Removing Tub Enclosure

[I Need Help]

We're moving into a house that has a sliding-door, metal-surround glass tub enclosure attached to the fiberglass tub. Can we have it removed or would we be better off just taking out the whole tub and replacing it without an enclosure? What are the pros and cons of removing it?

[leejosepho]

Removing the glass doors and their frame is going to leave damage (screw holes and possibly some discoloration) to the tub and surround uncovered and exposed, and that will be difficult/expensive to fix unless again covered by something. To get the nicest outcome, you will likely end up replacing the entire tub and surround, and your options there would be many.

[Gary Swart]

Why do you want to remove it?

[I Need Help]

Hubby is disabled and we will be installing a grab bar on the side of the tub. The track on the bottom could injure him if he drags a foot over it or slips and comes down onto it. It's also easier for him to maneuver if he has the entire length of the tub for getting in and out, rather than the half-size opening left by the enclosure.

[leejosepho]

If I were him, I would consider one of these:

www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11651
(Note: The link in post #6 still works.)

Then, I would use some kind of moulding to cover the holes and marks left by the frame for the doors.

[I Need Help]

Finally back online.

I probably didn't explain exactly what we're wanting to do.

We have a separate shower and tub. DH wants to use the tub as a tub, so needs the sides to remain intact. Just wants to remove the enclosure.

[leejosepho]

Here is what I have showing after the doors were removed, and there are also some screw holes in the walls of the enclosure. To save expense, the stain and holes could be covered with a thin moulding of some kind, but you will have to decide what you would like to do.