I’m getting nearer to putting in my new Hydrosystems spa/tub. 3 Wall install on slab.
The instructions say to set it into a bed of slow setting mortar and to leave it to set overnight. Making a supply sweep through HD last night, I seemed to find bags of mortar that were in competition to set the fastest! It looks like I can get only and hour of setting time out of those bags. They also offered retarders in packets – 4 packets to a bag max could add up to 2 more hours to the setting time.
Is this what I should use, or am I on the wrong track here?
I recall someone mentioned a gypsum product from USG that was ment for setting tubs and toilets, but I couldn’t find it myself on their site.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Oh, good Lord, no. But I can give him two dollars and an assault rifle.
Replies
Is the intended use of the mortar to make a "bed" under the FG spa / tub?
If yes, just use any of the Quick Crete, or similar, bag mix, mortars.
I usually make a little dam, out of scrap or furring, around the perimeter of the desired "pad", dump in the mortar, cover with poly and set the tub.
The poly serves as a release barrier - makes it easy to remove the tub in xx years. Poly does not have to be fancy - even an old dry cleaning bag will work.
Why do I always look out for the next guy?? -- oh yeah, it might be me!
Mortar underneath of a FG tub makes a world of difference - nice and solid!
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
OK, so it appears that setting in "an hour" vs. overnight isn't a dealbreaker on these. Of couse it is important to bed it down enough to be resting on its lip support while the cure happens.
I was thinking about that plastic release too... usually because I too am the next guy... over and over again as I go back to correct a mistake or remember something that needed to happen BEFORE I set that dang thing in there :)Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Oh, good Lord, no. But I can give him two dollars and an assault rifle.
Paul,
Check with the spa/tub manufacturer as to what they consider "slow setting".
The reason they want slow setting is because of the heat generated during curing, faster setting mixes may in-fact generate enough heat to possibly damage the fiberglass.
I would do the plastic as a release as well, but I usually use 6-mil poly on the subfloor, then pour the mix on that, then use a real thin plastic like painters drop cloths (1 mil ) on the top of the mix, it makes it easier for the mix to "flow" into the contour of the underside of the tub/spa without leaving any air pockets or voids, such as you might get with a heavier gauge plastic.
I've also had success with using plaster mixes instead of mortar.
Geoff
You want to use Structolite.
Perlited gypsum mortar
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Eric is right. Structolite is the thing. Very strong and very light and has body to work with. It's what I've always used and seen used.
Just about any mortar will work great just don't mix it too thin.
This is a perfect place to use up partial bags of thinset, bag concrete, mortar, floor leveler, cement and sand. Mix em all up in just about any combination and you'll never have a problem since the compressive strength needed is so darn low.
If you want a release just spray the underside with a little pam or rub paste wax on it, but no reason plastic won't work just as well.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.