Do you have a specific tub in mind? We have a Bain ultra air tub and I couldn't imagine showering in it every day. The acrylic bottom along with the added height of the side.... to me it seems like an accident waiting to happen. I guess it would depend on the height of the tub you had in mind. In regards to the automatic air purge, it only happens after the air cycles off. You wouldn't be turning the motor on when you shower so the automatic thing wouldn't happen.

Well, I don't love mine- but it could be as old as 30 years+. We've been in this house 13 years, and it was already there and well-used when we moved in. When we gut the BR I guess maybe we'll find out if there was anything else there before. And it's more because it is tiny- inside dimensions of 28X30. Certainly don't find it stains- I used a steamer and Oxy-clean to get PO's dirt off, and try to squeegee it after each use- DH couldn't be bothered- not worth nagging him as we're replacing it soon anyways. My Mom built a fairly high end luxury home and put two in her two guest baths- She loves them and definitely the ease of cleaning is an important bonus for her as she approaches her 80's. (In fact, she may have one in her Master shower- I've just never been in there!)

One pieces are usually crap. Fiberglass crap. Moot point in a remodel because they won't go through the door. The Sterling, Kohler and other higher quality acrylic 4 or 5 pc modules are OK quality, if a little institutional in appearance. Much better are the sold surface surrounds like Swanstone or Corian. Especially if they are custom fabricated by a shop that deals with solid surface and that can solvent weld them together in the field for (apparent) seamlessness.

You can get a 5' "soaker" tub with wider stance and deeper seat for about $200. For a 5' jacuzzi (check out the one fifth on the list), it'll run you about $800. Both take only a couple of inches either direction than a "standard size" tub.