A flush-mounted control panel system for a bathing installation. The panel system includes a control panel including a housing structure, the housing structure including a peripheral mounting flange, the panel and flange sized to fit within a tub mounting opening in a mounting surface. A support bracket supports the control panel within the opening, and is fabricated of a thin material. The bracket has a peripheral sidewall portion, a top lip portion extending outwardly from the sidewall portion, and a bottom lip portion extending inwardly from the sidewall portion. The top lip portion overlays a portion of the surface peripheral to the opening and the bottom lip portion underlays the peripheral flange of the panel housing to support the panel within the opening. Adhesive gaskets secure the bracket to the mounting surface and the panel flange to the bottom lip portion.