How to Create an Inexpensive Shower Enclosure for an Old Fashioned Bathtub

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Note that you will be making a rectangular shower curtain rod suitable for hanging shower curtains around the bathtub.

   If you don't have a tape measure, use a piece of string. , You'll need one long dowel for each of the long sides of the tub, and one short dowel each for the front and back.
   
   Probably you'll end up purchasing three dowels and cutting one of them into two short pieces. ,,,, If you don't know how to do this, find anyone who's ever been a girl scout or boy scout to help you. ,, Adjust the length of the twine to hang this contraption somewhat level and centered above the tub. , Overlap the curtains by about two rings.
   
   If your enclosure is really big you might need more shower curtains. ,,, This is only recommended if you're reasonably handy:
   Mark where the corners/bends will be with a marker, allowing for a curve radius of about 6 inches (15.2 cm).
   
   Heat up the marked section of pipe with a flame, such as a blowtorch or gas stove.
   
   Do not breathe the smoke/fumes from the heated pipe.
   
   Move the pipe constantly to heat the entire area.
   
   It will probably take several minutes for the pipe to soften.
   
   Once the PVC becomes rubbery, bend it to the desired position, and submerge in a sink full of cold water.
   
   Continue for the other bends.
   
   The pipe will inevitably have burn marks, sand or paint them if you like.
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   Step 2: Determine the approximate dimensions of the tub.

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   Step 3: Buy some wood dowel of approximately 1 1/4" diameter at any home or hardware store.

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   Step 4: While you're there

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   Step 5: purchase the inexpensive hand-held shower that fits over the tub spout

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   Step 6: and a ball of string or twine.

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   Step 7: The store will usually be happy to make the one or two cuts you might need to get the dowels to a suitable length.

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   Step 8: Back home

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   Step 9: lay the dowel on the floor in a rectangle

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    Step 10: overlapping the corners a few inches.

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    Step 11: Lash each of the corners together with twine.

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    Step 12: Install four hooks in the ceiling approximately where the corners of the enclosure will be.

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    Step 13: Use some more twine to hang rectangle from the hooks.

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    Step 14: Install two shower curtains

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    Step 15: each extending from the front of the enclosure to the back.

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    Step 16: Install the shower over the tub spout.

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    Step 17: To shower

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    Step 18: slip between the shower curtains

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    Step 19: and use the hand held shower.

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    Step 20: If you use PVC pipe

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    Step 21: you can cut and lash them as described above

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    Step 22: or you can also try the following method.

Detailed Guide

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