Retrofitting A Whirlpool Tub, continuedProviding access. With a bow to Murphy’s law, every whirlpool tub requires an access panel to permit work on the pump, wiring, and hoses. Removing a pump is usually a simple matter. Most pumps are secured by just two plumbing unions and four bolts. In most whirlpool models, the pump is located at the foot of the tub, opposite the waste-and-overflow, so that’s usually the best place for the access panel (Figure 6). If it can’t be located there — because of back-to-back bathrooms or a chimney at the foot of the tub, for example — the next best place is in the front skirt.

Figure 6. The pump is located at the foot of most whirlpool tubs. As long as the location is not blocked by a chimney or other obstruction, it’s the best place for the access panel.

If the tub comes with a removable skirt, access is no problem (Figure 7). If a site-built skirt requires an access panel, I include a square opening in the framing, cut a panel out of backerboard, and install it with screws for future easy removal. Since a visible panel in the skirt detracts from a bathroom’s aesthetics, I usually tile right over the access panel and screws, using mastic instead of a thinset mortar mix.

Figure 7. Some whirlpool baths, like the Springbath Royale (top) and the Nostalgia (bottom) from Crane Plumbing, come with a removable skirt that provides access to the pump and hoses.

I always make a sketch of the access panel location, including measurements, and give a copy to the customer and keep one for myself. If the access panel ever needs to be removed, some tiles will probably get broken, so I arrange with the customer to store some extra tiles, clearly marked, in a safe place. In any case, access panels are rarely used; I’ve only had to pull one pump in the last ten years.

Dennis DeLoy is a Georgia, Vt., master plumber and contractor specializing in bathroom remodels.