I don't know about the 15.25 level. My new soaker is a kohler tea for two 5.5' tub. it has a 19 inch deep level and feels nice. It takes a LOT of water though.

as a tall guy in that space I have to bend my knees a little, in normal tubs they are above water, in this they are not.

Thank you so much for responding chrisk327. Helpful info. Tea for two was my first choice but I do not have the space for the 36" width if I must add an apron which is even larger than 36". Do you know if the surround (apron) can be built by my cabinet maker to avoid adding a 2x4 wall to the tub? Thanks again.

Our freestanding tub is 18" deep and it really is wonderful. If you go the freestanding route you won't need a deck at all.

alku05,please tell me what freestanding tub you bought. Is the water level 18" deep? Thanks for your help.

We got a MTI Hampton. MTI offers many freestanding options and most are 18" deep. Choose a model and click on the specs link to get the "depth at overflow" measurement. The specs also list MSRP, but shop around...we paid about 30% less than MSRP.

Here is a link that might be useful: MTI freestanders

I have the Kohler Tea for Two also, specifically for the depth. We're still in the middle of the whole house reno at this point so I haven't used it yet. It looks good in it's spot though!

If you're planning on putting the tub filler on the deck, then you definetly need more space than a 2'x4'. If you're using this in alcove, you'll have trouble finding a wall mounted filler that will fill at a fast enough rate to make the deep tub worth it. That reminds me...study tub fillers carefully no matter what deep tub you use. You'll need to pick a filler with a high fill rate, over 10gpm ideally. You don't want to wait 30 mins for your tub to fill! I had a heck of a time picking faucets for the bathroom because of this.

I "think" you need to frame. However, it doesn't need to necessarily be far outside the tub dimension. ie the edge of the tub can be sitting on the frame. the spec sheet can tell you how much.

we built ours with a 2x6 frame in front of the tub to have room for the faucet. and we had grante extending a bit past that.

If you're looking for a serious soaker, it is definatly a take no prisoners approach.

Also, I'm not sure if I can say this enough, make sure your contractor knows what you're planning if you are planning on this... especially if it is a second floor install. this tub is seriously heavy, and huge. there is no way in my house we could have manouvered it into the bathroom if we didn't have a wall completely gone, and probably couldn't have gotten the thing up the stairs, we used a lift when their was no railings. I'm sure people have figured things out, but I guess my point is, it isn't a "standard" tub or install

Thanks to chrisk327, alku05, breezygirl and sunnyann(03) for all your responses.I ordered the Toto FBY1550P. It can be filled to 17". I did check out MTI. "Tea for Two" was my favorite but space does not permit. I especially appreciate the reminder about the tub filler rate since it is now time to select the faucets. We decreased the size of the bathroom after it was gutted to make additional closet space and consequently I have been bogged down on tub selection for too long. Means I now must move into high gear to make other selections in order to avoid slowing any of my subs down. Thanks again to all. I'll let you know how it works out.