How to Enclose an Indoor Whirlpool Tub
Some whirlpool tubs, also known as hot tubs, are meant for outdoor use. Indoor whirlpool tubs are typically smaller and designed for use in a household bathroom. Most whirlpool tubs are dropped into a frame that is built to certain specifications. Once the whirlpool tub is installed, the frame can be enclosed with tile to finish the look of the whirlpool tub. Learning how to tile a whirlpool tub enclosure will help you to get started. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cement backer board
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Thin set mortar
- Notched trowel
- Fiberglass mesh tape
- Tile
- Tile spacers
- Tile saw
- Grout
- Rubber grout float
- Sponge
- Silicone caulk
Instructions
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1
Cover the tub frame with cement backer board. Cut the backer board to size and screw it into the frame.
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2
Cover the seams between the pieces of the backer board. Spread thin-set-mortar over the seams with the flat edge of a notched trowel. Place fiberglass mesh tape over the mortar and then spread more thin-set-mortar over the tape. Wait overnight for the mortar to dry.
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3
Determine the tile layout. Lay the tile to the side of the indoor whirlpool tub and position the tile until you are happy with the layout. Mark a starting point for the tile layout on the cement backer board with a pencil.
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4
Cover the cement backer board with thin-set-mortar. Apply the mortar with a notched trowel. Work in small sections at a time so the mortar does not dry out before the tile is installed.
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5
Press the tiles into the mortar. Place tile spacers between each of the tiles to keep them from sliding down the enclosure while the mortar dries. Start tiling at the bottom of the tub enclosure and work your way up. Cut tiles with a tile saw.
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6
Spread grout over the top of the tiles with a rubber grout float. Make sure to get grout into all of the tile joints. Remove left over grout with a damp sponge. Wait for the grout to cure overnight before caulking the tub.
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7
Apply a bead of caulk around the sides of the tub where the tub meets the tile enclosure. Use a finger to smooth the bead of caulk. Let the caulk dry overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan to have an access point under the tub. This makes it easier to change or fix mechanical and plumbing problems that might occur with the whirlpool tub.
References
- Photo Credit Bath Tub image by Ritu Jethani from Fotolia.com
