We went with an Americh Turo tub. It was the only one that was 18 inches high, instead of the 20-22 typical of tubs that have the whirlpool features. This tub can also be ordered with a whirlpool, but I didn't look into that since we wanted a plain tub. So far, it's working out well as a tub and shower combo. However, it does feel deep if it were filled to capacity - I may worry if I had small children (but, I don't have kids, so I'm not sure at what age I would feel comfortable).

Ginny, I have recently invested in an Aquatic Airjet Serenity 2, but it is not yet installed. The most that I can personally tell you is that my contractor guys sat it out on the patio to test it for leaks, and we all stood around smiling watching the 'effervescent bubbles' fizz. It passed the leak test and "it works!" test with flying colors. I took pictures ... it was a milestone in my remodel... something worked! Just kidding. :) I will tell you what the friend who recommended Aquatic to me said however. She loves it. Said the bubbles sensation from an Airjet are amazing, very relaxing. I have heard that the blower on an Aquatic is fairly quiet; that the water bubbling makes a greater sound than the blower. Also the '600 Watt Air Heating System' that comes with the product insures that you feel only WARM air entering the tub. Someone who has another product posted that the air entering her tub was cold and she would have preferred not feeling that sensation. However, important to me was not having to be concerned about bacteria from water circulating through the tubes that sometimes occurs with a hydro jetted tub. Although there are cleansing tablets that you can use to clean a jetted tub, I did not want to have to remember to do that. Airjets only use a blower to blow air into the tub, causing the "champagne bubbles" and then after use, a blower comes on to 'dry out' the system. In your case, you would like a hydro-massage, as well. I have heard only good reports about Aquatic, which is why I puchased, and the Infinity Series offers both. I don't think the cleansing issue is a big deal for conscientious people, I just don't want to be conscientious anymore. :) In another month, I hope to be able to give you a personal recommendation. In the meantime, Ted at the link below (Olde Tyme Hardware) is very knowlegeable about Aquatic and other brands. He has very good pricing, as well. Best of Luck.

thanks kingatlas and oruboris! oruboris, that's just too funny about yoga and your whirlpool ^o^ for me the final deciding factor is the position of the whirlpool jets that is pushing me towards the Kohler. i wish the jets are right behind my back, but these are close enough to reach (no extreme yoga required): Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler Memoirs Whirlpool

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.