This is meant to be a free standing tub. I'm sure you can build it in like a drop in if you build a foundation around it. Thanks.

So could I cut around the top, where the seem is, looks like it's two inches from the top, and work my tile under the lip?

what are the dimensions of the actual bathing area?
how much water does it hold (up to the overflow drain)?

97 gallons capacity

What do you think of the tub?

I've purchased the tub as well, we actually got it on Amazon with Prime shipping, which was awesome. We put it into a bathroom under construction so we haven't been able to use it yet. We purchased the tub because it was the only one I could find with what I thought to be a decent amount of jets. I do plan on using it as a drop in, but cutting out access on the wall behind it, it's a closet. I'll be sure to review the tub once we get a chance to use it.

Any updats.

I have a 45 gallon hot water heater. Does the heat pump work quickly?

This can be converted to a drop in, no cutting required, just a few bolts an the apron pops off. I will have the plumbing installed in a week or so and I'll be able to tell everyone more. We have a 50 gallons water tank, my plumber isn't worried about filling it up. When I have to replace my water heater we'll put in a tankless system, but this one needs to break first.