I think you're very wise to want to experience a tub, before making a big investment. Not just sitting in the tub, but getting in & out of it .. which may not be as easy as it would seem! I'm not a fan of free-standing tubs .. is there a convenient place to put all your bath products, within reach? Don't know how old you are, but even someone young can have a minor injury, making the "acrobatics" of getting into/out of a wet tub not so convenient!

@What's Inside - Good point .. not to mention the cost of filling a mega tub; both for the water & heating it!

I agree with all your points and am a little concerned. Our designer has some ideas for shelving within reach for all my toiletries. I would like to keep the tub smaller so my feet could touch the other end and yes, I am in my 50's so have thought about the acrobatics of getting in and out of the tub. We also have a walk in shower in the bathroom so if I become unable to get in and out I can shower instead. For now I am able and I enjoy a bath. I do not want any jets, etc. Just a soaker tub. I use our tub daily now. Thanks for all your advise. I am going to a showroom next week. I suppose price will have to be considered as well:(

I bought a house 4 years ago, that has a large jetter corner tub. When I injured my right foot, I really appreciated that there's something of a "ledge" I could sit on, while I swung my legs in, and could slide into the water. I've seen some of these very modern free-standing tubs, where the edge is only 3" - 4" wide, and you probably have to step in & not expect to sit on the edge. The user's height/leg length may also become an issue .. I'm only 5'2" tall!

Any thoughts on how to achieve the clean, simple look of a freestanding soaker tub but also have a safe and convenient ledge??

Hi. We live in Denver and there are tons of showrooms, but they only have one or two or four tubs on the floor anyway, so don't feel bad. We ended up buying sight (and sit!) unseen which also made me nervous, but it turned out ok. Bought from faucetdirect and they shipped fast, so plenty of time to return if you don't like it. We did a jacuzzi center train 66" soaker and it feels right without water, so we'll probably like it even more with water. I think you have to decide between ledge or free standing; we went undermount so we could have the nice ledge. I found the free standing modern tubs that I was able to try to be hard on the arms when you sat with your arms out (too narrow and uncomfortable). Plus, where on earth does the wine go?

amsberry, what about a custom bench, fit to the side, wide enough top for a book and a glass, an extra tread to make things a bit less acrobatic? Movable, so you can stand on it to change a light bulb?

This is the one we chose. Flat 4 inch edge. Really comfy.

@Patsy - Where do you put bath products .. or do people literally just use these to "soak"? :)

I would probably get one of those trays on wheels with a long arm that extends over the tub...not very pretty but practical :) maybe it could wheeled away into a closet so all the products could be unseen too :)
but here's another idea..not what you really want but it's just an idea :) have you thought of a tub with doors?
i believe you need to fill the tub after you get in and let the water out before you get out, unless the design has changed, but it is oh so much safer.

We have a niche in the wall and a tray to fit over the top of the tub. The edge is adequate for temporary use.