Instructions
Things You’ll Need:

* Prefabricated walk-in tub Crowbar, wrench and other tools Lubricant Caulk or other sealant Greenboard or other waterproof wallboard Paint Waterproof underlayment (optional) PVC piping (optional)

*      Step 1:
Turn off both water and power supplies leading to the bathroom. Gut the existing shower stall alcove by removing every part of the unit, including prefabricated shower liner, metal doorframe units, glass doors, floor pan and fixtures. Disassemble pipes connecting the shower to the plumbing using a wrench. Ancient metal fittings might require a lubricating agent to loosen them for removal.
*      Step 2:
Replace wallboard surrounding the tub with waterproof drywall/green board if wear, tear, mold, mildew or other microorganisms have undermined the structural integrity of the shower alcove. Apply a waterproof underlayment to the floor to safeguard it from floods and run over (Required only if the tub is installed in an upper floor of the home).
*      Step 3:
Run electricity from the nearest power source to the tub installation area if you plan to install a tub with a whirlpool or hydrotherapy system.
*      Step 4:
Finish the wall by painting or tiling the exposed surfaces if the tub style you chose is a stand-alone. If your walk-in tub is to be attached to the wall on one or two sides, no aesthetic touches need be applied to those sections of the wall. Plan to add a shower element to the tub? That portion of the wall won't require finishing either.
*      Step 5:
Before sliding the new tub into the space and attaching it to the wall(s) and/or floor, check all pipes in the plumbing system to determine their condition. If hard water sediment has caused deterioration, replace them with efficient PVC piping.
*      Step 6:
Slide the walk-in tub into place. Follow unique installation instructions that come with the tub. It's important to line up drain holes and plumbing outlets. If you have alignment or plumbing problems that are beyond your experience, engage a plumbing contractor to help with or complete the installation.
*      Step 7:
Make necessary adjustments to seat the tub and install the fixtures. Before you caulk exposed areas, make certain there are no water leaks by turning the water back on at its source and running it long enough to get a good read on the water pressure. Check out the whirlpool motor.
*      Step 8:
Complete aesthetic touches to professionally finish and decorate the surrounding walls. Hang a curtain if your unit includes a shower topper.

Tips & Warnings

* Innovative walk-in tubs not only solve problems associated with mobility problems, but they offer other perks. Many occupy only around three square feet, are made with secure seating and slip-proof flooring. Because the interior space of a typical walk-in tub is high and confined, you'll use equal or less water at twice the soaking depth than a conventional tub. Hydrotherapy jets close to the body deliver intense massage benefits and faucets are easy to reach and control.
* Questions to ask yourself and others before you purchase your prefabricated walk-in tub:1. Will a square or round unit better suit my space?2. Does a right- or left-facing door make for more efficient entry?3. Is it worth the extra money and labor required to add a hydrotherapy unit to the tub?4. Do I want a shower in addition to the tub?5. Can I afford bells and whistles like gold or chrome fittings?6. Does my homeowner's insurance cover water damage from possible walk-in tub door leaks?7. Will my health insurer cover the cost of this tub if I can't afford one?8. Does my walk-in tub meet ADA, ETL, UL, IAMPO or other certification standards?

Gail Cohen