tile step into whirlpool/shower combo

[ekaplan1020]

I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom. I basically gutted everything, and am putting in a shower/whirlpool combo with the surround tiled.

One problem I ran into is that the apron in front of the whirlpool is 5" outand the whirlpool lip is about 4" out. So it takes quite a large stretch to get in there. The way it is set up now, I can't really move the apron back because it lines up with a stud for tiling.

Someone had recommended putting a built in step covered in ceramic tile. I haven't seen many of these, but the idea sounds good. is there a way to make the step safe (wet ceramic tile is probably pretty slippery)? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
ekaplan1020
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[Moz]

ekaplan1020
I would timber board it up an then tile it , you can get very nice non slip wet step tiles with ridges in now ...not like the old swim bath ones ..lol

btw Im sure you living in the US the tiles out there must be amazing for the variety ...?