A gap under the front apron, or an apron that will not sit flush against the tub, is fixed with two adjustments. Lower all of the leveling legs to bring the tub closer to the subfloor, then move the apron in or out on the brackets that hold it to the frame. The apron is a flexible cosmetic panel, its lip belongs under the acrylic edge of the tub, and repositioning it has no effect on the warranty or the operation of the tub.

Closing a Gap Between the Apron and the Floor

The apron does not touch the floor by itself. Its height follows the tub, so a gap at the bottom usually means the tub is sitting higher than it needs to on its leveling legs. Lower all of the legs evenly to bring the tub down toward the subfloor, keeping every leg in contact with the floor so the shell stays supported. The sequence for doing that without introducing bow or door misalignment is in leveling your walk-in tub, and what leveling legs are explains how they work. If the drain height leaves you unable to go lower, lowering the tub and recessed installations covers the options.

Adjusting the Apron on Its Brackets

The apron mounts to brackets on the tub frame, and those brackets set how far the apron stands from the frame. If the panel bows out, sits proud of the acrylic edge, or leans back, adjust the brackets rather than forcing the panel.

1. Remove the apron, or loosen the screws along its bottom edge if you only need to shift it.
2. Locate the brackets on the frame that the apron attaches to and adjust them in or out until the apron lip tucks under the acrylic edge of the tub.
3. Refit the apron and confirm the lip sits beneath the acrylic all the way across, including directly under the door.
4. Tighten the bottom screws and check that the panel is flush at both ends.

The apron is flexible. When an alcove is slightly tight it can be pushed toward the faucet wall to fit the enclosure. Tub measurements are taken from the top of the tub, not from the removable apron, so a small shift of the apron does not change the fit of the shell. An apron that will not stay on at all is a different symptom, covered in why the front panel keeps popping off.

Fitting an Apron After the Tub Is Installed

It is much easier to attach the apron before the tub is fully set, but it can usually be done afterwards. The hard section is directly under the door, where the lip has to slide beneath the acrylic edge. If you can tilt the tub up about an inch the lip slides in easily. If the tub cannot move, file down the lip of the apron where it passes under the door so it clears. Photos of the installation help support advise on the best approach for your bathroom.

Drywall Behind the Tub and the Warranty

Drywall is not required behind or beside the tub, and leaving it out does not affect the warranty. Setting the tub against the studs and tiling down to the deck is acceptable as far as Ella is concerned. Follow local code and your contractor's guidance for waterproofing. Adjusting the apron, or fitting it later, also has no warranty effect because the apron is a cosmetic piece that does not affect the operation of the tub or the warranty on any other component. Door and shell alignment are set at the leveling legs, so if the door begins to rub after lowering the tub, see fixing tub bow with the leveling legs.

If the Apron Looks Wrong Out of the Crate

Tubs are photographed as they are packed for shipping. If the apron seems loose or misaligned on arrival, open a ticket with photos and support can compare them against the packing photos to confirm how it was attached at the factory and what has moved in transit or installation.

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.