A bathroom inspector looking at a walk-in tub installation checks three separate things: that the electrical work is safe, that the plumbing is sound, and that the structure and finishes around the tub meet local code. Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs are built and tested to conform to the North American standards for hydromassage bathtubs, and the listing information an inspector wants is printed on a label inside the tub itself. This checklist covers what each inspection usually looks at, what to have ready, and how Ella's own 16-point activation checklist fits alongside it. Your local inspector and your licensed installer make the final calls.

Who Inspects What: Three Separate Inspections

Many jurisdictions split a walk-in tub project into electrical, plumbing and building inspections, and some require a rough-in visit before the walls close and a final visit after the tub is running. Ask your permit office which visits apply before your installer schedules the work.

Electrical Items the Inspector Looks for

Every Ella tub with pumps must be installed on its own dedicated GFCI-protected circuit or circuits, installed and tested by a licensed electrician. The number of circuits follows the therapy package rather than the model name, and the count is printed on your model's specification sheet; our guide to electrical requirements by model lists every configuration. The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) covers hydromassage bathtubs in Article 680, which requires GFCI protection for the tub's circuit, bonding of the metal parts, and electrical equipment that can be reached without damaging the building structure or finish. Your inspector applies the edition and local amendments adopted in your area.

• ☐ Dedicated GFCI-protected circuit(s) for the tub, shared with no other appliance
• ☐ GFCI tested by the electrician (test and reset) with the tub powered
• ☐ Tub frame properly grounded and bonded
• ☐ Breaker(s) labeled at the panel
• ☐ Receptacles placed inside the equipment compartment where the cords reach without extension cords

Plumbing Items the Inspector Looks for

Most Ella walk-in tubs ship with dual 2 inch T-type four-port drains; the Standard, Zen and Flow platform, the Front Entry and the LayDown models use a single 2 inch drain. Unused ports are closed with the included caps, and the manuals ask for a Y fitting rather than a T when joining two outlets, because fewer turns means faster drainage. They also warn that a dual drain cannot guarantee fast drainage if the house drain itself does not flow well, so have your plumber verify the house drain first. Like any fixture, the tub drain needs a trap and vent per the local plumbing code. Our article on drain configurations and the house drain shows the layout options.

• ☐ 2 inch drain connected to the house drain with a trap and vent
• ☐ Unused drain ports capped; Y fitting used where two outlets join
• ☐ House drain flow verified before connection
• ☐ Hot and cold supply lines connected, with accessible shut-off valves close to the tub
• ☐ No leaks at supply connections, unions or drain fittings during a full fill and drain

Structure, Finish and Access

The manuals require a subfloor that is level and able to support the total weight of the tub, the water and the bather per local code, with every leveling leg touching the floor with equal weight. The wall finish overlaps a tile flange strip, any thin 1/8 or 3/16 inch rustproof waterproof material about 5 inches tall, glued to the tub edge with 100 percent silicone and overlapping the edge by about 2 inches. Code-required access to the plumbing and electrical connections is the installer's and owner's responsibility, the front apron panels must stay removable, and nothing may be insulated around the equipment. Our guide to planning service access covers alcove installs and wall access panels.

• ☐ Subfloor level and rated for tub plus water plus bather
• ☐ All leveling legs touching the floor with equal weight
• ☐ Tile flange strip in place; wall finish overlaps flange and deck; joints sealed with silicone caulk
• ☐ Front apron and access panels removable; no tile or trim built in front of them
• ☐ No insulation packed around pumps, heater or controls

Documents the Inspector May Ask for

Inspectors sometimes ask for a paper certificate. Ella's Bubbles does not routinely mail one, because the listing information is printed on the label inside the tub. Stand on the seat side, remove the square access panel in the front apron, and photograph the label mounted inside by the opening or near the pump; it carries the listing information with the model and serial number. The team's standard wording is that the tubs conform to UL Standard 1795 for hydromassage bathtubs and CSA Standard C22.2 No. 218.2, and that the pumps, in-line heaters and other electrical components are ETL certified and clearly marked. Full detail is in safety certifications: UL, ETL and CSA.

• ☐ Photo of the label inside the front apron access panel on the seat side
• ☐ The model's current specification sheet, with electrical requirements and drain details
• ☐ The electrical component schematic for the installed therapy package, if your permit office asks for it
• ☐ The electrician's license and insurance information (also needed for warranty activation)

Read the official guidance: NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

What Ella's 16-Point Activation Checklist Adds

The warranty activation form carries a checklist your installer initials line by line, and it goes further than a code inspection. It confirms the door seal was cleaned with rubbing alcohol, the thermostatic control valve works on hot and cold, both diverters and every hand shower setting work without leaking, the locking nut is tightened on both drain stoppers, the door seal is watertight after a fill of at least 20 minutes, and the hydro and air pumps run at least 20 minutes with every connection watertight. The plain-language version is in what your installer should test before leaving.

The Inspector and Your Installer Decide

Ella's Bubbles can tell you what the tub conforms to, where the label is and what the manuals require. Whether a particular installation passes is decided by your local inspector, and the wiring and plumbing must be done by licensed trades. If you are still choosing an installer, see how to find a licensed installer. If an inspector asks for something beyond the label and the standards above, send the exact request through ellasbubbles.com/support or call your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, and we will tell you what can be supplied for your model.

Common Questions