Don’t splash. Your room is not set up to take it. Get in before the tub is as full as you like it to be and finish filling it with you in the tub. Rinse your hair or face or whatever makes a splash for you after partially emptying the tub. This is not a tub for children to play in. Have them use an alcove tub elsewhere.

Oh dear... that alcove is really too small to have that freestanding tub. I am surprised the contractor didn't say something.

I do not know of a way to waterproof this. Those walls are going to get wet.

Maybe someone will have a good idea.

It is a rental I want to waterproof it before I get any renters in. I agree that this bathtub is not suitable for this space but it is what it is and I am looking for solutions :-) Thank you!

Stick on flooring. Peel and stick floor tiles.

As a rental, I predict that you will have structural damage to this room within 5 years. Let’s say that you install thin waterproof sheets of fiberglass or vinyl and manage to get them between the tub and the wall. You can’t get to the back corners to seal seams in the corners. Water that splashes out of this tub is going to stand in place on the floor around the back of the tub. No renter is going to manage to get back there to wipe it up. It is the wrong tub for the place it is installed.

You can remove it now and install something more appropriately sized for the space, or remove it later after the renters move out. If they use it they may damage the walls. If you're lucky they won't use it. If there is also a shower in the bathroom there is a chance they won't use it. Somebody didn't think that through when it was installed.

I really love the tub and it’d be very tempting to use it every day. I agree with the others that water will probably be everywhere. I’m sorry, I have no suggestions other than replacing the tub. Good luck to you.

There was not enough space for the tub that is the issue. How the heck are you every going to clean crap from the walls around that tub. Take the tub back or redo the room.

If you think you will end up renting to a family - and if they have young ones - chances are they will use that tub so I’d follow the advise above. If you think you’ll be renting to a single or couple then you may wish to roll the dice. But I would also err on the side of caution.

Thank you for your suggestions. I have had several renters so far all of them were very respectful of my properties and none of them has damaged anything but one never knows.

Vinyl wallpaper might slide between tub and wall.

Ania- I’m a temporary renter right now. And I care for this home as if it was my own. However, the kitchen layout is horrible. So, even though I’m a tiny, neat and clean person I cannot physically clean it well all the time. (My housecleaners even gave up 🤣). My point - keeping your bathroom dry may be challenging even for the perfect tenant.

People, please. It's splash from a tub, not a showerhead. Adhere someFRP to the walls and forget about it please.

Maybe you can install some sheets of melamine on the wall, doesn't seem to be lots of space but you might be able to squeeze that in.

The problem isn't just the walls but the floors behind the tub.

I know, it says "it is what it is" but really not a good installation!

If there is paint on the wall, no need for another finish. The splashing on the wall won't affect the wall, except for some runs you will see from dust sticking to moisture or the water running down existing dust. The problem is any water sitting on top of the baseboard or getting under it to the inside of the wall and subfloor. Any type of wall finish you do doesn't alleviate that.