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How Ella Tubs Are Built: Acrylic Shell, Fiberglass Reinforcement, and Stainless Frame

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary8
  1. How the Shell Is Made
  2. Acrylic vs Gel Coat vs Fiberglass
  3. Frame and Leveling Legs
  4. Weight, Strength and Fit
  5. Finish Warranty and Care
  6. Related Guides
  7. Related Videos
  8. Common Questions

Every current Ella walk-in tub is built the same way: a vacuum-formed acrylic shell reinforced with gel-coated fiberglass, bonded to a rust-proof stainless steel frame with adjustable leveling legs. The result is a gloss white, non-porous surface that resists mold, mildew, and staining and can be polished if it ever dulls, on a frame that will not rust and that can be leveled on an imperfect floor. This article explains how the acrylic shell and stainless frame are made, how acrylic compares with gel coat and plain fiberglass, why the leveling legs matter so much, and what the finish warranty covers.

How the Shell Is Made

  1. A solid acrylic/ABS sheet is heated and vacuum-formed over the mold, giving one seamless surface.
  2. Gel-coated fiberglass is applied over the back for strength.
  3. The shell is set on the stainless frame, and further fiberglass layers bond shell and frame into one structure.

The team describes the acrylic as roughly 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch thick with the fiberglass backing behind it. Because the white runs through the sheet rather than sitting on the surface, it resists fading far better than a sprayed finish. Shells are formed in partner factories and then jetted, assembled and tested to order in Chicago, which is covered in where Ella tubs are made.

Underside of an Ella walk-in tub showing the stainless steel frame, plumbing, pumps and wiring bonded to the fiberglass-backed acrylic shell
Under the shell: the stainless frame carries the pumps and plumbing, and fiberglass layers bond it to the acrylic.

Acrylic vs Gel Coat vs Fiberglass

  • Acrylic (all current Ella tubs): non-porous, glossy, easy to clean, resists chipping and cracking; light scratches buff out with a fine automotive polish.
  • Gel coat: a sprayed resin over fiberglass. Its porous surface is harder to clean, and the color sits only on the outer layer, so it can fade over time.
  • Plain fiberglass: a brittle finish that can chip and crack with heat cycling; the dealer in the video explains why he stopped installing them.
Acrylic Over Fiberglass: The Better Walk-In Tub Choice
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Lifetime Warranty And Service Ella's Bubbles offers a lifetime warranty on all bathtubs and installations, emphasizing excellent service.
  2. 0:14 Acrylic Bathtub Construction Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs are made from a single piece of durable acrylic, preventing chipping or cracking.
  3. 0:49 Low Maintenance Acrylic Acrylic bathtubs are very easy to maintain and require minimal service, as dull spots can be buffed out.

A dealer compares solid acrylic with multi-layer gel coat and fiberglass, explaining why acrylic does not chip or crack and can simply be buffed. Ella's older gel coat wheelchair-access line is described in legacy Ella models, and today every walk-in tub in the line is acrylic. Watch: Acrylic Over Fiberglass: The Better Walk-In Tub Choice | Voted Safest/Best 2020 with chapters and a full transcript.

Frame and Leveling Legs

The frame is stainless and will not rust. Threaded leveling feet let the installer level the tub on an imperfect floor, and Ella adds center legs along the middle of larger tubs so weight spreads and the frame cannot twist while pumps run; the number and layout of legs varies by model, with at least six on every tub and up to eight on many. Proper leveling is the single most important factor in a leak-free door: if any leg is off the floor the frame twists slightly and the door no longer closes squarely against the seal. The step-by-step procedure is in the leveling guide, and a door that scrapes the jamb is covered in my door rubs the frame. Always carry the tub by the frame, never by the plumbing or panels, since air jets on the underside break off if the tub is set down on them.

Walk-In Tubs with Extra Leveling Legs for Superior Stability
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Leveling Feet for Bathtub Stability The video explains how leveling feet are crucial for installing a walk-in tub and ensuring its longevity.
  2. 0:29 More Leveling Feet, More Stability The speaker emphasizes that more leveling feet disperse weight, prevent movement, and lead to a more stable and lasting installation.
  3. 1:16 Ella's Bubbles' Unique Design Ella's Bubbles offers more leveling feet, including center legs, compared to competitors, providing a stronger foundation for the tub.

The video shows the threaded leveling feet and why Ella adds center legs to reduce frame twist and keep silicone seams intact. Watch: Walk-In Tubs with Extra Leveling Legs for Superior Stability | Voted Safest 2020 with chapters and a full transcript.

