Baths of Distinction donated product for this post. All opinions expressed are our own.

When I decided to bring my dated, brown bathroom into modern times with a complete bathroom renovation, the main focal point of the design was the bathtub. I wanted a modern, new soaker tub that was large, freestanding, jetted, and heated. Tall order, yes. But I found just the right fit and couldn't be happier with the results.

Making the decision to replace our jetted tub

Buying a new tub can be a big investment, especially if your old one still works. Our old built-in Jacuzzi tub was functional but too small and so dated! And it was tucked in the corner of the bathroom, out of sight, instead of being the major feature I knew the right tub could be for us. It was too small, hard to get in and out of, and really hard to reach for cleaning. So I started the search for a new freestanding Jacuzzi tub.

We ended up replacing it with a modern, freestanding tub that is now the star of the bathroom. Besides looking so much prettier, our floor plan changes allowed us to move the tub to a spot where it is featured in all its glory.

Why choose a freestanding tub?

The choice of a freestanding tub was an easy one for me, because of all the great features it provides. The biggest of which, of course, is that it looks positively gorgeous. In addition, the freestanding tub is much easier to get in and out of than our built-in tub was because the sides are so slim.

It's also a lot easier to clean because I can walk all around the tub and reach the back and sides easily. And by choosing a modern jetted tub with a sleek design, you end up with a super smooth surface that's easy to wipe clean.

Finding a modern jetted tub

Finding just the right modern jetted tub can be a challenge, especially with all the requirements I had in mind. Finding a large tub is easy. Finding a jetted tub is easy. But finding one that's both was quite a challenge!

Modern jetted tubs come in so many styles, from oval to rectangular, slipper or elevated, with or without backrests. I found just the right tub for me at Baths of Distinction, when I found the SanSiro Augusta 71" Jetted Tub.

This tub had the modern style I wanted AND all these amazing features as well:

• It's heated: The built-in heater keeps the water temperature up while you're running the jets, which means you can soak for longer without having to refresh the hot water.
• It's huge: With a 71" length at the top and a 45" long bathing floor, it truly does have room for a person (or two!) to stretch out and enjoy a soak.
• It's modern: Just look at those clean lines and that modern oval shape! It's everything I could dream of for my new modern bathroom design.
• It's jetted: With 12 water jets, it provides plenty of massaging and relaxing bubbles for a luxurious soak.
• It's freestanding: My most important feature was easily met with this tub, and with no exposed pumps or hoses, and the thinnest walls I'd seen in any jetted tub, it fit the bill perfectly.

Air jetted versus water jetted tub

While they might seem really similar, whether your tub's jets are powered by air or water can make a big difference in your soaking experience. Water jets (a.k.a whirlpool) shoot water through the pipes and air jets shoot air. The biggest difference is how these jets feel on your body.

Water jets offer the classic, high-pressure massaging feeling that is usually associated with hydrotherapy or physical therapy. Air jets provide more of a general, bubbly feeling that is gentler, but still highly relaxing. It really comes down to personal preference, and for us, water jet was the way to go.

The biggest challenge I had with choosing from water jetted tub options is that most of the freestanding whirlpool tubs ended up having really thick walls to accommodate the jets and motor. This usually results in a smaller bathing floor, which negates the purpose of having such a big tub to begin with. That's why I was so incredibly excited to find the SanSiro Augusta tub, because it had unusually thin walls and maximum space inside the tub for reclining.

Adding a heater to a soaking tub

One of the biggest struggles we had with our old tub is that the water would cool off way too quickly during a good soak, and we would have to constantly refresh it with more hot water. So when we went shopping for a new tub, we made sure to get one with an inline heater.

Making the decision to add a heater to our tub was an easy one, and I'm so glad we did. Now I can soak for as long as I'd like without having to drain the cold water and replace it with more hot. Game changer!

Choosing the right type of faucet

When looking at freestanding tubs, one of the key features to consider is the type of faucet they require. Some have faucets that mount on the edges, but for a more modern look, I went with a floor-mounted tub filler that sits right next to the tub.

When choosing your faucet, remember to check the GPM (gallons per minute) carefully and choose something on the higher range (8-12 GPM) like the 12 GPM Woodbridge faucet I chose. Those huge tubs take a lot of water to fill, and if your faucet can only do 2-3 GPM, you'll be waiting forever for your soak to start.