Section 4 of the Denver Bathtubs Whirlpool Tub, Combination Tub, Air Tub Owner’s Manual
Whirlpool Tub, Combination Tub, Air Tub INTEGRALLY SKIRTED AND/OR FLANGED WHIRLPOOLS Installation Procedures:
IMPORTANT!!! Before installation begins, make sure that: framed in alcove is of proper size, square and plumb; wall and floors meet fire safety requirements of local building code and/or FHA/HUD minimum property standards.
1. To avoid obstruction during installation, make sure water lines, spout pipes and valve plumbing do not project into alcove.
2.Ledger Strip: Fasten a 1” x 3” (25mm x 75mm) ledger strip along rear and both sides of alcove .
3. Mix a 3-gallon bucket of non-shrinking mortar or plaster into a paste. Place three or four mounds of plaster away from drain hole in a line or square, approximately twice as high as the cavity under the tub bottom. Place a layer of plastic on top of the mounds. Before moving unit into alcove see and follow enclosed Electrical Connection Procedures (electrical and air tube hook ups will be difficult to perform if unit is installed first).
4. Place tub into alcove with front skirt firmly on floor and depress plaster mounds. Make certain that back ledge of tub rests firmly on ledger strip
5. Pre drill flange then using 1 1/2" (40mm) galvanized roof nails or washer head screws: (a) spot fasten the two bottom corners and the two top corners of the vertical side nailing flanges. (b) fasten at each stud through the top sides flanges and back flange, working from both ends toward back center (c) complete fastening vertical side flanges. Pre drill holes through flange 1/8” larger than diameter of screw.
6. When other than scratch coat is used, furring strips as thick as nailing flanges are recommended for installation on studs above the installed tub to assure drywall will be flush.
7. Removable skirt panel for integrally skirted models: These models are sometimes offered with removable access panels. They provide a flush to wall installation (sheet rock overlaps skirt while still providing access). The skirt features a decorative removable panel enabling easy access to motor, pump and electrical hook ups. Pre mounted interlocking nylon fasteners (Velcro) or screws with caps enable simple and quick removal of skirt
access panel. A small bead of color matched or clear silicone is required around the perimeter of the access panel to finish the installation. IMPORTANT: Before installation of the access panel, fill the unit, test the whirlpool system for proper operation and check for leaks, then drain. Protect interior of tub throughout installation procedures. Framing and supports will vary according to the Model selected. Follow dimensions for your specific unit.
Plumbing connection – (spout, handles, valves, etc.) should be made after unit is installed. When mounting fittings on unit, drill holes from finished surface, using appropriate sized hole saw with fine tooth or abrasive grit cutting edge.