We are going with a freestanding in our new master bath both because we like the looks and also with our layout it worked better. Given the cost of a good tiling job I'm not sure a built-in would have been less expensive than a standalone. We had 2 drop-in tubs (one to be removed with shower stall) and one of them still in-- acrylic-- which we put in 12 years ago and somewhat regret now because it flexes and the grout cracked over time so it has needed a lot of maintenance. (this is mostly because of the material we chose). But when our kids were younger they loved the bubbles!

I'm getting ready to purchase an Aquatica Purescape tub. They have plenty of styles. aquaticausa.com/

We just bought our Dynasty Spa - Neptune - Atlantis model with all the bells and whistles!!! and we love it!! We live in Nashville Tn and the spa is manufactured here so we felt very comfortable with our purchase and the history of the company. I think it is the only spa that has a 3 pump system and had the most foot room at the bottom. We shopped around for a while and you really need to get in them and try them out as far as how you sit in them. My husband is 6'5 and this was really the only spa that would accomidate his height and suit me as well. We filled it 2 weeks ago and I have been in it every change I get, the thermostate is set on 93 and its really nice even in this kind of heat. Shop around and I think you will see that this is a very nice spa that is in a leauge of its own. Im not a sales rep, Im just very satified with our choice!! I have the nature2 system to sablize the water. Its a small tube that fits in the filter of your spa and reacts for 3 months. When we get out of the spa I put a cap full of the sani-spa and the chemicals have been good so far. Good Luck

I know this is an old thread, but reading through it - as someone who has bad knees and pins and a plate in one ankle, how on earth is a free-standing tub easier to get in or out of? There's NO way to reach a functional grab bar, for heaven's sake!!!!