Installation Guide

5
GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Specific air bath installation instructions are on page 6.
Do not begin building any structure for your tub until your tub arrives. All printed specications for MTI
tubs have +/- ½" tolerance AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. Take all nal installation
dimensions from your tub. Note: air baths, the pre-leveled foam base and pre-leveled frame add
approximately 2-3 inches to the height of the tub. The bolts/screws through the mounting feet on the
pump or blower may be loosened or removed once the tub is in place if necessary for future servicing.
MTI tubs are not equipped with leveling feet. The tub must be leveled from the top ange in both directions and
bedding compound used underneath for proper operation. MTI recommends Quikrete #1103 sand/topping mix.
Plaster or sheet rock mud are NOT sufcient bedding compounds. Determine the nal height of the tub rim by
measuring from the underside of the rim to the oor on the drain side and add ½" to allow for bedding compound.
If your tub has a pre-leveled foam base or air system, do not add ½" since wet-bedding is not necessary. The tub
must be leveled by the rim, and supported by the bedding (or foam base) under the full length of the tub bottom.
MTI recommends using a plastic sheet barrier on top of and underneath the bedding compound. Carefully lower
tub into place. Shift tub side to side to settle into compound. The tub will not drain properly if not level, both front
to back and side to side. Use care not to damage any plumbing, wiring or other options when bedding the tub. Let
compound harden overnight before use. Failure to properly bed the tub will void any warranty on the tub shell.
Note: The pre-leveled frame eliminates the need to frame the walls or use bedding compound to level the tub.
The pre-leveled frame adds ½ to 3 inches of height, depending on the specic model of tub.
ALCOVE OR THREE WALL INSTALLATION
Mark a level line on the stud walls using the measurement determined
above. A 2x2 or similar stringer will be attached to the studs touching
this line. All mounting surfaces must be level to allow for proper
drainage. Framing of the same height should be constructed across
the front of the tub for skirt, tile or other material. Remember to allow
for access to each pump, blower and/or electrical component.
DROP IN
Use the above dimension as the finished deck height from the floor.
The drop in opening should be approximately 1-½ inches smaller
than the outside dimensions of the tub. This will create a ¾ inch
ledge to support the entire rim of the tub. It is best to have as large
an opening as possible in the deck to clear the plumbing and other
tub accessories. Full size templates for oval or odd shaped tubs
can be purchased through your distributor. The bottom of the tub
must be fully supported with bedding compound and must bear
the weight of the tub, water and bather. Under no circumstances
should the tub “hang” by the top flange.
UNDERMOUNT
MTI does not make recommendations as to the size and shape
of the opening for undermount installation. Do NOT use any
templates supplied by MTI for undermounting. Construct framing
for the tub using the measurement determined above; this
structure is to level the tub. Additional framing must be provided
around the tub to support the weight of the decking material.
The rim of the tub is not to bear the weight of the deck material! Have tub at jobsite and measure
or template very carefully before cutting any decking materials. MTI is not responsible for any
preparatory labor or materials. If your application calls for solid surface material covering only the width
of the tub flange, additional support is not necessary.
INTEGRAL SKIRTED
All of MTI’s Integral Skirted tubs come with several standard features including an integral molded front
skirt, integral three-sided tile ange and a pre-leveled foam base. These tubs are designed for three-wall
alcove installation applications. See above for guidelines.
1. Slide tub into installation location. Check to ensure that the tub is level to allow for proper drainage. If the tub is
level, proceed to step two. If the tub is not level, use bedding compound to level tub.
2. Carefully drill 1/8" holes through the tile flange at each stud location. Secure to stud with screws, being
careful not to over-tighten as this may cause the acrylic to crack or chip. Do not attempt to drive nails
through the integral flange. See illustrations on page 7.
Leveling Stringers
For whirlpools and air systems,
be sure to provide an opening of
at least 16" x 14" for pump access.
MTI's optional skirts will often
provide this access.
For whirlpools and air
systems, be sure to
provide an opening of at
least 16" x 14" for pump
access. MTI's optional
skirts will often provide
this access.