I am now very committed to installing a drop in tub in a three wall application. I too, like most others decided on this so I could tile the front. When I started thinking about the waterproofing in a little more detail it became apparent it was going to be a problem. Here is my though for waterproofing. the three closed sides. 1. Use the manufacturers tiling-in bead 2. Install cement board to top of tiling-in bead 3. Waterproof cement board with Kerdi. 4. Run Kerdi long to get 1/4" overlap onto tub and secure with Kerdi Fix while filling void between tiling-in bead and Kerdi with Kerdi Fix. 5. Install tiles leaving 1/4" gap to tub and fill gap with 100% Silicone Tub at 3 walls My though for the open wall is this. 1. Frame pony wall with 1/4" per foot slope at top to ensure excess water sheds to floor 2. Install small back stop on inside of framing to ensure no water can get to the inside of the framing 3. Place backer board and install Kerdi from Back Stop, over the horizontal piece and into the vertical. 4. Fill small gap between tub and tile with color matched Silicone Tub at Pony Wall: And yes, none of my doodles are to scale. Does this seam like a reasonable waterproofing solution?

Yes we are happy with the height and the extension over the tub. It's easier to use when you are using the tub filler for something other than just filling the tub. Kinda like a faucet in a bathroom sink. The ones that are higher and reach out further into the sink are much more accommodating.

In June we put in a 66x32" bellwether in our first floor hall bath. It was replacing another 66" bathtub--a pink one I had stupidly painted white with one of those cheap kits 10-15 years ago. Our contractor charged extra for the privilege of installing the beast. I think it weighs 380 lbs according to the spec sheet. There was a Kohler foundry fire awhile back that caused long delays in obtaining the bellwether (or at least the size we needed). By the time we began ordering for our project I assumed the lead time would be more predictable and normal but that wasn't the case. Our large plumbing supply house said Kohler was predicting a 3-month lead time but the saleswoman said it would more likely take 6-9 months or even a year. I think it ended up taking 6 months to arrive (and it was worth the wait). [Nevermind, just checked and I think it did take closer to 3 months, not 6 months.] Toto makes a decent looking 66x32 alcove cast iron tub but the bellwether has a plainer front and better lines. And if you're already paying almost $2k for a 66" cast iron tub (supposedly with our contractor's discount) plus extra install costs, I did not want to look at it every day with regret while I'm sitting on the hall bathroom toilet (which is basically our powder room) wishing we had waited for the bellwether rather than going with the toto. Again, worth the wait (for me at least)! This is a tub we use for occasional showering so I don't know how it is for bathing. And I've always grown up with cast-iron. Even one of my apartment dorms had a cast-iron tub. I had an acrylic tub in an apartment once that was part of an acrylic shower surround and for me it did not feel as nice or clean up as easily as cast iron. But the apartment complex probably didn't get a really nice acrylic tub/shower either. Back to the bellwether though. Here it is. FWIW, we have an extra long (84" tall) shower curtain on a chrome curved shower rod by Kartners (I would have preferred a rod with less utilitarian rod ends or whatever they are called but apparently options are greatly limited for a curved rod for a 66" tub):

thanks Patricia! The tub is here: https://mtibaths.com/products/tubs/boutique/194/ I'm thinking maybe this one: https://www.decorativeplumbingsupply.com/San-Carlos-California/Cheviot-Products-7550-BN-Brushed-Nickel-Freestanding-Tub-Filler.HTM it's spout is 31.6 from floor and tub is 20.5 from floor. Here is a pic on Houzz of a setup where the filler looks quite tall. Maybe this one is 40+. Thanks!