DIY Network

Installing a Spa Tub Contractor Amy Wynn Pastor helps homeowners swap out their bathtub for a new whirlpool. From "Make a Move" episode DMAM-111

A young family moves up to a whirlpool spa.

Diedre and Peter recently moved from Texas to the Northeast for Peter's job, and they're eager to get their new home in shape. The previous owners had already updated the large master bath, but Diedre misses the whirlpool bath they had at their last home. Contractor Amy Wynn Pastor helps them make the switch.

For this project, Amy and the homeowners had professionals cut the granite tub surround and handle plumbing and electrical tasks. Don't hesitate to call in a pro when needed to complete a project safely and correctly.

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Materials:

whirlpool tub drain, overflow and fittings faucet, handles safety glasses ear protection utility knife pry bar painter's tape permanent marker circular saw diamond-tipped blade shop-vac

drill hole-saw for cutting stone shop-vac keyhole saw screw gun and screws plumber's putty adjustable wrench pipe-cutter silicone caulk joist lumber insulation drywall

Figure A

Steps:

1. Shut off the water supply to the tub. Open the faucets and let any water still in the pipes drain away. It may be necessary to cut an access panel in the wall to reach the water shut-offs.

2. Remove the faucet and handles and set aside. Use a utility knife to cut away the silicone seal around the tub. Lift the tub out of the surround and remove it from the bathroom (figure A).

Tips:

• Bathtubs can be extremely heavy. Make sure to have enough help on hand to lift the tub safely.
  
• Once the tub is out of the way, check the subfloor, joists and other structural members for water damage. Make any necessary repairs before continuing with the installation.

3. Center the template from the new whirlpool tub over the existing hole and check the fit. Diedre and Peter's new tub is larger than the old one, so they called in a professional to cut the granite around the tub.

4. Cover the area to cut with painter's tape to prevent scratches and other damage. Position the template over the existing hole and tape into place. Cut the paper template along the cutting line, then use a marker to trace the cut line onto the tape. If a professional is cutting the surround, he or she should handle this step.

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

5. Remove the template and cut the surround along the line. For the granite surround, the contractor used a circular saw with a diamond-tipped blade that was shaped to follow the curve of the tub. A second worker used a shop vacuum alongside the saw to clear away the granite dust (figure B). Break through the silicone seal and remove the excess granite.

Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses when stone is being cut – even if someone else is using the tools. Small, sharp pieces of stone can fly in all directions. Ear protection also may be necessary. Also wear safety glasses when working with any type of power tool.

6. Dry-fit the tub and fixtures. If necessary, use a hole saw to make or enlarge holes for the faucet and handles. If working with a granite surround, have the stone contractor handle this step.

7. If necessary, cut an access panel for the electrical work.

8. Check the weight requirements for the new tub and reinforce the floor joists if necessary (figure C). If this tub sits by an exterior wall, insulate the wall under the tub surround and finish it off with drywall.

9. Assemble the tub's drain plumbing. Apply plumber's putty around the retaining ring and screw it into place with the drain pipe. Measure and cut the overflow pipe, install the gasket and attach the overflow assembly according to the manufacturer's directions (figure D). Amy used a professional plumber for this step.

10. Have an electrician tie in a dedicated circuit for the whirlpool motor. For this project, the electrician was able to re-route power from an unused baseboard heater upstairs to create a circuit for the heater. This kept him from having to run a complete circuit from the breaker box.

11. Apply a layer of silicone around the edge of the hole in the tub surround and settle the tub in place. Make the final connections for the water supply, drain and whirlpool (figure E).

12. Fill the tub with water and test out the whirlpool motor. Drain the tub and check for leaks before closing off the access panel.