Replacing fiberglass tub enclosure with shower - basic questions

[CHGilley]

Replacing a 25 year old sad installation of a bathtub. No mortar under it, so if flexed constantly. I just didn't know any better to catch the contractors. Anyway. major flood due to a washing machine that went berserk. I've gotten quotes from several contractors and they are simply absurd.

I'm going to replace the tub with a same sized shower base like shown. Two questions come to mind.

1) Do I need to a shower membrane under this? I'm planning that way, as this is a children's bathrooms and those evil critters will, well, just.. Don't get me wrong I have 11, but self protection here.

2) Is the space from the top of the shower pan to the drain standard? I'm assuming the tub was standard (came from Lowe's).

Thanks

 

[CENTRALFL]

The thing with putting a shower membrane under the pan is thinking where would the water go if it makes it there. You don't want water just accumulating if there is a leak. Is this on concrete slab or wood subfloor?

I'm not quite understanding your second question. I'm a DIYer, and have only replaced one tub before. I know there was a general size range a lot of them were but they all had different measurements. I remember I had to move the drain some, for example.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[CHGilley]

CF - appreciate the feedback. This is on the second floor. I guess it really isn't much different than a standard tile shower. I'm nore concerned with stray water. Having raised 11 kids in this house, they will screw with you. Example - shower screen on the outside of the bath tub, etc. Face palm. I plan to encapsulate the floor, but I'm coming to the conclusion I'm overthinking. If I go to my master shower - there is no place for the water to go.

As for the second question - let me put it in context. I go buy this shower pan with the hole in the middle and a set space away from the edge... Is there a code/generic/standard location for the drain? Tomorrow I will lay waste with my tape measure . I just think there should be standards. DIY it here as well. Can't afford the illegals anymore

 

[CENTRALFL]

Eh, if your back is still capable, there's enough YouTube videos to get you going.

The only code I remember is the 1/4 inch per foot slope rule, towards drain. I've seen a no more than 1/2 inch per foot slope, but not in code. More like a " you don't want more than that because it becomes too noticeable and a possible slip hazard".

Take a look through the installations instructions of whatever pan you plan on buying, just to make sure there are no surprises with installation. I'm assuming you are replacing your tiling with something that goes all the way down to the new pan?