Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Bathroom Remodel

I am thinking about replacing my bathroom tub with a new one but had a some questions I was hoping someone could help with. The current tub is sunken into the ground and I want to replace it with a corner jetted tub. To allow for access to the pump, the new tub has to be placed at ground surface and not sunken like the existing tub.

So, I am guessing I will have to remove the sunken tub and bring it back to grade. But I am not sure when I do that if I have to fill the hole with backfill and pour a concrete pad on top of it and also can the new concrete pad float by itself or should I tie it into the existing slab of the house. Or is there another way to look at doing this?

Has anyon run into this situation before?

Yes you will need to bring your entire floor to grade. The corner unit will need a solid, level base to sit on.

When I did something similar I actuall set the tub 2 inches into the wet concrete to give a very firm base.

Make sure you run all your drains first and leave enough room to do repairs in the future.

As for tying it in to exsisting concrete, I did and had no problems with it. I don't know what the pros or cons would be to not tying it in.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your comments.

I hadn't thought about setting the tub in the concrete. That's a good idea!

Where should I start?

My house is a southwest style in New Mexico. The bathroom we have is large somewhat narrow but very long. It is currentyl carpeted but I will replace it with tile when we remodel. The current bathtub is very small just about enough for one person. I am looking at a corner tub that I believe is 5' x 5' x 2'. I think it comes mounted with the pump on it already but I am not sure. The corner is just about that size with a little room to spare for framing. I know if I considered sinking it, I would have to break apart or cut out some of the existing concrete slab to have a big enough hole for it to fit in. I am definitely not against the idea but what did you have in mind?

One way to have your tub "sunk" also know as drop in, is to build a platform for it at or slightly above floor level. Many manufacturers have tubs just for that purpose. The tub drops through the platform and rests on the tub rim. Many manufacturers give a choice of pump locations, left, right, or even center. That said, tell me whats on the otherside of the bathroom walls? I mean is it possible that a access panel could be placed in one of those locations. Such a panel be carpeted over or otherwise hidden.

toddburt,

As an example, take a look at this Kolher unit - see page 4.

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/1010564_2.pdf

Depending on what you need, remote locations can be somewhat spendy, (plumbing and electrical) unless you are able to do this yourself. Other issue is that not all projects may nt=ot have room for a remote operation, as strange as that seems. Numerous variations of pumps locations are availble and some units, depending on brand have access panels on the whirlpools to make it easier for virtually any remodeling/new construction project based upon bath design layout. These pannels can be end or front postioning.

Hope this helps!

The Kohler reference was very helpful. Thanks.

Doc, the access on the walls is fairly limited. One side is a bedroom but I am reluctant to dig up the concrete to make a below ground access panel. The other sides have an exterior wall while the other has the toilet right next to it. I don't think either of these would make good access panel locations.

For the location I was considering, the tub is actually be adjacent to a short wall where our cabinet end is located (approx 6' from the end of the bathroom). I believe this would be the right hand side of the tub. For above surface, I was looking at cutting a hole through the cabinet and the wall to make an access panel. I will probably need to add additional support to the cabinet when I do this or at least some way to make it look nice so my wife doesn't kill me but that seemed to be the most apparent access point.

Todd,
Can you post a photo?

Truth is Doc.

Posting a photo is beyond may capability. So far, I have gotten a lot of great input and ideas from you and others. I'll put up another post if I have any questions or ideas that I need help with.

Thanks for the useful information and ideas.

Ok, no problem. I was thinking about your project though. Much of what you want to do depends on how skilled you are. If you want to do the tub sunken you will need access to the pump. Based on your walls I would opt for that on the bedroom side. Other than that you would need to place it outside. Only you know if your outside is condusive to that.

Don