Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Replacing Tub With Jacuzzi

HUBBY AND I WANT TO REPLACE OUR BATHTUB WITH A JACUZZI BRAND WHIRPOOL TUB- DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW HARD OF A PROJECT THIS WILL BE? WE ARE WANNABE DO IT YOURSELFERS, BUT THERES A LOT WE DONT NOW ~ WE DONT WANT TO GET IN OVER OUR HEADS:) WE'VE GOT A ONE PIECE SHOWER STALL IN NOW, JUST CURIOUS TO SEE IF ANYONE HAS DONE THIS, IF SO, WAS IT PRETTY SIMPLE? THANKS FOR ANY INPUT!

Hello, Before you sink a lot of money into a whirlpool tub, call a few motels and find one with a wirlpool tub, rent the room and give it a try and have some fun. My wife and I did and we both agreed that we didn't want to waste the money.
Good Luck Woodbutcher

I did the same thing to my master bath last year that you and your hubby wanna do. I did 99% of work by myself, except when I had to muscle in 200 pound tub into the frame. It was my anniversary gift for my wife; although the whole project took almost 4 months to complete(Don't worry, I only spent weekends and did little by little). Here are the bulk of the steps that you'll need to take; I'm more than happy to provide details if you need them.

-Accurately measure dimensions where whirlpool tub will sit in
-Shop around and pick the one that you want and will fit at the same time.
-Sit down and make a thorough plan on 2 main agendas: 1. Removing old tub/shower combo 2. Installing new whirlpool tub

Plan should include duration of project, budget, helping hands...etc

After plan is set, it's time to get dirty.

-Rent or borrow a reciprocating saw (AKA 'Saws All') if not already have one.
-There is a few ways to remove tub/shower combo. I prefer 'cut'em & remove'em' method because it's least time-consuming and you'll probably never use it again.
-Remove drain fitting from drain pipe and plug it with a rag to prevent debris falling into it.
-Remove faucet handles, sprout....stuffs that will interfere with removal.
-Start hammering and sawing the assembly(It's very dusty and dirty so where goggles and dusk masks)
-Make sure the whole stall assembly is completely removed.
-If waterproof backboard(AKA 'greenboard') is damaged, replace the portion.

END of Old Tub Removal

-Construct the tub frame per the exact dimensions given by the tub manufacturer.
-Assure the drain hold in new tub lines up with the position of the existing drain. (Very Important)
-Run 120V dedicated circuit w/ GFCI from subpanel to near whirlpool pump motor (thru Attic or crawl space underneath the house). You'll need to install J-box with GFCI outlet to host a power cord from the motor.
-After the final dimension verification, muscle in the tub into the frame.
-Join the drain, bypass tube...etc
-Pour in mortar bed directly underneath the tub to take up all the weight(Very Important). You NEVER wanna have the edges take up the weight. They just simply can't.
-Pick the tiles that you want and install them on 3 walls.
-Caulk around the edges.
-If it doesn't come with built in front panel, build one using plywood or greenboard with tiles.
-Finishing touches

I listed big chunks of the whole project. As you can see, it's not an easy job by any stretch of imagination. But at the same time, it's not extremely difficult either. Good planning, patience, endurance and caution combined will produce satisfactory results that you two can treasure for years to come.
My wife, after a long day, dips in with the bubbles and jets soothing her tired back and feet. She's enjoying it very much.
By looking at her happy, satisfied smile, all of my hard work and vigorous efforts are paid off in full.
Good Luck!!

I replaced my tub with an American Standard whirlpool tub last summer. It took me about 5 days, including replacing some of the subflooring. I think that it was well worth the time and trouble. It sure feels good at the end of a long day.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE INFO- SOUNDS LIKE I WONT KNOW WHAT IM ACTUALLY GETTING INTO UNTIL I START