Construction, installation and electrical
Who installs the whirlpool bathtub?
There are usually four trades that are involved in the installation of the whirlpool bathtub. The framer will frame the tub deck, the electrician will wire for the whirlpool components, the plumber will set the whirlpool bathtub, and the tile man will finish the deck.
Will the whirlpool bathtub fit through my doors?
Yes, the units are carried in on their side, which doesn’t exceed 25 inches. The narrowest standard door is 30 inches.
What are the electrical requirements for an Izzi Whirlpool bathtub?
For a 1 or 11/2 HP pumps, 110v. Pumps require a dedicated 110v 20 amp GFCI protected electrical circuit. The optional in-line heater requires an additional 110v 20 amp GFCI protected electrical circuit. The optional blower air bath System requires a dedicated 110v 15 amp GFCI protected electrical circuit. Options such as fiber optic lighting system, mood lights, 30 min. timer, and low water protection do not require any additional electrical service.
What are the whirlpool bathtub weight & structural requirements?
As a rule of thumb, 60" tubs with water and a bather will weigh approximately 1000 lbs., 66" tubs will weigh approximately 1200 lbs., and 72" tubs will weigh approximately 1400 lbs. The site where the tub will be installed must provide adequate support for this weight.
What are "foundational materials" and how do I set my whirlpool bathtubs unit in them? May I use foam or sand?
Izzi Whirlpool bathtubs do not require these materials when properly shimmed, although some installers prefer to use them. If this is the case, the foundational materials Izzi recommends are casting plaster or mortar. Several mounds of the plaster or mortar should be placed on the sub floor where the floor of the unit will rest. The mounds should be good sized (about 12" dia. and 6" high.) Set the unit in the alcove on top of the plaster or mortar and level the unit. The mounds underneath the unit will depress and spread out into one another so that the entire bottom area of the unit is supported underneath. The use of sand is not recommended as it can shift and hold moisture. The use of foam is also not recommended, as it is difficult to regulate and can be unevenly dispersed under the unit causing stress points in specific areas. Over time, foam will also compress and no longer support the bottom of the unit.
What holes, if any, are cut for me on my Izzi Whirlpool bathtubs? What do I use to cut the hole with?
In our tubs, a drain and overflow hole is drilled unless otherwise specified. To cut holes for plumbing fixtures, the use of a hole saw is recommended. A saber saw may also be used. Whatever the choice of saw, the blade should be fine-toothed and sharp. The hole should be cut from the finished side out. Masking tape can be used to minimize chipping.
Is an access panel absolutely necessary? What are the consequences if I do not provide one? May I have an access panel on an outside wall?
Most local building codes require a 16”x16” access panel to access the whirlpool components. If you choose not to provide an access panel during installation and should service need to be performed on your whirlpool, a hole in the closest wall will need to be made at the homeowner's expense. Izzi is not responsible for the repair of the hole once the service on the unit is complete. You may have an access panel on an outside wall as long as all local and state building codes are followed for your area.
My plumber drilled the holes for my faucet in the wrong location, can anything be done now?
The holes can be filled and the surface painted, but this is very expensive and usually the repair is quite visible.
Is there a recommended deck height for my Izzi whirlpool bathtub?
Usually this is 20 inch, but you can raise the deck as long as the bottom of the tub is supported by the floor by shimming or a platform. The tub cannot hang by the flange unsupported. Your deck must be at least as high as indicated on your Izzi spec sheet for the overall tub height. To learn more: http://izzibath.com/acrylicbathinstallation.html
My new Izzi Whirlpool bath comes with an air switch to operate the tub. Do I also need a wall switch or timer?
No you don’t, but some people install them anyway to prevent small children from activating the whirlpool and possible damaging the motor by running it dry.
