We have a long narrow space to plant out next to our pool tiling and back fence. Clay soil, no drainage, hoping to use tropicals like Heliconia or Strelitzia. Can we get away with just improving the soil drainage with perlite and compost or do we need an ag line/French drain? Partner thinks we need a planter box with drainage.

Some baths are more suited for shower baths than others. It depends on the flattish standing room at the bottom of the bath. Some baths are quite curvy and narrow. Make sure you stand in a showroom bath to see if it feels too narrow (without your shoes). You will need a four flange bath for tiling and waterproofing in your shower bath scenario. https://specify.caroma.com.au/products/baths/vivas/vivas-1675-anti-slip-bath Best of luck with your planning, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls/Dr Retro Virtual Visits

If you have a roof over the balcony, then there will not be a problem. You will have spray from rain caused by the wind, maybe direct rain onto balcony if your facing into where the rain is coming from if strong and horizontal. But, I would never think you would have water overflowing down your cladding from the balcony. I am talking from experience as I have a balcony with a roof.

Are you sure of your assertion that water flows well through artificial turf? I would think it doesn’t but happy to hear otherwise. You’d probably need a statement from the supplier as to what installation instructions are.