An alcove bathtub is a type of bathtub that fits within a three-sided enclosure built just for the tub. The term "alcove" refers to the bathtub being installed into a recess in your bathroom, which means quite commonly they are installed with three joining walls or a shower surround. Alcove bathtubs are often used in homes as a tub/shower combination to save space. They are the most common and affordable type of tub to install in your home, typically costing between $250 and $600 depending on the material and construction. The standard length for an alcove tub is 60 inches, but some can range from 53 to 72 inches. Alcove bathtubs can come as part of a package that includes the three-sided wall surround, which can be permanently attached to the bathtub or detached for easy installation.
In contrast, drop-in tubs differ from alcove bathtubs in that they require you to have a carpenter build a deck or peninsula that juts into the room, and the tub comes with a built-in rim and is installed inside the structure.
