compact baths

[amfisted]

Guys, newbie calling--DIYer.
I'm intending to do a straightforward replacement of a 1200mm shower tray with a 1200mm x 700mm bath, because I dont want to make any structural alterations to the bathroom. Are there any particular issues to consider when fitting a compact bath? Any thoughts on whether it should be acrylic or steel? I already have an Aqualisa mains fed shower working from the plumbing which I intend to use for the bath feed--its in 15mm copper, so would it be OK to tag on 15mm feeds for the bath, given that when the shower is in use, the bath taps wont be so it wont affect the shower pressure? Water pressure is pretty good. Cheers.

 

[Tibbot]

If you've a normal floor with joists and floorboards you can sit bath on it. You may need some battens to raise bath up depending on legs. Mains fed H&C supplies will be OK in 15mm and on same feeds as shower.

 

[tryitandsee]

The compact bath sides are normally quite high, so you may need to incorporate a step, in order to get in and out!

 

[JohnD]

if you have a chipboard floor, you will probably find it is falling apart when you lift the shower tray. Use 18mm WBP ply instead.

Measure the hot water flow and calculate how long it will take to fill your bath. Bathtaps need better flow than showers.

 

[Tibbot]

Bathtaps need better flow than showers.

The old 3/4'' ones do but modern taps are usually built abroad where they're reliant on pressure. The orifices in many cases are 10mm or less. Some even use the same mixer blocks as the showers.

 

[amfisted]

Cheers, Guys.
Ive only ever fitted one bath, and that was merely putting it back in situ after the floor had been replaced. I understand about putting boards underneath to spread the load on the floor and to level it up, but is it necessary for the sides/ ends of the bath to be supported on wall mounted battens as well?
How easy or difficult is it to get hold of a compact bath of the size I need?

 

[JohnD]

Perhaps I should have said "Measure the hot water flow and calculate how long it will take to fill your bath. To fill a bath in a reasonable time, bathtaps need more flow than a shower needs"

 

[Tibbot]

Modern acrylic baths are good, in fact I prefer them to steel. You probably can't beat cast iron but few people consider them any more. Supporting them may depend on the quality but I always put wooden support along the wall wherever possible.

 

[amfisted]

Thanks again, JohnD, Tibbot. Will bear in mind the flow advice and battening the wall for extra security. Its a timber floor because I opened the ceiling underneath a few years ago when we had a leak, so hopefully it will still be solid when I lift the tray (depending on how long it was leaking for!). And Tryit...the step idea is pertinent too because there are potential users of the bath in this house who have pretty short legs and bad backs!
Good forum, this one--didnt expect anything like so rapid and helpful a response.