Installation Guide

Unpack Carton
 Use care when opening the box so that you do not
damage the panels.
 This product is shipped to you or your retail center
after careful inspection. After purchasing the kit,
carefully unpack and inspect the product for any
shipping damage that may have occurred. If damage
is found, report it immediately to the store of
purchase. After inspection and during installation,
protect the products from construction damage by
moving them to another room or area until ready to
install.
 Store panels in a flat area to avoid warpage until the
time of installation. Do not store the panels outside of
the original packaging in a vertical position.
 Please use the model number located on the side of
the box, or the front of this manual, when contacting
us with questions concerning the installation of this
unit.
 Make sure the walls are the correct size and are in
good condition. Installation of damaged product will
void the warranty.
Helpful Hints
 Read these instructions carefully and familiarize
yourself with the various parts of the kit.
 The variety of installations possible for this kit may
require procedures other than those shown. Ensure
construction is correctly sized, plumb, and square.
 Save the large cardboard box for protection of the
shower floor or bathtub during the installation process
and to use as a template for cutting the wall panels
for plumbing outlets.
 Allow sufficient time for the parts in this kit to adjust to
room temperature. We do not recommend
installation of this product at temperatures below 65
degrees.
 Sawhorses with 2 x 4 cross-members or a worktable
are helpful during the installation process.
 Always transport the panels vertically. Use care
when laying the panels flat to prevent flexing,
especially when panels have a cutout in them.
 Store unused materials away from the work area to
prevent accidental damage.
 If the shower or bathtub is placed over a garage or
on an outside wall, care must be taken to ensure that
the shower or bathtub is properly insulated from cold
temperatures.
Preparation Tips
 Swan Corporation alcove wall kits are designed to be
fastened directly to wall studs and feature a sturdy
interlocking system for a one piece appearance. The
alcove kits are manufactured to fit a specific size
opening and cannot be cut or modified to fit other
dimensions. If the wall opening is too small, too
large, or too short, other methods will be required to
cover the wall.
 Turn off the hot and cold water supply.
 For remodeling, remove faucet handles, escutcheons,
filler spouts, and/or anything mounted to the wall (i.e.
towel bars, soap dishes, etc.).
 For remodeling, after removal of the old bathtub or
shower, measure the alcove pocket to make sure the
new alcove bathtub or shower wall panels will fit. It
may be necessary to reconstruct one or more of the
pocket walls.
All old ceramic tiles, plastic tiles, and deteriorated wall
surfaces must be removed. For remodeling, it is best to
strip the wall to the studs in order to inspect the
structure, repair any existing damage, and install any
required supports. Then the new alcove wall panels can
be installed directly to the stud walls.
 For new construction, build a stud pocket wall
structure to the rough opening dimensions included in
this manual. Use wood or structural steel studding,
and make sure that all framing is plumb and square.
 If installing one or more alcove wall panels over
existing cement board, greenboard, or moisture
resistant sheetrock, make sure the existing wall
surface is smooth, plumb, true, and in good condition.
A second layer of greenboard must be installed to
cover the nailing flanges after alcove wall panel
installation.
 Ensure all plumbing or electrical work inside the walls
is finished prior to installation of the wall panels.
 Refer to the installation manual that came with the
bathtub or shower floor for instructions on installing
the bathtub or shower floor prior to installing the
alcove wall kit.
 Always measure the location of the plumbing cutouts,
as stated in the instructions for each specific Swan
Corporation tub wall kit. Make a cardboard template
to trial fit all plumbing cutouts before cutting panels.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Swan Corporation 8 800-325-7008
General Information