Lately I've seen more soakers and air jets and fewer Jacuzzi-style tubs. I have been looking at homes for about 2 years now and will build in the spring. I am just going to do the soaker because when I do take a bath I want the water to be deep.

I have had two jetted tubs and both of them eventually leaked. I am done with them.

Do you know any good websites to look at for a soaker? Or maybe the best brand?

I have been looking at Kohler and they have hundreds of tubs - dozens of soakers of different shapes colors etc. But American Standard seems to have a respectable assortment. Plus they have this alternate way of plumbing the overflow which gives you another 2 inches of water and American is more of a cost effective brand.

I saw some good ones at the Ferguson showroom but I can't remember the brand names. I am looking at drop in or undermount - not stand-alone which are more of a luxury item.

Acrylic is most popular. They still make cast iron but damn that's heavy!

Good luck!

PS - post if you find something good I haven't settled on one yet!

i have heard nothing but complaints about them from all who installed. a hot bath with epsom salt is just fine by me!

I love my jacuzzi and use it almost every day for the past ten years. I do think I am in the minority though.

Everyone I know who have a jacuzzi tub very rarely or ever use the. My sister use her's, as a clothes hamper, my neighbor used theirs for the cat box, for a while. They may use a it few times a year, if that. As people age and looking to the elder years, they are installing large walk-in showers. The showers are safer and if something should happen or hip replacement, the showers are a much better option.

I would do a hot tub outside and a large shower inside,

Ditto, saratoga. I always thought jumping in and out of the tub was what kept you young. Am I wrong? ;-)

M3459 & Saratoga, i have a very young 66-67 friend, couple of years ago, she did have to have a hip replacement, while she was recuperating the shower was a heaven sent. Now she is back to working in her garden, going on motorcycle trips, wearing her bikini.

I love my jacuzzi tub and use it often. But everyone I know has never used theirs. If you'd use it, put one in. For resale, skip it.

When adding a jacuzzi tub make sure the structure will support the tub. Same for a hot tubs on a deck. If not supported correctly, the hot tube may cause the deck to pull away from the house. Seen problems cause by both, not cheap to fix!

If I broke my hip hopefully I would still figure out a way to use my jacuzzi. I do think a tub is needed for resale but not necessarily a jacuzzi.

No! Waste of money

kholer tub is the best way to go. They have several soaker tubs depending on the size you need

Seems if you want a tub, a large, but not gigantic soaker would be the safest choice. My only piece of advice is to make sure you have a hot water heater capable of filling it. Had two friends buy brand new homes with large tubs, and they ran out of hot water before the tub was comfortably full. Bummer.

Good point nwduck. I have that issue now with my corner jetted tub. I have a 50 gal tank but unless I employ tricks I don't get enough hot water in the bath. I will be going on demand in the new house. Hopefully that fixes things.

Put in two water heaters, especially if you have teenagers!

In my opinion. Jacuzzi tubs are a waste of money and energy. They were a fad in the 90s don't see them that much anymore.

In California, some builders are not putting in tubs anymore. They are upgrading showers. Making them very large with car wash shower heads, stream, seamless doors. Travertine 16" tile all the way up. a glass tile border. Always have a seat. And a place for shower items. In bathroom storage for towels etc. great lighting, separate sinks/vanity. Some builders putting closets in bathroom. Huge walk in closets are a must. And even a room with exercise equipment to work out in A.M. A TV that shows up on mirror, is a demand item for upscale homes. Have all things in one place, for getting ready in morning. Also hiding outlets in towers by vanity. Hide as much ad you can. Eye ping counters uncluttered with electric tooth brushes, hair dyers etc. a built in clothes hamper. It's little things that women love.

Jn3344 and nwduck are right on...it's difficult to have enough hot water to fill a big old tub (of any kind). My experience with a jacuzzi tub is that we never used it, but it looked good.

I haven't seen mention of water conservation in this discussion. I guess if you live in an area of the world where there is an abundance of fresh water, filling a big tub wouldn't be considered wasteful, but in the West we really have to be mindful of our water consumption.