Why Did the Auto Purge Come On While I Was Filling the Tub?

If the auto purge came on while you were filling the tub, or it blows a cool mist for two minutes before your wife is done washing, the cause is nearly always the timer. The Auto Purge on air massage tubs starts about 20 minutes after the air pump is switched off and runs for 120 seconds, and it does that whether the tub is full, empty or still filling. Running the air for a moment before the bath, perhaps to test it, restarts that 20 minute countdown, so the purge can arrive right in the middle of the soak. The first thing to check is whether anyone touched the air button shortly before the purge appeared. There is no button for the purge and no way to retime it, so the simple fix is to let it finish its two minutes and carry on bathing.

Likely Causes

• The air pump was switched on and then off shortly before the bath, which restarted the 20 minute timer. Details are in the Auto Purge explained guide.
• The previous bath ended less than 20 minutes before the next fill began, so the purge from the earlier bath landed during the second one.
• Three purges in one hour is not the normal single cycle; that pattern points to a stuck push button or a control box fault rather than the timer.

What to Check, in Order

1. Think back 20 minutes. If the air massage was turned on and off at any point, even briefly, the purge you felt was the scheduled cycle from that shutoff.
2. Let it run. The cycle is 120 seconds and stops on its own. Water at bath level does not interfere with it, and there is no harm in staying in the tub. The Auto Purge air system guide covers what happens during the cycle.
3. Plan the sequence. If you want the air massage during the bath, turn it on once the tub is filled and turn it off when you are done, so the purge arrives after you have finished.
4. Know which control is which. The purge has no button; the deck buttons or touchpad run the hydro, air, microbubble and light. The hydro versus air massage controls guide identifies each one.
5. Count the cycles. One purge about 20 minutes after shutoff is normal. If the two minute air dry came on three times in an hour with no one touching the buttons, check for a push button stuck in the down position using the push control troubleshooting guide, then run the reset in the control box guide.

When to Open a Ticket

A purge that arrives mid bath because the air was used beforehand needs no ticket. If the air keeps starting on its own more than once per bath, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850. Include your serial number, the times the cycles started, and a photo of the blue control box and its air tube connections.

Related Guides

• How long does Auto Purge run after a bath and can I change it?
• What is an air bath tub and how does the air massage feel?
• How long does the auto purge run and can I change it?
• How Long Does Auto Purge Run After a Bath, and Can I Change It?

Common Questions