Framing for a jacuzzi

[Joepro0000]

I'm a drywall guy, but have a job to frame a jacuzzi, and was wondering if all I got to do is lay some 1 inch 5/8 track and stud, then lay the jucuzzi on top of the tracks. Or do I have to had something else under the jucuzzi. Its a straight box, and I know I got to frame the tracks and studs like an inch in from the edge of the jacuzzi. (1/2 dryall, and 1/2 for tile).

Does the jacuzzi usually lay on top of the track?

[James Eggert]

"Does the jacuzzi usually lay on top of the track?"

No, unless they do something different in Florida. Besides the fact no one knows what brand, how big, etc...

Read the mfg installation instructions, then call then to make sure you provide the proper framing for the future tilework.

[Milburn]

Don't forget the access door!

Milburn

[Erik R]

Like James mentioned. You should follow the mfg instructions. All tubs are different. Most tubs I've worked with must be set in some sort of base material. They also will provide you the template for the hole to cut out in the deck.

[Joepro0000]

Thats the problem, no mfg instructions. It looks very simular to this- http://www.terrylove.com/jet.htm

So once I frame the tracks and the studs, my question is if its neccessary to put a sheet of plywood on top of the track, then drop it, or just drop it on the track.

[Erik R]

I would put plywood on followed by durok, wonderboard or hardibacker. Also, I'll make some 1/2 spacers (scraps of plywood that would be 3/8 tile and 1/8 for thinset), put the spacers around the perimeter of the hole, Lay some structolite on the floor and press the tub into the structolite. The tub should NOT rely on the rim to hold it up.

[RMcSlash]

Many tub manufacturers specifically say, DO NOT SUPPORT TUB by tile deck.
Others want a mortar bed set, & the current tub I am dealing with (jacuzzi) has four little chinzy foam pads as feet. Set on level surface is all they want.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Framing and Support
The drain/overflow of the bath extends below the bottom of the bath. Note that this requires a cutout in the floor.
The floor structure beneath the bath must be able to support a total weight of bath, water, and bather. Refer to the table under total weight for your model.
The unit must be supported from the bottom of the bath and not from the bath rim or tile flange. If the subfloor is level and a continuous surface, no other preparation is necessary. You can proceed to install the bath. If the subfloor is not level, you MUST level the entire surface prior to installing the bath.
The use of materials that provide a level installation are allowed provided the method used will insure a level bath that is supported from the bottom. Materials that may be used are a floor leveling compound, mortar, plaster or minimal expansion structural foam having a density of a minimum of 5 lbs./cubic ft.; however the bath must remain level in order for it to drain properly and all foam feet must make full contact with the leveling material.
Both sides of a joint or splice of subfloor should be level to each other. When attaching baths with flanges to stud wall, use shims to fill any gaps between the bath flange and studs.
The rim of the bath is not designed to support weight. If finish material is to overlap or contact the bath, the added weight must be fully selfsupporting.
The protective film liner inside the bath is used to prevent damage to the finish during installation. Before installation, remove liner to inspect for any defects, reapply and do not remove until final cleanup.
Important: If a skirt is to be used, it must be installed at the time of unit installation – refer to skirt installation instructions. Install
optional trim parts when all installation has been completed.

[Brady T.]

Erik R said it... tub should NOT hang on frame .. flange will break. Shim under the tub. I build my frames 3/4" higher than needed and then just slide a piece of 3/4 plywood underneath.

And as for ply on top.... only if the tub is oval.

Over & Out

[Kubbie]

Ditto on the Structolite. I've done topping cement and thinset mortar beds under tubs, but I think it's less mess with the structolite.

This one was a rare situation - I had on bath that was framed way to tight, as I found out on a test fit.
Instead of worrying about mix setting up while fitting and leveling, I made a dam around where the tub would sit, set the tub, and then poured a bucket of Jiffset (had access through the front skirt)

[plumbitup]

What is structolite? I usually use mortar mix but would love to know about a better option.

[Erik R]

What is structolite? I usually use mortar mix but would love to know about a better option.

Structolite is a very lightweight brown coating. If ya have ever seen plaster walls its similair to the stuff oozing through the lath strips. I also use it for when I need to fill heavy voids in walls. Its very light and fills really well.

Heres a link for ya.

http://www.usg.com/navigate.do?resou...aq.html#N2015D

[Joepro0000]

Hey guys, to keep you updated, I framed it out today like I explained, and the tub fits perfectly. It does sit on the deck, so maybe I might add some support under the tub like stated here. I'm thinking I let the tub also sit on some 2x4s and shims.

[Joepro0000]

"Does the jacuzzi usually lay on top of the track?"

No, unless they do something different in Florida. Besides the fact no one knows what brand, how big, etc...

Read the mfg installation instructions, then call then to make sure you provide the proper framing for the future tilework.

<<

This was a absolute waste of a reply.

[Andrew R.]

Hey guys, to keep you updated, I framed it out today like I explained, and the tub fits perfectly. It does sit on the deck, so maybe I might add some support under the tub like stated here. I'm thinking I let the tub also sit on some 2x4s and shims.

....maybe I might add some support......advice from pros taken well!!!