Wow, thanks! Those are some great prices..... Still expensive mind you, but nearly half price off MSRP puts them almost in my grasp. I'm considering not only the Purist whirlpool/air tubs but also the "Sok" tubs, which don't offer jets, but do have the tiny champagne bubbles that cling to your skin (as seen here).... .....in an easier-to-fit rectangular size, and an infinity edge on all sides which allows you to fill the tub right to the very brim - then step in and stretch out with wild abandon, ignoring the waves of water you just sent cascading over the ledge. Did I mention there's room for two? It's so indulgent, which of course is why I want one! here's a youtube video of a Sok tub in action. Even if I had the room I'm probably do without the larger Sok For Two, which is a whopping 104" long. That tub is shaped for two people facing each other at opposite ends; I prefer the arrangement on the supposedly one-person Sok which is still plenty wide and long enough for two (same width, 75"L) but faces both people the same way. Overstockdeals has the Sok overflowing bath w/champagne bubbles & chromatherapy from $6570. (The Sok for 2 starts at $7,200). The Sok has a strangely uneven tub floor; the part you sit on near the back is a step up from the rest of the tub; not sure I'd like that. They also have the Purist oval tub which overflows mostly in the front (though can all around) but offers whirlpool jets that the Sok lacks, plus the tiny champagne bubbles and optional chroma for $3788. If you want just the bubbles, they have them from $2,794; If you just want the tub - no bubbles, jets, or lights, you can have one for only $988 (!) You'll need to check those prices carefully, because there are lots of configurations, several kinds of bubble systems ("relax", "spa", "massage") and with or without jets or colored lights, etc., so be sure you know what you're ordering. I've also considered the Kohler Riverbath which delivers yet another sensation - most of the jets are at your feet pointing forward, so there's a current in the tub flowing from feet to head, washing over you continuously. 66" or 75" whirlpool round whirpools w/chroma start at $6,477, the more practical rectangular whirlpool w/integral fill and chroma, from $6,918. Lots of scintilating choices here.... MDH, would appreciate any other impressions or advice. How did you mount your tub? i.e. in a large rectangular deck that reaches the walls, or an oval support just large enough for the tub as in the above pictures? Are the parts and labor for building the deck and tiling it expensive? Is the backrest and neckrest comfortable to lean against? Are the rotating back jets therapeutic? Do two fit comfortably? (it's listed as a single person tub, but I'd venture the phone-booth of a shower I have now is also intended for one. Never stopped us :-). Is it difficult to climb over the tub to get in or out, and are any extra bars in place to aid in the effort? Thanks!

Just a quick update. I spent days reading material on air tubs and whirlpools and got my decision down to a 36 x 72" Jason and Purebath. To get an outside opinion, I called an online bath dealer in the Richmond, VA area where I used to live (Whirlpooltubs.com, Steve) and after discussing a lot of models, which he sells as well, he steered me to Mansfield, an UN-fancy company that offered a ton of features and everything I was looking for, at a nice price. I ended up with the Baywood 6 Ariance GentleTouch (air bath version) which has back jets with heated neck/back rest, heated silent air (all offer this), included neck pillow, chromatherapy. This combined the features I thought my husband might benefit from (back jets) with the surround air jets, in a quiet system, as we will put the motor on the other side of the wall with insulation. Mansfield offers the Ariance in 3 models: HealthTouch (whirlpool), GentleTouch (air bath) and DualTherapy. I would love to tell you what I think about this bathtub, but we are still building our home and are months' out yet. This dealer was on the ball and very helpful.

sturdy: The bubbles are nothing like carbonated soda bubbles. They have more force than that. They are larger, and turned all the way up feel like a body message to me. The water looks like a full raging boil. The force of individual water jets on other tubs is stronger but more localized. The Lasco tub I'm describing is strong enough for me that I turn it down. Shopping for this kind of stuff is crazy because I don't know of any place to try them all out in a row. One dealer talked down about bubble tub, another had no idea, another liked them. I love it. It is heaven to me with an adult beverage on the side.

Three years ago we renovated our master bath and took out a Jacuzzi whirlpool and put in a Kohler Archer Air bubble. I liked the whirlpool effect on sore muscles, but always felt like it was almost too much, even on the lowest speed. I hated the black gunk that forms in the lines and the cleaning procedure to get rid of it. The cleanout only lasted for a few uses and then time to clean the lines again. I knew I would never put in another whirlpool. We now have the Air bubbles and it is quite different. When you put your leg, arm, hand ,etc. right up to the jet, it almost feels cold. I usually end up adding more hot water if I am staying in the tub very long. If a heater is an option, that would be helpful if it wasn't too costly. The bubbles don't really compare to the whirlpool. They are much softer and more gentle on your body. It is pleasant, but not a full body workout. The tub has a cycle that dries the line after use and there is no special cleaning. If I were doing it again today, I would just put in a nice soaker tub because I do not use the bubbles that often. My bottom line recommendation would be air bubbles over whirlpool jets.