Can you put in a large enough shower so that if you sold later a new owner could easily put a tub/shower combo in that same spot? I think if the opening were framed the right size, you could go with the shower now (which I think is the better choice in your particular situation) and then when it came time to sell, people could be told that a tub would fit in that same spot if they wanted to change it out. They would probably need to change the drain location, etc., but this could keep them from having to mess with framing. As a buyer, I would prefer the tub, but I am part of the smaller percentage that takes a bath 90% of the time and only showers occasionally. In our current house, we have a large garden tub, shower, and tub/shower combo. Normally I use the tub/shower combo to have the smaller tub so that it doesn't take as long to fill up the tub and I don't waste as much water.

gee, if you are planning to sell in the next few years and if it is the only tub or bath I would probably keep a tub/shower combo even though you would most likely sell to someone without kids, many people do love baths. If resale is not in the future do what works for you. No tub and glassed shower or wet room will feel much larger. My in laws in the UK just replaced their only tub with a walk in shower and will let the possible future buyers change it if need be. I just added a master bath and chose closet space and nice large shower instead of doing tub and smaller separate shower and have no regrets but we have a hall shower/bath combo.

How imminent is possible resale? What are typical buyers' family make-ups in your area? Are no-tub homes common in your area? Is it a buyers' or sellers' market? Unless resale is in under 5 years, average age of kids in the neighbourhood is under 10, everyone has tubs, and it's a buyer's market, which is an unlikely combo, LOSE the tub. Too many people hang on to them because it's believed we 'should'. A good walk-in shower with a built-in seat and large enough for a wheelchair is far more versatile and practical. It's not just stepping over the tub rim that makes people want to get rid of them. Tubs are far smaller, often messier, & less commfortable overall. And you have an outdoors one for the luxury aspect. We need to LIVE in our homes fully, not under the shadows preceeding future owners :)

Is any of this DIY? For my budget bath job I found a shower kit on Craigslist that had a fiberglass pan and frameless glass walls: a fairly easy install. Those kits are over $1000 now. I put inexpensive 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" ceramic tile on the walls. For flooring outside of the shower, I bought peel and stick vinyl. If you're not doing DIY, then a shower kit with acrylic walls is your best bet. Technically you're supposed to change your drain line from 1 1/2" to 2". That could get expensive if you have to hire a plumber and get a permit. If none of that is appealing, you can buy a fiberglass pan that fits your old tub location and plumbing, and acrylic walls like pics, and use a shower curtain.