Donna, Um, every whirlpool I have ever heard of is also available just as as a soaking tub... If it's going to be your tub, go sit in the tubs (yes, the whirlpools! :)) and decide which one feels best. That was my criterion. Sit in them and then get your favorite one made as a soaking tub. (after checking step-in heights, since it will be used as a shower too) As I said, Maax Melodie and Palace felt the best by far to me, but everyone's different (I've heard the Palace is pretty popular with folks who can fit a 6' tub in). Also, if you can fit 6' in, try the Toto cast iron 6' tub. If after all that the Porcher Ardennes is the one that feels best, go with that. I'm sure they'd have a way to help you make an alcove situation for it. If the Neptune feels best, go with that (again, check the height wrt using it as a shower). So your assignment is to go to the stores in Chicago, step into the tubs, sit in them, and decide which one feels best entering and lounging in. Then report back :)

I am looking to purchase a TOTO alcove cast iron bath tub (modeL FBY1525). My problem is there are no showrooms near me to actually see the tub before buying. Is the apron on the tub just has smooth as inside the tub? I am asking this question because I have seen several Kohler cast iron tubs which their cast iron tub's apron (the front panel of an alcove tub) does not have the same smooth finish as the inside of the tub. I can only describe the apron finish has the appearance of an orange peel effect. Could any of you who has a TOTO alcove cast iron tub (looking like what I just described), please provide me with any feedback to help me in my decision. Brenda H

I have both. I prefer the cast iron and wish I had used it in the bath where I used acrylic. My cast iron looks nicer, feels nicer, and cleans more easily. The acrylic looks kind of dull/chalky /dirty very quickly and must be cleaned with soap scum remover to look shiny again. I'm worried that I'm ruining the finish. (It is 2 years old.) The cast iron tub retains heat very well during a bath--there is no noticeable difference between the two for that. I debated this same issue. I thought the acrylic was just fine until remodel #2, where I used the cast iron, and now I know that I like that better. One factor in my decision was ease of moving--we had a tight hallway and corner to get around and the acrylic was MUCH easier to maneuver. Both tubs are Kohlers.

Hi Polly, thank you for your kind words. I can't blame you for not using marble flooring, with all the concerns I've seen on this site, I went with all porcelain in my second bathroom, floor and shower walls. I wanted to do another soapstone sink and integrate it into a marble counter. It would have worked I think, but the SS remnant I had ended up not looking good with the marble. So I have an incomplete sink in our shop, that I need to finish. I might put it in the basement as a utility sink, or give it to my sister if she wants to remodel. I haven't given it much thought lately though. Regarding marble counter. I did do a marble counter in my second bathroom and used a Kohler under mounted sink called Verticyl. There are several shapes, and contemporary. here is an image, I have liked it. The marble is so pretty. The vanity is walnut in a frameless cabinet. It is hard to see in this pic. But the marble counter is nice with it: This is a picture I took at an Ann Sacks store in Seattle last winter. Carrara under mounted tub. The fixtures were all Kallista, I think the tub was too: