Have spec'd them for two luxury homes and the client's LOVE them. Biggest problem with soakers or any tub is the water cools too fast. So, go for it! Do spend the extra money for the "insulated" tub.

Thank you both. I think I will choose Kohler alcove tub and hook up watertech’s heater for soaker tubs which heats and recirculates the hot water. Anyone have any knowledge of the watertech company out of Tennessee?

I would love heating in my tub! I always have to add more hot water to keep it warm.

If you think it is worth the price difference...

We just don't fill the tub to the brim at first, so when it starts to cool a little bit, we add a bit of hot water. When we decide to spend a very long time in the bath tub, we let some of the colder water seep away and then fill up with hot water again.

Very cost efficient. Very quick too.

If that works for you, then great and good. I am not a fan of cooling water, but to each his own. I think you can go either way and it sounds like you would be happy. Think of it this way, if it is $500 more cost (not sure total extra cost) and you take 3 baths a week, in a year you would take 156 baths, that's a little over $3 a bath and just for one year! Just keep it in perspective.