I haven't pulled back the caulk. Getting in the space won't be difficult. On the outside edge of the tub, the deck space is slightly over four inches. On the faucet edge, there is no decking; the tub butts up against the wall. On the back end of the tub, there is about eight inches. On the final long side, there is a "garden" type window centered with the tub, which is 25 inches deep and 48 inches long. Basically, it is an extension of the deck. I will try to post a picture once I figure out how to do it!

For a jetted tub used as a shower, it has to have an integral tile flange. That allows the wall cladding to overhang and any water that hits the wall to not go behind your walls. There aren't that many in that size that are inexpensive. It will need a specialized drain, and, if you want to spend any time in the tub, a supplemental heater so the water doesn't cool off so fast. Since it's a tub/shower, the wall cladding will need to be redone to be waterproof into the tub. It's possible, if the build is recent, and it was done with the proper vapor barrier behind it, that only one row of the tile would need to be pulled in order to replace the tub. But, I wouldn't count on that. I'd count on having to replace all of the wall cladding in the alcove. That can be as cheap as a plastic surround for around $100 or cheap tile with the proper vapor barrier for probably $150 or so. The first is the easiest and the least chance of leaking. The second will read as more upscale, but you have to be sure your contractor understands about the vapor barrier and correct materials to use to tile this (NOT mastic.) And since you have that torn out, it would be foolish to try to keep your current control valves for the bath unless they are also very new. New safety standards are in place for anti scald mechanisms. So, you will need a new shower/bath faucet and valve. Then you will need the electrical line run from the panel to the location for the whirlpool pump and supplemental heater. That location is usually opposite the drain side of the tub. You will need to be able to site an access panel that is removable to be able to get to the electrical innards here. That can be from an adjacent room, or from a hidden panel on the tub itself. All in all, you might be able to get all of the needed materials for 2-3K if you shop the box stores carefully and find some bargains. The danger to that is that if you are inexperienced, you don't know if you're buying quality or crap. They sell both. And that's one reason that it would be simpler to let the pro pick the products after you tell him the features that you want. Then you've got to pay the contractor labor to install all of that. The electrician's price will depend on how difficult it will be to access the panel and run the wire to the location. For that, it's a really good thing you are on a crawlspace! That makes it cheaper for both the electrician and the plumber. On the whole, I'd expect your project to cost between 5-7K, depending on location, and if you have no DIY skills to bring to the table and have to hire professionals for the whole job. And be sure that you hire someone that is licensed and insured to be in your home, and will pull the proper permits to get the job inspected with your code office. Some handyman guy isn't licensed to do electrical of that nature, and while he might be able to do the demo and get the tub in place and glue on the plastic surround, it's unlikely that he'll have the right insurance to deal with a large job like that, and thus probably wont' want to pull permits and be inspected. They are usually limited to smaller jobs like simple fixture replacements like a faucet or light. Which this isn't. Just remember, you are doing a project that combines electricity and water. You really have to know what you're doing here! A small General Contractor should be able to do the complete job, and also carry the needed papers. And he should have no problem with the code guys coming in to inspect his work either. If he does, then he's not the right person for the job.

And another nut bar hit's this site. You have been given most perfect advice from some of the best boys on this site. Why don't you listen ? 104F is the safest temporary temperature rize for the human body not to excede a 15 minuet time frame. After you alter the thermostat canceling your U.L. approval your tub now become not legal and insurance companies love that. How are you going to alter the high limit after you screw with the stat ? Most of those tubs come with timers. Is that going to be altered ? Do you have any idea how poisonous chlorine gets after it is heated behond safe levels ? And what is that safe level ? Do you have any idea how stupid it is to shut off the pump with over heated water ? I guess not. The water now does not move. You are now in a poaching tub. Sorry, i take that. I know you will leave the tub when you get too hot, but let's say your not feeling well. Had a bad day. Under medication or not up to snuff. Fall asleep, Wake up dead. Then what ? It could happen. I was a power engineer at a holiday inn for years and have pulled many unconscious people from the wet sauna ( and we locked it off at 104F. with an outside manual timer maxed out at 15 minuets. We took the water away because they were flooding the heating elements and shorting them out so they went to the pool and poured chlorinated water from empty beer cans onto the heaters. Chlorine poisoning and burned lungs. Nice vacation. I guess you have already made up your mind and we will not turn you. Good luck and be carefull. Maybe warmer clothing when riding your bike ?

We have a 1989 model Hot Springs Grandee hot tub that is filled via well water. The hot tub hasn't been used in over a year and has some stains - perhaps from iron in the well water. What is the best way to remove stains from a Rovel (similiar to Corian) hot tub surface?