Tub Surround with Window

[Dan Hoehn]

I seam to always have rentals with windows over the tub, and am conflicted every time I go to remodel because I can never find a tub surround that looks decent and I hate cleaning grout. All I have found in the past is to Tile, or use something like FRP panels that looks like a gas station bathroom.  What have you guys done for your rental properties with windows over the tub. Are there off the shelf tub surrounds that can be cut for window openings? If so, could you point me in the right direction. Thanks

Here is a picture of the current bathroom I'm working on. Thin plastic panels were glued to the wall initially.

[Jim Adrian]

Be very careful about removing or covering up the window.  Most building codes require an exhaust vent or operable window in the bathroom.  @Thomas S. in Canada you may be able to get away with it but not in the US. @Dan Hoehn never said if he had an exhaust fan.  Assuming no fan which is very common for a bathroom set up of this configuration.

Excerpt from 2009 International Residential Code (IRC)

R303.3 Bathrooms. Bathrooms, water closet compartments and other similar rooms shall be provided with aggregate glazing area in windows of not less than 3 square feet (0.3 m2), one-half of which must be openable.

Exception: The glazed areas shall not be required where artificial light and a mechanical ventilation system are provided. The minimum ventilation rates shall be 50 cubic feet per minute (24 L/s) for intermittent ventilation or 20 cubic feet per minute (10 L/s) for continuous ventilation. Ventilation air from the space shall be exhausted directly to the outside.

Window Films...

I have used the Solex brand  SX-C300 Dusted Etch, SX-1309 Fine Crystal Frost, or SX-324 Frosted Sparkle for the bottom lite of the window.  I had a free scrap from a glass shop so not sure which I got but it wasn't obscure enough for me.  This is due to being within 12" of the window when taking a shower.  There are other films by them that would work better.

https://www.decorativefilm.com/plain-frosted-light-diffusing-etch-films