Why do you want the shower outlet low? Use a handheld on a bar for the shower. You slide it where you want it and it's just like a fixed head. Then the next person puts it where they want it. You remove it from the holder to clean the tub. You need a tub filler that diverts to the shower. Are you thinking that you'll fill the tub with the showerhead? If so, you'd be waiting all day for the tub to fill.

firsthome, I have a similar situation (aside from the air tub, access panel, glass shield...not sure what all that means). I have the same size alcove tub/shower that's in a hall/guest bath and is the only tub in the house. It's only used when I infrequently have overnight guests or if I want to take a bath (seldom).

I am planning to have a handheld only, as enough folks on GW say that will be fine. Originally I considered the bar, but now am thinking I would probably be fine with the fixed wall attachment. My situation doesn't have people of varying sizes using the shower frequently. I might change my mind but since everything's adding up, this is one area where I could spend less.

Have you actually found an air tub with an integral tile flange? All that I've seen are drop in only and not suited to be used as a tub shower. And have you actually used an air tub before? It's NOT a jetted tub experience. Find someone that has one and try it out before you commit to this plan. It's a lot of money to spend on something that won't get used.

Catbuilder - the outlet high on the wall works fine if you are only using the handheld during showering or for cleaning but not if you want to use it while laying in he tub. If you have a normal 59" hose and the starting point is way up high on the wall and you are sitting in a 60" tub with your head at the other end and want to wash with the handheld it won't reach. You would need a much longer hose and I don't want a super low hose (like 80") dangling down all the time.

Hollysprings - I actually have a Jason air tub with integrated flange that I purchased for a steal on Craigslist. No, I have never used an air tub. I would love to find a showroom near me where I could test one out.

So, you use a slide bar. The outlet goes near the bottom of the bar, not the top. You can put it at the top if you want, but for your purposes the bottom would work much better. You could put a hook holder for it at the other end of the tub if you like, so you can park it there while taking a bath.

Thanks catbuilder.
Like I mentioned, my concern with that set-up is you could never go back to just a normal fixed showerhead setup, but I guess once I drill all these holes that ins't up for discussion anyway :-)

Any cons to just going with the handheld on a bar as the primary showerhead?

I am advocating that you DO go with the handheld as the only showerhead. It's what I have had for the last 20 years, and frankly I don't see the point in spending money for a duplicate showerhead, unless it's in a totally different location (ceiling, different wall).

Thanks catbuilder. You confirmed my initial gut feeling but then I started second guessing and over-thinking...bad habit of mine.

So do you have a slide bar or just a fixed wall hook setup? Do you also have a separate hook on the otherside near the tub for bathing. That is something I never thought of but is a great idea.

I am advocating that you DO go with the handheld as the only showerhead.
It's what I have had for the last 20 years, and frankly I don't see the
point in spending money for a duplicate showerhead, unless it's in a
totally different location (ceiling, different wall).

What I have found though, is that handhelds never have as high water pressure as a direct wall mounted showerhead, which is why I choose to install both types in a shower or tub/shower, as each water source has different advantages and uses.