Installing a Jacuzzi

Recently we installed a bathtub-cum-jacuzzi at home. I learned a lot during this process and thought of using this post to highlight the same.

First let's give credit where credit is due:
Replacing a Bathtub
This web-site provides excellent step-by-step instructions and diagrams to guide a DIY enthusiast.
How to Install a Shower/Bathtub
This is less illustrative than the previous link but still contains a bit of useful information
How to Plumb a New Bath Tub
This link collaborates and confirms most of the information provided by the other two sites.

Now my 2 paise:
We decided to go with a 6 feet by 2.5 feet rectangular bath tub. We also added a six nozzle jacuzzi, three on each of the two longer sides of the tub. The tub is about 1.5 feet deep.

We started with this project because of a leakage from the bathroom into the one below which required us to remove and completely redo the waterproofing of the bathroom. Since we were tearing the bathroom apart it only seemed like the right thing to start this long overdue project.

Waterproofing the bathroom involves laying concrete followed by a layer of brick-bat, which is bricks along with a tar-like-substance. The bricks are added to absorb an water that might find it's way into this layer. Another layer of a plain cement concrete goes over the bricks. Once this sets then we kept water stagnant in the bathroom for a week to ensure there were no leakages. We also added dyes to the water and changed them out. First we started by adding blue ink to the water and then we switched over to red as the bathroom below already seemed to have a bluish tinge in the celling. (Probably from our previous tests to see the source of the leakage)

Having resolved the leakage problem, the next step was to place the tub. This is tougher than it sounds. Not only is the bathtub heavy it is also bulky with no place where one can get a good hold. We were three guys struggling to get it in place.

The layout of our bathroom did not allow us to place the bath-tub directly on top of a P-trap and hence we had to get an elbow assembly. A word of caution here, a standard CI elbow will not work as we learned the hard way. We ended up getting a Jaguar bathtub elbow fitting.

All plumbing joints for a bathtub should be able sealed. This includes the drain system. Because of the volume of water flowing it would be advisable to have threaded and/or sealed joints. However only using a sealant like M-Seal or car-patch is useless and will not withstand the pressure.

Once all the leak proof drainage is bought and tested it will be time to set the bathtub in place. First, put a layer of bricks and mortar. Though we didn't do this (I though of it after we finished), my suggestion would be to create a single brick platform along the complete area the the tub would rest on. Next, create a border with bricks such that the base of the tub will fit into this border. It does not need to be a tight fit. The idea of this border is to create an area for containment of a PCC slurry. Fill the PCC into this area and then lower the bath tub into this. IMO, this will allow the PCC to fill in any gaps that could exist below the tub thus giving it all the support it needs at the bottom. Since we did not do this, now when we stand at certain place in the tub I can feel the bottom flexing under my weight.

Having laid the tub's foundation, now place the tub gently over the wet PCC slurry. Tighten the drain and over-flow outlets and pay special attention to levelling of the tub. Even though we I did pay attention to this, the tub may have moved and we now have a small area of the tub that does not drain out. Test the levelling with a mug of water and ensure it all drains out.

That's it!!! Let it set for a day and the following morning your tub should be ready for use.

Another suggestion, when testing the drainage joints, block the outlet just before the P-trap (Nani trap). This way you test the complete drainage plumbing too. Most plumber will use the bathtubs drain plug to check for leakages which doesn't let the water enter the drain system at all. Plug the outlet in the P-Trap itself or if possible block the P-Trap to enable a thorough testing of the drainage system. Remember this is a bathtub which will contains tens of liters of water. Once this water gets into the drainage system even a tiny leak will not take long to become a major one and cause you a major headache in future. Everything should be absolutely dry!!! 

How important is the UI

Sameer made a good point about the UI being ignored by most designs. In fact I find this very strange. As far as I understand the client or the end user firsts sees the UI. Only when that is fine do the they evaluate the other things like performance & stability.

This is not only in software development. It's in every aspect of consumerism. When you buy anything, it's got to look good before it attracts you. Only after the first impression attracts you do the other factors come into play.

However, having said that, only a good UI will not clinch the deal. It's just the first step. Can you even think of buying a good looking car that performs terribly. In short, I disagree with Sameer that only the UI matters. No, the UI is 50% of the battle. The other stuff is the other 50%.

However what I think Sameer is trying to get at is that the UI though only cosmetic requires a large part of the time and effort and if not done well can screw up even the best and most stable and robust of applications deliveries. And the vice-versa is also true, i.e., a good UI actually makes the client happy and willing to be patient on the other stuff.