Wow, thanks bumble doodle! Tt is great to know that the tub works well as a shower. We are tall too--at least most of us (two of my teenage daughters are twins and one is 5'2" and the other is 5'10", so maybe the short one complains a bit but that's ok, since she complains about everything!) We are getting the non-jetted version. Also, I am hoping that building the deck at the front will help with the water spray. I am pushing the tub back into an alcove under the window the long way (so we get into the tub at the 32" side rather than from the 48" side) and we are trying to go without shower doors in order to make the bath feel open. With a deck, we buy a few more inches of length to help avoid water on the floor. We may not succeed and will put a panel on if we have to. Any thoughts on this?

Hi szruns. From what I've learned it's almost never wise to disregard the manufacturer's directions regarding your concern. Here's some info on tubs from gardenweb to get you started. A lot of it is still current. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bath/msg1201101028412.html I'd suggest you do a search on this site - you'll find lots of other useful info on tubs, including some on the kind of tub you're looking for. I did that kind of research when I was remodeling and found it very helpful

Yes, the plumbing needs to be done first. Yes, you may be able to just get another acrylic shower wall to cover over everything, if the wall is not moldy or wet behind the tile that you are looking at. There is no need to replace the tub itself if it is in good shape, even if you do decide to take down the wall tile and replace everything from the studs out. Just make sure the workers cover the tub well to protect it while the work is being done. I am with Monicakm_gw, get some more bids for the work. You might want to have them bid on just replacing the walls with new fiberglass, and on doing the whole new tile job, too. You can see new walls at Lowes, Home Depot, and Menard's online. There is also the whole Marbleite wall option to look into. Local dealers for Marbelite are supposed to be cheaper than buying from big box stores, if I remember right. While you are fixing plumbing, you should probably put in a proper mixing valve to protect from scalds. It is the code now. No one will be able to turn the water too hot to burn themselves and flushing the toilet or using the water elsewhere in the house will not burn the person in the shower anymore, either. I have read the experts here on the forum say that the Symmons Temptrol system is very good and is a good value. Here is one that comes with the shower head and tub spout for under $100. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Symmons-Temptrol-1-Handle-Tub-and-Shower-Faucet-in-Chrome-S-96-2/100643619

I feel like a glass tile might be nice with your flooring choice. I found this one on Tilebar. It is a bit dark maybe. Mangata groove cafe glass tile But there is also this, which is Crema. I think that is likely what you've got on your floor. This one is a good size 2X8 - so longer than your regular subway. Crema marfil 2 X 8 I'm sure if you look, you can find a ceramic tile to mimic Crema. I agree that white tile isn't the right choice. There is quite a range of colours in glass tiles and I'm wondering if that look nice in your bath. You mention you don't want bland and I think that more of the same as the floor might end up being just that, bland. Here is a glass sample, I don't know if it would be the right colour, but if you could find something similar colour to your grout choice, that might look nice. Loft smoky taupe