I have a corner jacuzzi tub produced by swirlaway, with a capacity of 100 gals. The tub weight is said to be 202 lbs., although it doesnt seem that heavy to move around. I figure that with 100 gals. of water and no occupants, the tub weighs 1036lbs.
The manufacturer suggests setting the tub in a bed of plaster to deaden the noise. I had done this during initial installation. During use, with the tub being on the second floor, the noise on the first floor was quite loud.
I am presently relocating the tub and would like to place the tub on 3/4 in. foam insulation board to help deaden the noise. The base of the tub has an area of 22 sq. ft. It seems as though the foam board would be dense enough to support the weight being distributed over this area. I estimate about 46lbs. per sq. ft. My question is, has any one ever attempted this or have any suggestions to this dillema?
Replies
My plumber usually sets such tubs in a bed of drywall mud or mortar, but the plumber who set my tub several years ago used the two part expanding foam.
The expanding foam method works well because, like a bed of plaster or morter, you get support that conforms to the bottom of the tub.
But the two part foam that comes in the cans is a little tricky for a first-timer. I would think something like "Great-Stuff" would do IF you can access all the way around....and I'd probably partially fill the tub so the foam doesn't lift it out of the desired position.
Is it the tub making noise or the pumps
maybe just isolating the pumps would be easier and cheeper
just a thought
I'm with Notchman, bed of expanding foam but definitely don't forget to put some water in the tub to hold it down. As for the noise, I think that the pump motor is the source, as most spa-type tubs use flexible pipe between the pump & the tub so the noise/vibration would come from the pump not the tub. I think the rigid foam would compress over time and eventually cause you a "heartache".
BILL
what we did was set the tub, shim it couple inches off floor and then pour very wet cement/grout under tub, letting it natural flow around and under the tub. But we was also on a slab.