Agree with Patricia - sunken is also dangerous. Keep it level.

Is this a sunken tub? I hated hated hated the step up. We took it off and the tub is the same height as this pic. (Which is OP pic.

I would avoid a "sunken " tub as they are a challenge to get in and out of safely. Also I'd keep an eye on where your tub is being placed...if this photo is in a cold climate those winter baths will most chilling with the glass at the tub. This is a photo of one of my favorite tub treatments (though getting in and out is still a bit tricky) and while it can be adapted to your own style it really jazzes up the look of a tub.

Emily, do you mean you want the top of the tub level with the deck of the surround? Or do you want to actually step down from the bathroom floor?

I should have been more clear :). Instead of two steps- there would still be one step, but it wouldn’t be as tall of a step as people normally have. Not sure if it will look good. I would want one small step like the picture...if it will look good.

Wow, the step is hard for me to see. Looks more like trim than like a step. Regardless, I’d have no step.

Steps into and out of tubs are big safety hazards and need railings and grab bars.

I don't see a step into the tub in the picture. All I see is the deck the tub sits on. Is that what you mean?

Hard to see

yes, I guess it would be the deck. You have to step over it to get into the tub. I can have a spot in the foundation made so the deck is not as high. I thought it looked nice, that is the only reason I was thinking of doing it. I'm fully able to step into the tub - I just liked the look. However, I don't see it much - so I don't want to build it if it will look weird.

So, kind of like this? Where the tub is flat on the surface of the deck?

yes, but I am thinking of making the deck lower...if the picture you attached has the deck approx. 18" tall - I want to know if I make the deck 9" tall, if that would look okay. (we haven't poured foundation yet)

So, it sounds like you'd be stepping over the edge and down into the tub? As opposed to just stepping over the edge? I don't recommend that. It's fraught with danger. When you step into the tub, it should not be lower than the surface of the floor, for safety.

I think it would look ok, but think about if you (or somebody) wants to make any changes later -- all the plumbing is down in the foundation now? maybe I'm misunderstanding.

a lower edge is nice from the swinging-your-leg point of view, but it's then alarming to step down below the other foot to find tub bottom. either way, you're going to want a well-placed grab bar on the side wall or deck.

Okay...I think I'm skipping making the deck lower :) They are pouring the foundation in the next few days, so if I wanted the tub lower - the builder was going to make the foundation in that spot lower. Thank you all!