I think there were a lot of issues with the builder-grade jetted tubs. They didn't drain well and the jets got moldy and gross. I wouldn't consider soaking tubs a new thing but there always has to be something different out there to compel you to upgrade.

I'm 5' 2", have a 66" soaking tub and have no trouble getting out but 5 or 10 years from now could be another story! Jetted tubs creep me out. Period. Wouldn't matter if it was my own tub or in a hotel, gunk is gunk even if it's my own gunk. Shudder. I understand enjoying the water jets though. There are new tubs that don't use jetted water but jetted air to move the water already in the tub - no water gets into lines.

We have an air tub in our guest room. I rarely use it, but when I do, I like it very much. It can be used with bubble bath unlike jacuzzis. Also, there are no "water jets" to clean. Rather you drain the water and then put on the auto "blow dryer" which dries out the air jets. No gunk, no mess. However, the bubbles come from all around the tub. You don't get a powerful jet of water to direct on your back or foot or wherever...only lots of bubble which move the water vigorously.

I'm short and getting pretty creaky, but I can still get out of my soaking tub. It has a surround with a lip, so I'm able to grab that lip to lift my upper body. Later, I can add grab bars if I need them or a bath lift. I don't think I could get out of one of those sleek free-standing soaker tubs. As for the jets, I think that decision is related to your personal preference. I don't know why they've fallen out of vogue. In general, bathtubs seem to be out of vogue, so maybe it's related to that.

My reference to the soaker tub was meant to be one of the free standing styles. The 2 or 3 that I've seen in person are so tall!

I'd probably fall in trying to clean one. LOL

We have a Sani-Jet brand tub. The jets are self contained units that can be easily taken out for cleaning. You can use bubble bath or salts with it. They have many models, ours is a basic one but it’s nice to have when you’re tired and achy from yard work.

Donna

Free-standing tubs make no sense to me. You have to have a separate piece of furniture to hold your shampoos and potions and you have to be a contortionist to clean the wall and floor behind them. They look lovely, but I don't think they are very practical.

We had our Jacuzzi tub removed when we remodeled our master bath. I went to Ferguson’s and tried out all of the bathtubs since I love a good soak in the tub. We did not do a freestanding one, instead used the quartz for the surround And did an undermount tub. I’ve been very happy with it.

Plus one on the Sani-Jet. There is no piping for the water to flow through like in other jetted tubs. It just flows through the actual jets, which can be removed and cleaned in your dishwasher! Unlike a bubble jet, this actually jets streams of water, just like a Jacuzzi without any of the maintenance woes.

I have the MTI Caribe Air Bath (https://mtibaths.com/products/tubs/designer/89/) and I ADORE IT so much. The only thing I regret is wasting money on the chromatherapy thing which I believe I turned on once...

"Out of favor". I don't believe they were ever all that common. My sister put an early air jet one in when remodeling. Same foot print as the previous tub. She did not repeat it in subsequent homes so I assume she found it not used a lot. #2DD found one in her new to her home and says the jets hit her wrong and so she isn't a fan. Back in the day my MIL built a home (2000) put the standard jacuzzi tub in then discovered it cost her a fortune to fill, so rarely used it. The bathroom was small and the tub was 50% of it so I wasn't surprised when seeing Realty listing a few years ago of the home now in it's third owner-the tub is gone. BUT if you have had one and used it--what's your hesitation? It's your home after all. *Beagles--"Chromatherapy" hahahahahahahaha

I purchased a Bain Ultra air jet tub for our last house. I didn't use it much, when when I did I LOVED. I had one from the Evanescence Collection.

Jacuzzis per se have certainly fallen out of favor. The cleanliness/mold issue is a big one, but I also think that the novelty wore off. Truth is, a lot of those systems were annoyingly noisy and/or people just don't really like being pummeled. I find water jets just make me itchy.

Our indoor pool has a hot tub attached, and it is steps from my MBR. I chose a freestanding tub for my MBA because i love the look. I don't usually use it other than for a soak and anything I need is on my tray. I love the quiet and simplicity of a good, deep tub. I would probably remove anything else if I were looking at a home.

we have a Whirlpool tub and I despise it. it came with the house and I never once turned it on. there are SO many little nooks and crannies for mold to grow in, hair to get caught on, etc. I have to spritz those things with bleach after I finish cleaning the tub, and I resent the extra time spent on that. plus I'm so angry that it's made of acrylic. would have much preferred an enamel tub that I could use harsh scrubs on.

oh, and it's so ugly. it's bulky, I hate the design of all of the details, and there's a huge access panel that's a different material, so it's a slightly different shade of white. it just looks bad overall.

that said, I'm not much of a bath person in general, so I kind of hate all tubs no matter what. they take too long to fill, and then I only want to spend like 15 minutes in there because I get too hot. it seems kind of wasteful of water to me.