Thank you Beaglesdoitbetter! Just looked further into the hole pattern and it looks like there are two options, one is the Aria with 20 jets and the other is the Aria Elite with 30 jets. The Aria hole pattern is evenly spaced throughout while the Aria Elite has more of a sculpted pattern with no holes where you'd normally be seated. Do you have the regular Aria? If so, that would aleviate my concerns about comfort. I love the idea of the radiant heat vs. the inline so thank you for that idea. With an inline, it looks like the water runs through the unit which requires an intake and output and detracts from the smooth lines of the tub. Can I ask what drain you opted for? We were advised against the toe tap, so the only other options are the lift and turn or the cable driven system. Depending on what the price quote comes in at, our preference is for the MTI. The interior of the Hydro Systems Lacey seemed so much more narrow than the MTI even though they have the same exterior dimensions.

The Bain Ultra tubs (and I would think most airbubble tubs) are very low maintenance unlike many whirlpool tubs that need monthly cleansing cycles. Resale-wise I think alot of people are looking for a master bath with a tub that does something therapeutic, so I don't think it matters if it's air or whirlpool. If you're not worried about resale, I would say do what you feel is right for your lifestyle. Having the air gives you the choice of using the tub as a soaker or as a therapeutic option if your back is hurting, you've pulled a muscle, etc. With the soaker, soaking is the only option you have. I personally, like to leave my options open. Just my $0.02.

I have to say we were pretty shocked at the amount of water action in our BainUltra air jet. We had been expecting the "gentle bubble bath". But it really gets the water moving, even when set at 10%. We seldom run it at full power, but it's got quite a bit of kick. At times, I think it would be nice to have the ability to dial it back to about 1% for a quiet champagne style of bubbling. The whirlpool jets do have more of a direct massage since they are directing the water stream instead of indirectly through the air bubbles. See if you can find a way to try out the ones you're considering and which you might prefer. I know some of the vendor sites listed various hotels or B&Bs that have them installed. We checked out operational units at a local distributor.

We have the Victoria + Albert York. It is very deep. I can't imagine it being any deeper or else it would be so hard to get in and out of. At first I really, really wanted the MTI Linda tub, was just in love with that tub plus you could get radiant heat in it along the back where you lean. I sat in it at Ferguson's and it was nice but honestly, it was sooo expensive and it's just crazy to spend $6-7K on a bathtub. I think the lowest I found it without the heat was in the mid $3K range. Still out of reach with all the other stuff to buy, too. That is what led me to the Victoria + Albert York because it looked the most like the MTI Linda. Since I have the York now I never think about the Linda tub anymore except to wonder if the wider tub would feel more roomy. The York is fairly narrow but it's still comfortable. I have the 68 1/2" size. It fits perfectly in the space we removed the deck jacuzzi tub out of just doesn't extend into the room as far, a plus. Good riddance to that thing!!! I love the freestanding tub, makes the bathroom look so much bigger and I have already used it more since May than I used the jacuzzi tub in the previous 13 years! That is a very good price, you can get the tub and the faucets for $2800? That's a good deal. I got the floor mounted faucet that is freestanding, the faucet hangs up like a telephone. Very British looking. With all the component pieces plus the drain I think we paid more like $3200. If you live in Atlanta I believe they ship from somewhere not too far south of Atlanta. The saleslady told us the lava ash that the V+A's are made of help to retain heat. I don't think I would ever have any sort of power feature on a tub again. Just something else to worry about and it's not as heavenly as it seems it would be. For me I love being able to use bath salts and bubble bath to abandon and while they say you can with the air bath I wonder if it's really ok. I never could do that with the whirlpool tub as it was a no no. Happy hunting!