Tub filler on apron or wall side for apron tub

[BruceL]

I'm installing an apron tub (kohler mariposa K-1229-R) that has flat area for the tub filler on both the apron side and wall side. The apron will be tiled, so it's not removable. I had decided I would mount the filler on the apron side, but now I'm having second thoughts.

Apron side:
Pro: easy to turn water on before getting into tub
Con: if it needs to be removed, only access is coming up through the basement ceiling with a long basin wrench.
Con: there's 3'6" of space at the head of the tub where someone can step in without stepping over the faucet, but if less mobile people who want to sit on the edge of the tub and then bring their legs across might have a harder time.

Wall side:
Pro: if maintenance is needed, can get full access by removing some drywall in the MBR (not ideal, but easier to repair than tile), or go through basement ceiling
Con: have to reach across the (3') tub to turn on water

I'd been leaning toward not wanting to reach across to turn it on, but am having second thoughts. I'm curious about experience here both from a use and from future maintenance perspective.

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[PorcelainVacation]

I like wall side because I like to sit on the lip of the tub to wash my feet or children/pets. I find that I almost always slam into an apron mount faucet by accident.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

Apron or deck? The apron is the vertical surface on the front of the tub, so not usually where a faucet would be mounted. A wall mount would go on the "end" of the tub, NOT the back wall.

 

[BruceL]

HJ, ah, you've discovered the sneaky reason why I referred to the mounting choices as "apron side" or "wall side" and not "apron" or "wall." Possibly could have been clearer by referring to "back wall side" but attaching Kohler's diagram with the faucet mount options shaded. Any opinions on which side?

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[hj]

Would not even consider the far side. A third option, if the tub is as close to the wall as that drawing shows would be a wall mount faucet, with a spout long enough to reach the tub, or a deck mounted spout.