We have had a freestanding tub for 10 years. They are easy to clean behind if you provide the proper clearances around them. I rarely take baths, and when I do I don't feel like it's the most comfortable thing. If I were to choose a new tub, I would get a Japanese tub. Maybe look into those if you haven't seen one before and see if that would work for you (depending on how often you take baths). If you get one with a thick top (which I think is traditional), you can sit on it to get in & out, making it relatively easy. I don't love getting in & out of my tub as it's just awkward. I don't have any mobility issues.

We put one in our previous house when we remodeled and also in the new house we built. No issues cleaning behind them or around them as I had plenty of room in both bathrooms.

We are not tub people! In the previous it probably got used twice in 8 years and in the new house zero times in the 17 months we have been here.

In both houses we had/have a hot tub outside, so that would be the first choice if we wanted to soak in hot water and then you also get to use the jets. We don't use the hot tub much either.

In both cases the freestanding tubs were installed for looks, because they were the only tub in the house and the master bathrooms had plenty of space for a large shower and the freestanding tub. I had/have showers in all the guest bathrooms.

We recently took out a jetted tub that was surrounded by tile and put a free standing tub in its place. I used to have to get into the old tub just to open the window behind the tub. That tub was huge, hard to keep the water warm and I had “ick” concerns about those jets, though I only turned them on when I cleaned it out. I have no issues cleaning behind our free standing tub- a wet mop swiffer works great. I love a bath. Am careful about getting into and out of it (as anyone should be). I’m in my mid 70’s and use it daily.

The clearance all around is a big help with the cleaning. I hated ours when I was a teenager and agile getting in and out so I bathe every night and love my nice deep alcove soaking tub. If you have ahuge bathroom FS can look nice IMO I would never do one and I cannot for the life of me see how those handles could help anything . You mention no tub so maybe post a to scle floor plan of your space and also info as to do you actaully use a tub and if this is the only bathroom where a tub will be. I know many people who never use a tub .

I'm in my sixties and we put in a free standing tub about a year and a half ago. It's glorious for soaking. But we also have a separate shower with a bench and a handheld shower head to deal with the aging in place thing. I say go for it and use it while you can!

I am 68 and love a tub. Had one in all houses except one for 10 years. I recently bought another home and one reason I liked it was because of the deep soaker alcove tub. I like that it has a small ledge around it to help me maneuver in and out, but I’m pretty short. I do love a freestanding tub if you have enough room, as others have said. I think they are a little trickier to get in and out of, but they are so pretty to look at.

The single most important thing, is your bathroom layout, and what tub fits best. OR IF A TUB, FITS AT ALL : )

Post that.

Clearances matter in baths for a host of reasons to include comfort, safety , cleaning etc. Not to mention, good looks. It's all feet, inches, and how you use the feet and inches.

If you don't use a tub now, don't miss having a tub, now? Maybe you do not need the tub.

You said.........

"I'm torn between a free standing tub, alcove tub or no tub."

To me, that implies you do not have one, or don't use the tub you have. Leopards rarely change their spots.

We went with no tub. I was not going to spend the money for something to sit there and look pretty but doesn’t get used and another thing for me to clean and clean around.

I have a freestanding tub - but it’s a ”back-to-wall” tub = while freestanding, it is designed so that it may be installled up against a wall. Also, the edges around the tub are wider = any type of tub filler may be used - including a deck mounted faucet (or a floor mounted or wall mounted). The thicker edges make it easy to get in and out off - and I can sit on the side if wanted/needed.

It’s two pieces - and can have insulation added in order to keep the water warmer longer.

I actually didn’t want a freestanding tub - my plan was for an undermounted alcove tub. However, my SO purchased this tub as a surprise for me. Luckily, he spent time when selecting the tub = plenty of room to clean along the sides/front + no open space behind the rub and the back wall. Plus, easy to get in and out of since it has a bit of a deck built into the design.

@dani_m08, can you share what tub you used?

@Jan I have whatever space I need for a tub, I would like to know what is considered 'enough' space for a free standing tub. While I don't have a tub in my bathroom right now, I do use the one in my kid's bathroom a number of times a year, so while I don't 'need' one in my bathroom, I would definately use it it, and maybe more often if it was more convienent. I just am worried about the bathroom feeling to big or cold with a large area dedicated to a drop in tub. I had one in a previous house and I didn't like the feel of the space.

@melnnoa your reservations about it seem pretty specific to you, so maybe it woudl help you to go to some houses that have tubs, see if those bathrooms feel OK to you, and take measurements.

Generally 1' around the tub is recommended for cleaning.