I'm just seeing this post this evening or I would have commented sooner. My Aquatic airjet has not been installed yet, nor is it free-standing, but my friend's is. Hers has claw feet and she loves it. She says the 'effervescent bubbles' are wonderful and the blower is not noisy. She loves the bathing experience. Her blower is remotely located under the vanity because of course, it would be seen otherwise. I don't know what the cost was but I'm sure it was nowhere near $8800.00. Go first to www.aquaticwhirlpools.com for product info. Then go to the link below which is to Ted at Old Tyme Hardware for pricing info. He was very helpful and knowledgeable about Aquatic (and other brands) and had very good prices. Tech Support at Aquatic (Jeff Nolte) has also been very helpful regarding installation techniques. Good luck, Anne

Okay, I'm listening to what you are saying. Evidently 1.5 gpm is standard for an energy saving showerhead. A normal showerhead is flow restricted to 2.5 gpm. The next time I'm telling someone how to size a tankless, I'll include that information. And I'm all for using less water - but the 1.5 gpm number hasn't commonly been used in sizing. That said, when we are talking a shower with a rain showerhead, it's not going to be less than 2.5. I'm very comfortable with the 5 - 8 gpm number. What I don't know is the water temps in S. Louisiana in the winter. The average is 67... so is 60 a good winter time number? At 60F water inlet, the NRC98 will do 7.5 gpm - which is about right. Kudzu - Regarding "...almost 20 gpm of hot water..." this is an important thing I want to drive home with the OP and anyone else: You cannot look at that "best possible situation" gpm number on a tankless heater and think it will produce that. The only GPM number that's applicable is the amount of GPM it will produce given the temp rise needed to bring the groundwater in your area up to 105 F in the winter. Note: I made a mistake on the temp rise and GPM on my original example. I quoted the numbers for a 60 degree temp rise when it should have been 50 degree temp rise. At that rate a single heater would provide the needed GPM. I have edited the entry to correct it.

We are not in full remodel mode but my jetted tub is partially dismantled. I took a pic of what it looks in the front. Since there are jets on the opposite side, I’m guess there’s piping on the back as well. When all done the tub will be covered with a tile or stone front. I can’t say is impossible, just saying can’t imagine hiding it with a stand alone.

@Sammy it's going in a open space. Now I'm leaning towards a soaking tub. I'm not thrilled with spending an extra 1K+ for the air bubbles, especially because all of my other home costs are going up! Lol. The floor is going to be a beige tile and the style of the bathroom is traditional/rustic. I live in SW Montana, so I'm looking for something that will go along with that decor. I do like the look of the clawfoot tubs, but I'm not sure if I'll get tired of the style over the years. I do have a Ferguson showroom about an hour and a half away. I might have to go this weekend!