I am seeking a recommendation for an affordable tub filler for a 66" Kohler Mariposa drop in tub. There will be a small tile deck around it. (I think the smallest area is around 4".) This is for my parent's build and I cannot get them to budge on budget for the faucets. So far, we have lucked out with the shower/tub combo for the spare bathroom and the simple shower unit for the master bath shower. Combo unit was the Moen Caldwell ($141). Shower unit was the Moen Banbury ($128). Both units have been in brushed nickel and spot resistant. Now we need a tub filler and there is not one in the Banbury line. I think we would like to stay with a similar feel and look since we may use the Banbury line for the sink faucets (multiple choices for that). Any suggestions? From what I have been able to view online, the Moen Brantford line is similar and has two sizes of Roman tub fillers. One comes out farther and is slightly taller than the other one - we do not know if this is needed (and is about $80 more in price.) If you have a Mariposa tub, where is your faucet located? Are you happy with it? What is the measurement from the center of the faucet base to the center of where the water comes out? Thank you for any advice. The tub has been ordered, but is not in yet and I know they will want the faucet soon.

One of the challenges will be to find stores where you can try out a variety of styles. When tub shopping for our master bathroom remodel, we went to 5-6 places and mostly just had to gaze at them because the tubs were mounted to the wall (!) or were too dirty to sit in (a wholesale type of place). We ended up buying the Americh Madison #6638 because it allows me to stretch my legs out all the way. It also has a sloped back and arm rests which I've found to be very comfortable. We added factory installed safety handles next to the arm rests. My only complaint is that it is much deeper than I anticipated which, together with the granite decking, makes the tub look HUGE in our bathroom.

The Purist line is very pretty indeed! I understand your dilemma, but surely you have more than just the one other choice (the AS faucet)? I've never had a hand shower till two years ago when we remodeled. I have a Bain Ultra tub and a Jado faucet set with handheld. OMGosh! How did I live this long without a handheld :) It's great for ALL the reasons above but it also comes in handy as theapy for sore shoulders or upper back (where my air tub doesn't reach). I'm still finding new uses for it. I promise, you won't be disappointed or feel like you made a wrong decision :) Monica

My Ultra Bain air tub looks similar. Has raised area at the, er, rear. Has arm rests and handles and a head rest. It's acrylic and heated. I chose mine to fit *me*, since DH prefers a shower. I was able to 'try one on' in a plumbing company's showroom. I wanted to be able to brace my feet so I wouldn't just slip right down underwater. I also wanted something that would fill in a short time. (We have a whirlpool tub that I never use because it takes ages to fill.) My tub is 14 years old. Zero problems. Easy to clean. Air tubs 'blow out' remaining water a few minutes after you exit them so there is no mold forming in the tubing. I have a regular fill faucet and a spray rinse on a diverter.