We are attemptimg to build our own shower. We have used the directions from a link from this site on how to do it. we are running into trouble. We think we may have made the cement/sand mixture too dry as the top of the mud bed is crumbly. We could not find any latex additive (to use in place of water)but were told at the HomeDepot that the acrylic additive was similar. What to do???? Can we add water to the top to give it more moisture??? Do we just go ahead and use it the way it is, putting the liner on top of it as it is?? Any suggestions would be so appreciated.

The bed for the preslope can be less than perfect and it's great practice for the slab over the liner. So don't worry.

The mortar bed will seem crumbly although it should remain in one solid piece. You could spray a bit of water over top of the slab ... just enough to moisten any portland which might not have gotten wet in your first mix.

I also was told that the addative was the same,Mine is called "Acrylic Mortar Admix "made by custom Building Products. Do you think this is OK to add to my Pre slope.