Guide to replace your bath for a Krion Shell® shower tray

13/01/2022

Replacing your bathtub for a shower tray brings a number of benefits, so you're making the right choice. But you need to know how to do it well to make sure you get the result you're hoping for.

If you're thinking about swapping your bathtub for a shower tray, it's important to know it's always best to get the help of a professional. Experience always helps, and for something like your shower, you need to get it right. Experience is key.

But if you've decided you're going to go for it and swap your bath for a shower tray yourself, here's our guide to all the things you need to know about getting rid of your bath and installing a shower instead.

The benefits of swapping your bath for a shower tray

Showers are the future. Of course it's lovely to lie back in a relaxing bath, but showers are much more practical, economical and sustainable. Here are the main advantages:

• Save time. It makes life easier. We tend to spend on average 10 minutes in the shower, compared to 30 minutes in a relaxing bath. 
• Save money and energy. Because showering uses less water than bathing.
• Aesthetics. Bathrooms look more spacious with a shower, especially if space is limited.
• Accessibility. More accessible for people with mobility difficulties.

Slope shower tray

What materials do you need for swapping your bath for a shower tray?

If you're renovating your bathroom, you'll need more than a shower tray, tiles and taps. You'll also need various tools and materials. These include the following:

• PVC piping for taps and shower drainage.
• Couplings.
• Waterproofing product.
• Mallet and pickaxe.
• Paint stripper.
• Screwdrivers (electric or manual).
• Adjustable spanner.
• Spirit level.
• Silicone and gun.
• Pencil and tape measure.
• Gloves.

Step by step: How to replace your bath for a shower tray

Here's a step-by-step guide to swapping your bath for a shower tray:

1. Measure up. Before you buy your shower tray and everything else, you need to measure what size shower tray you need and how many metres of piping you'll need. You should also measure the height so you can work out how many metres of tiles/panels you'll need.
2. Switch off your hot and cold water supply.
3. Remove the bath, starting with the taps, and drainage and wall tiles. First, remove the overflow valve. Remove your old wall tiles and bath panels. Next remove the bath, along with any grout or silicone sealant.
4.  Get the drainage ready for the shower tray and check it's working properly. Fit the drainage for the shower tray, taking into account that the shower tray coupling valve needs to have a diameter of at least 40 mm, or up to 50 mm for a high-flow valve.
5.  Check the surface is level. Use a spirit level to make sure the surface is perfectly level. If not, you can use mortar to level it out.
6.  Place the shower tray on the surface. Put the shower tray in position to check the drainage and hole are aligned. Remove the shower tray after doing this.
7.  Waterproof the area using your chosen solution (both the shower tray area and walls).
8.  Spread adhesive over the surface. To get a professional result, spread Butech P-404 adhesive over the surface you're installing the shower tray on.
9.  Place the shower tray in position and connect it. Position the shower tray in place, again making sure it's completely level, connect the valve, and fill to stop any sewer gas escaping.
10.  Leave the putty to dry for at least 24 hours.
11.  Protect the shower tray when you tile the wall. Waterproof the wall and then apply your new tiles or panels (by Porcelanosa for example) using a suitable adhesive, leaving a 3 mm expansion joint. Next, grout the tiles.
12.  Seal the expansion joints. You can use Butech P-404 adhesive to seal the expansion joints - this product will give the joins elasticity, resistance and adhesion.
13.  Place the grate trim in the shower tray drain.

Which shower tray should I choose?

The most important step is to choose the right shower tray. You'll need to find one that's resistant to impacts and non-porous, making it easier to clean. If possible, go for one made in an antibacterial material such as Krion Shell®.

Slope, Flow and Line shower trays are the best options.

SLOPE

Is an ultra-slim shower tray that comes in two textured finishes - concrete and silk - and is available in 5 colours. The slope allows the water to flow towards the ample drainage, which is covered with an attractive stainless steel trim for added functionality. The design means it can be installed on the surface or built in, and makes getting in and out of the shower easier.

FLOW

Is another ultra-slim option which comes in white in either a silk or rock finish, ideal for preventing slippages, and features a small drain with a black, white or chrome trim. The design of the shower tray is simple and uniform, featuring soft forms across the entire surface. The range of standard formats and textures available mean you can find the perfect match for your bathroom décor scheme.

LINE

Comes with excellent mechanical properties, enabling you to customised the length and width to fit the space you have after removing your bath. It comes in five different colours, with a concrete finish, and decorative panels can be used on the walls to enhance the sense of visual continuity in your bathroom.

These solutions, available in a range of sizes, make an ideal choice if you're replacing your bath with a shower tray. Go to your nearest Porcelanosa showroom to get a close-up look at all these solutions.