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!

There are myriad solutions to this. The access panels can be put in an adjacent closet or can come through an adjacent wall. Or if on the first floor, they can be on the bathroom floor with access from the basement below. You can do a wood wainscot with removable panels. You can do a fully tiled apron, with a removable tile panel. Often times the "grout line" between the tiled access panel and the permanent field tile will be filled with color-matched caulk instead of grout. If access is needed, score the caulk with a utility knife and pop the panel off. The panels can be held in place with magnets, velcro, or some other mechanical means. I'm not a big fan of the caulked option, I'd rather do a removable tiled panel that has a lip to it, the lip can be tiled, a rope design, a piece of tile as the trim, etc. But that's my personal preference. As a builder and a tiler, I look at easy access for future or periodic maintenance. It's not that the caulked panel is difficult, I just prefer totally accessibly and non-destructive options. A tool-less panel that can be popped in or out at will. If you want your front apron to be just plain field tile though, then the caulked panel is your best bet. You can tile the apron, but have a wood "cubby" built in to the apron. Think a small niche. The cubby can be used to hold rolled up towels, or small notions, what ever. The niche can be popped out to access the tub's mechanicals. We've had a few threads about this, but I did a search and came up empty. Don't let your builder's lack of skill or imagination restrict your design.

I've only been in my house a week, but I gotta say, central vac is the greatest invention of all time. My wife and I have two dogs, and have always used a Dyson...no matter how good the filtration mechanism (and I'm not sure Dyson's are all the great), the machine still needs to exhaust...and the finest dust is recirculated right back into the room...with the central vac, it's WAY more powerful than the Dyson, and it exhausts to the outside...NO smell, VERY quiet, powerful, and no bag or canister to unload every use... As for Surround Sound, I've got it; it's nice (and can be impressive), but I don't feel like I have a better or more functional house because of it... Whirlpool tubs are totally overrated and yucky in my opinion. Some people canÂt live without them (my brother and his wife for example), most have them but never use them. If you love to soak or have a medical condition that warrants one, go for it...but if you do, at least get an air tub that self-purges...I've seen black gunk come out of way too many whirlpool tubs over the years...

I don't think this tub is going to work out. Boo hoo. From what I understand, the mechanicals are housed under the skirt of the tub. My contractor wasn't in love with the fact that you'd have to lift the tub out of the skirt in order to access things if there was a problem. I just found out that the air blower needs to be attached to the tub and it measures 13" x 8" x 7" and must have 2 sq feet of space around it. Now this is not something I had planned for. My contractor thought we could put the blower in the basement but no go. Just updating!