Handicapping A Fiberglass Bathtub

[sotubre]

How can I cut and replace a 12" piece from side of fiberglass bathtub to make it easer to enter for a handicapped person?

 

[Jadnashua]

Not sure you can retrofit to a fiberglass tub. ALl of those I've seen also use a much larger opening than 12". Here's hoping. Maybe a seat and some well placed grab bars?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[sotubre]

Thanks for replythe problem is lady can't bend legs much. 12" x 10'' would help a lot

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

dont do it

fiberglass is not too forgiveing and its best to get
some professional fibergalss reapir guy out there

to figure out what to do...


I wont even touch putting handicapped grab bars in a fiberglass
unit becausse you need wood backing behind where you want to install
the bars ,,,, then when you tighten down the screws to the wood
most fiberglass will compress and crack from the stress of being
squeezed down....


then you got a big mess on your hand...

proceed with caution

 

[Bob NH]

Fiberglass tubs are shell structures that depend on continuity of the shell for structural rigidity. If you cut a notch in the side of one you will have a floppy mess that you will never be able to close.

There are handicap accessible tubs with doors that seal. They are designed with structure that is rigid with a lot of reinforcement around the opening.

If you cut a 12" section out of a fiberglass tub, you will be making it into a piece of junk.

 

[hj]

tub

You cannot cut a hole in the side of a fiberglass tub and still expect to use it normally. Either the amount of water would have to be reduced to the point where it would be like a deeper shower pan, or you would have to make a door in the tub, which would probably be impossible to do and keep it watertight.

 

[Verdeboy]

My advice would be to experiment on cutting out a section of the tub only if you are willing to throw it out if it doesn't work and buy a legit handicap model.

Might be a good project for a rotozip. I certainly haven't found any other use for that darned thing!

Eric