:23pm | #6

   Just for future reference though molded feet, manufactured recomondation or whatever put a bag of mortar under the tub.  You will be glad you did.  DanT

1. 
   EricPaulson | Dec 20, 2004 07:29pm | #7

   structoliteI Love A Hand That Meets My Own,

   With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.

2. 
   FastEddie1 | Dec 21, 2004 07:40am | #9

   Can you build a decorative-structural apron that extends out from the tub an inch or so?  Makes a sort of shelf in front of the tub.  Done well, it looks fine.

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

5. 
   bigfootnampa | Dec 20, 2004 07:59pm | #8

   firebird and DanT are correct in advising that you set the tub in a solid bed.  Most plumbers will use Gypsolite or Structolite for this purpose mixed quite dry and then placed beneath the tub center.  Then you get in the tub and squeeze down the plaster until the tub sets properly on the shims that were installed beneath the legs.  After that additional plaster is troweled in to give support to as much of the bottom as possible (too much plaster before setting the tub in place can make it too hard to get the tub to settle into place).  Even now I would add some support for the tub bottom if you can reach it through your access panels.   Setting such tubs is normally about a three man project.  You need enough hands to move the thing quickly and get the plaster mixed placed and cleaned up at about the same time.  Do attempt to get some support for that lip with some vertical posts, even 3/4 x 3/4 lumber can have significant strength when installed vertically in short lengths (make them oak or something stout if you can't get hefty pieces to fit).  Glue them into place with silicone caulk top and bottom.