Durable, Rust Proof Walk In Bathtub Frame
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Ella's Bubbles Frame and Legs The video introduces the Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub frame and leveling legs, highlighting their unique design.
  2. 0:44 Competitor Tub Steel Frame The video shows a competitor's walk-in tub with a basic steel frame and discusses its common design.
  3. 1:11 Hardware Store Tub Frame The video displays a walk-in tub from a hardware store, pointing out its steel frame and torsion bars for leak adjustments.
  4. 1:47 National Competitor Aluminum Frame The video examines another national competitor's tub, noting its aluminum frame and the presence of torsion bars for leak adjustments.
  5. 2:32 Ella's Bubbles No Torsion Bars The video reveals the Ella's Bubbles tub with its panels removed, demonstrating the absence of torsion bars or leak adjustments.

The video above shows the durable, rust proof walk-in bathtub frame.

Ella's Bubbles technician assembling the pump and air lines on a walk-in tub frame in the Chicago workshop
Each tub is jetted and assembled on its frame in Chicago, then tested before it ships.

Weight, Strength and Fit

There is no set weight limit on Ella tubs: the reinforced shell on its stainless frame supports any bather who fits comfortably in the seat, and the frame spreads the weight of tub, water and bather across every leveling leg on a level, load-rated subfloor. Fit therefore comes down to seat width and soaking depth rather than a weight rating; weight limits and bariatric options lists the wide-seat models.

Finish Warranty and Care

The shell, frame, door, door seal and finish are covered under the Lifetime Limited Warranty for the original owner, excluding fading, cracking, delaminating, or blistering from excessive wear, sun, or scouring. Use approved non-abrasive cleaners, avoid bleach and bath bombs, and restore dull spots with a fine-grade automotive polishing compound; the full method is in acrylic surface care and touch-up. Grab bars must be installed with the large metal washer under the shell, since omitting the washers can crack the acrylic.

Video
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Ella's Bubbles Stainless Steel Frame The video introduces the Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub frame, which is made entirely of polished stainless steel.
  2. 0:44 Competitor Steel Frame Tubs The video shows a competitor's walk-in tub with a basic steel frame and torsion bars for door leak adjustments.
  3. 1:48 Competitor Aluminum Frame Tubs The video displays another competitor's walk-in tub with an aluminum frame, also featuring torsion bars to adjust for leaks.
  4. 2:32 Ella's Bubbles No Torsion Bars The video reveals the Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub without its panels, showing no torsion bars or adjustments for door leaks.

Watch: Walk-In Tub With Rustproof Frame for Extended Lifespan u2013 Voted Best/Safest 2020 with chapters and a full transcript.

Common Questions

Is the tub acrylic or fiberglass?
Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs are made with both acrylic and fiberglass. The bathing surface is a vacuum-formed acrylic shell, which is then reinforced with gel-coated fiberglass for added strength. This shell and fiberglass backing are bonded to a rust-proof stainless steel frame, creating one seamless and durable structure.
How thick is the acrylic?
The acrylic shell of an Ella walk-in tub is roughly 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch thick. This solid acrylic layer is backed by fiberglass for additional strength and durability. The white color runs through the entire acrylic sheet, which helps it resist fading over time.
Will the white fade, chip or stain?
The color runs through the acrylic sheet rather than sitting on the surface, so it resists fading, and the non-porous surface resists staining. Light scratches buff out with a fine automotive polish; deep chips can be repaired with an acrylic repair kit or by a refinishing professional.
Do the tubs come in colors other than white?
Current Ella walk-in tubs are available in white acrylic only. An off-white unit may occasionally be found in clearance. All tubs come with chrome hardware, and faucet finish upgrades are available; for more details, see tub colors and hardware finishes.
Will the stainless steel frame of an Ella tub rust?
No. The frame is stainless steel and will not rust. If you notice rust-colored spots on any stainless trim, send photos with your serial number through a ticket and the team will advise on the cause and the safe way to clean it.
How many leveling legs does the tub have?
Ella walk-in tubs have at least six leveling legs, with up to eight on larger models. These include center legs along the middle of larger tubs to help spread weight and prevent the frame from twisting. For a leak-free door, every threaded leveling leg must touch the floor with equal weight, as described in the leveling guide.
Is there a weight limit?
There is no set weight limit for Ella walk-in tubs. The reinforced acrylic shell and stainless steel frame are designed to support any bather who fits comfortably in the seat. The frame distributes the combined weight of the tub, water, and bather across every leveling leg on a level, load-rated subfloor. For models with wider seats, see weight limits and bariatric options.
Can I repair a scratch or chip myself?
Yes, light scratches on the acrylic surface can be repaired with a fine automotive polishing compound. While Ella's Bubbles does not sell its own touch-up kit, acrylic bathtub repair kits can be used for small chips. For deeper damage, a local refinishing professional can provide repairs. For detailed instructions, refer to acrylic surface care and touch-up.

For anything specific to your model or serial number, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850. The team is glad to help.

About this guide. Answers in the Ella’s Bubbles Support Center are compiled from real conversations with tub owners, our technicians’ notes and the product documentation, then reviewed by our team. Tub models and options have evolved over the years, so a detail here may differ slightly from your exact tub. If something looks different on yours, send us your serial number and a specialist will confirm it for your model.

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