This will definitely be nice. Melamine is much cheaper, but also much heavier and a little more difficult to work with than PVC. Keep in mind, Lowes will cut all of the pieces out for you right at the store, which saves a lot of trouble. That way all you have to do is load up the pieces and take them home and assemble them. I would definitely recommend 12" heat tape for adults, though. Heat tape should cover about 1/3 of the tubs...