How Would You Install This Tub?

[Don Apgar]

Installing this 54x30 fiberglass (or acrylic?) alcove tub and not sure how best to proceed. The tub has 5 self leveling feet and it looks like a wooden structure embedded in the fiberglass. Here is what the bottom of the tub looks like:

The Installation Instructions say in step 5 "· Lay mortar bed and carefully lower bathtub into predetermined location." I emailed the manufacturer about how to place the mortar if I am using the adjustable feet to level the tub. The manufacturer replied, "
We suggest utilizing a thin layer of mortar to set the adjustable feet into during installation. This is not intended to meet the bottom of the tub or completely cover the feet. At this time, we do not have a specific mortar recommendation for the installation of our units as long as the mortar used is safe for bathroom installations."

I emailed the manufacturer back and asked if they meant I needed to build up mortar piles to support the blocky feet and take the weight off of the adjusters long term, and the answer I got was: "We suggest utilizing a thin layer of mortar to set the adjustable feet into. This would not be to completely cover the feet. The mortar would not need to reach the bottom of the tub itself, only form a thin layer to depress the feet into."

I asked the manufacturer about using construction adhesive instead of mortar and was told it would void the warranty. I'm reading lots of opinions on this, everything from use mortar under the tub bottom anyway, use Structolite, use drywall mud, use expanding foam, to don't bother with any of that. I'm trying to figure out the "why" of what a thin layer of mortar under the leveling feet is meant to accomplish.

Anybody install a tub like this? Is this a new thing with the leveling feet?

 

[Reach4]

I emailed the manufacturer back and asked if they meant I needed to build up mortar piles to support the blocky feet and take the weight off of the adjusters long term, and the answer I got was: "We suggest utilizing a thin layer of mortar to set the adjustable feet into. This would not be to completely cover the feet. The mortar would not need to reach the bottom of the tub itself, only form a thin layer to depress the feet into."

I interpret this is that you might put a small patty, or ball, of mortar under each foot, and drop the tub. On at least 3 legs, all of the mortar will squish out. I am only commenting on what the manufacturer wrote.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Don Apgar]

That's what it sounds like they're saying...it's certainly no problem to mix up a small batch of thinset, I'm going to need a couple bags for the tile work anyway. Doesn't seem like it would do much...

 

[oldVermonter]

I installed this Swan tub a couple of years ago which had similar instructions. As you can see, it didn't have leveling feet, but had a bunch of little round nubs that support the tub. The mortar wasn't intended to be weight-bearing, it's purpose was to make the tub feel more solid after installation.

The subfloor was quite uneven, so it was a piece of work getting all the little feet to touch the floor. Levelling feet certainly sounds easier.

 

[opplumbinghub]

Installing this 54x30 fiberglass (or acrylic?) alcove tub and not sure how best to proceed. The tub has 5 self leveling feet and it looks like a wooden structure embedded in the fiberglass. Here is what the bottom of the tub looks like:

The Installation Instructions say in step 5 "· Lay mortar bed and carefully lower bathtub into predetermined location." I emailed the manufacturer about how to place the mortar if I am using the adjustable feet to level the tub. The manufacturer replied, "
We suggest utilizing a thin layer of mortar to set the adjustable feet into during installation. This is not intended to meet the bottom of the tub or completely cover the feet. At this time, we do not have a specific mortar recommendation for the installation of our units as long as the mortar used is safe for bathroom installations."

I emailed the manufacturer back and asked if they meant I needed to build up mortar piles to support the blocky feet and take the weight off of the adjusters long term, and the answer I got was: "We suggest utilizing a thin layer of mortar to set the adjustable feet into. This would not be to completely cover the feet. The mortar would not need to reach the bottom of the tub itself, only form a thin layer to depress the feet into."

I asked the manufacturer about using construction adhesive instead of mortar and was told it would void the warranty. I'm reading lots of opinions on this, everything from use mortar under the tub bottom anyway, use Structolite, use drywall mud, use expanding foam, to don't bother with any of that. I'm trying to figure out the "why" of what a thin layer of mortar under the leveling feet is meant to accomplish.

Anybody install a tub like this? Is this a new thing with the leveling feet?

Hey there! OP Plumbing Hub here with a super simple tub tip! For your new tub with those built-in adjustable feet, just put a small dollop of mortar (like a thick pancake) under each foot. This keeps the tub stable and stops squeaks - that's all you need! Don't use glue or try to fill the whole bottom. Just level the tub using the feet and let the mortar dry. Easy peasy!