My parents had a whirlpool when I was younger and they hardly ever used the jets because they always spit out black flecks of mildew. I dont think they really knew how to maintain one though. So maybe they werent draining it properly.

I’ve also heard freestanding tubs are a pain to clean around and under especially if they are tight to a wall.

We went with a simple tub insert with a tile surround. We did purchase a deeper insert called a soaker tub. It is deep like a whirlpool it just doesnt have the jets. It is very easy to clean!

I never had a problem in ten years with my tub’s jets. I don’t even remember how or if I cleaned them. But this could be because I took a bath nearly every night. Maybe using it kept it gunk-free?? The next time, I’m going with a deep soaker tub though. I like both freestanding and insert - it will depend on what my future home looks like.

We have a whirlpool tub and we don’t use it often but it’s nice when we need it to soak sore muscles. I use a product called Oh Yuk! which I purchase thru Amazon. It works great and is scary how much gunk it cleans from the jets. I know stand alone tubs are the rage now and they are prettier but think long term if you plan to stay in your home for long term whether you may need/want a jetted tub and also about the ease of getting in and out of tub. If not a concern then freestanding may be the way to go although they are a bear to clean behind.

When we bought our last house 15 years ago it had a large, sunken whirlpool tub that seemed pretty cool. We tore it out about 5 years ago after having used the whirlpool feature a couple of times, and put in a freestanding tub instead. No more spider parts and mildew flecks to clean up from using the tub anymore....

American Standard jetted tubs have the internal pipes angled downward so the system drains all of the water out completely at the end of the cycle. No yuk. But even if you don’t do a jetted drop in tub, do not fo a freestanding one. Do a standard drop in soaker tub.

There are now options for tubs similar to whirlpool but I have found my clients who insisted on whirlpool type tubs admitted after a few uses they never bothered with the jets. I also think freestanding tubs are not good since they require a huge amount of space so 12" all the way around is the absolute min. and they are a PITA to get in and out of . A nice deep drop in or alcove tub is my suggestion for ease of use and cleaning. I gre up with a clawfoot freestanding tub and even as a teensager found getting in and out was awkward.

I've had friends tell me they had the same issues with gunk coming out of the jets, so they stopped using the tubs and regretted the amount of space they took up. Also make sure your water heater is big enough to fill whatever tub you get (which seems like common sense but... I looked at a home where the whirlpool tub had a closet rod above it to hang drip-dry clothes... because the water heater was too small to fill the whole tub.)

Whichever you choose, plan a spot for towel hooks nearby, and hopefully it's not too far from the shower (on the rare occasions I've used a tub, I always feel a need to rinse off the bath water.)

We have a frestanding tub that takes no more room than a drop-in...and looks better as far as I'm concerned. Easy install as it just gets set in place rather than having to be tiled around. And I find the somewhat taller side makes it safer to get in and out as I can grab the side with one hand. Some of us view freestanding tubs as having positives...😉

My jet tub has no problem with gunk. It blows water out of the jets after I bathe.

Do provide handle assists for getting in and out, regardless of your age. Also, consider how to avoid drafts in the bathroom. You'll want a good exhaust fan and possibly heat.