When black flakes come out of the jets, or brown slime forms every time you run them, what you are seeing is buildup being loosened from inside the pump lines. It is almost always body oils, soap film and bath product residue that has collected in the plumbing, and it is one of the easiest things to fix. The first thing to do is run the vinegar flush: mix 2 cups white vinegar with 2 cups water, fill the tub to 1 inch above the highest jets, add the mixture, run the jets for 10 minutes, then drain. Repeat until the water runs clear. The same flush is the monthly routine that keeps it from coming back, and the deeper steps live in black flakes or slime from jets.

Likely Causes

• Skipping the monthly flush, especially after months of daily use.
• Oils, bath beads, bubble bath or bath bombs, which feed the buildup and clog jets.
• Hair and debris collecting on the pump inlet cover.
• A tub that sat unused for a while, so water left in the lines developed a film that now breaks loose as dark specks.

What to Check, in Order

1. Run the flush exactly as above: 2 cups white vinegar plus 2 cups water, fill to 1 inch above the highest jets, run 10 minutes, drain.
2. Look at the drained water. If it still carries flakes or a dark film, refill and run the flush again. Repeat until the water runs clear.
3. Remove and clean the pump inlet cover of hair and debris, then wipe it with a non abrasive towel. This is part of the monthly routine in walk in tub cleaning and monthly maintenance.
4. Wipe the shell, including any ring or film on the walls, with mild dish soap or a 1 to 1 vinegar and water mix on a soft cloth.
5. Review what goes into the bath water. Set aside oils, bath beads, bubble bath and bath bombs, and follow the Epsom salts and bath products rules for anything you do use.
6. If the tub sat unused before this started, flush and drain the pump circulation system before the next bath, then return to the monthly schedule.

When to Open a Ticket

If the flakes keep returning after repeated flushes, or you notice a persistent mildew smell around the drain or pump area, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a request at ellasbubbles.com/support. Include your model, a photo of the debris in the drained water, and a note on how often the tub is used and how long since the last flush.

Common Questions