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The Air Tube Fitting on My Hydro Pump Snapped Off. What Part Do I Need?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary8
  1. How the Air Switch Works
  2. What to Send the Team
  3. Avoiding a Second Break
  4. A Brass Fitting on the Pump Nose
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions
  8. Still Need Help?

The small plastic fitting where the air tube enters the hydro pump is part of the hydro air switch, and the whole air switch is the replacement part. The push button on the tub deck sends a puff of air down a thin tube to this switch, which turns the pump on and off. When the fitting on the switch snaps, the air escapes and the button stops working even though the pump itself is fine. The team can identify the exact switch from a photo and ship it to you.

How the Air Switch Works

Each push control on an Ella tub is pneumatic rather than electrical. Pressing the button pushes air through a small tube to an air switch near the pump, and the switch starts the pump or blower. Because there are separate switches for the hydro pump and the air blower, the team needs to know which one broke. Diagrams of the pump area are available on request if you want to trace the tube first, and this troubleshooting article explains the connections to check when a pump does not respond.

What to Send the Team

  1. A clear photo of the broken fitting, showing the switch, the tube and where it mounts.
  2. Your tub model and serial number, or the original purchase order number if you are a dealer.
  3. Which button is affected, hydro jets or air bubbles.
  4. The shipping address for the part.

With that information the team confirms the correct switch. Parts for original purchasers are handled under the lifetime parts warranty, and this article covers what happens after a warranty part is approved. If the part is not a warranty item, follow ordering a replacement part by order form or phone. Some fittings are shipped directly from Ella's supplier, and the team emails a tracking number either way.

Avoiding a Second Break

On some tubs the air switch is mounted on the removable front panel, and the air tube is fairly short. If you need to remove the panel for access, move it gently and support it rather than pulling it away, because tugging on the tube can snap the fitting. See replacing a broken front apron or its mounting brackets if the panel itself was damaged.

A Brass Fitting on the Pump Nose

A different small part also fails occasionally: a brass fitting with a short hose that threads into a small hole in the nose cone of the hydro pump. If that fitting breaks off inside the hole, send a photo of the fitting and the pump. The team ships a replacement fitting rather than an air switch in that case, and can send diagrams for your model so you can confirm what you are looking at.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Understanding Air Signal Connections The technician explains how the push control sends an air signal to the control box via an air tube.
  2. 0:51 Securing Control Box Connections The technician demonstrates how to firmly plug the air tube onto the nipple of the control box.
  3. 1:03 Checking The Button Connection The technician shows how to retrieve the button from its housing using a flat screwdriver.
  4. 1:21 Securing The Pump Connection The technician pulls out the black pump part and secures the connection with the lock nut and hose.
  5. 1:40 Reassembling The Button The technician puts the pump and button back in place, securing it with the chrome ring.

Common Questions

What is the part called where the air tube meets the pump?
It is the hydro air switch. The plastic fitting that the tube slides onto is part of the switch, so the whole switch is replaced rather than just the fitting. Send a photo so the team can match the exact version.
Why does the team ask for a photo before sending the switch?
Ella tubs use more than one style of air switch, including separate switches for the hydro pump and the air blower. A photo of your broken part ensures the replacement fits the first time.
Does the jets button also need to be replaced?
Usually not. The push button on the deck is a separate part that only pushes air, so if it moves freely and the tube is intact, only the internal switch needs replacing. Mention it if the button itself is cracked or missing.
Is the air switch covered under my warranty?
The lifetime parts warranty covers supporting equipment for the original purchaser at the original installation address. Send your serial number and photos and the team will verify coverage. The part ships after verification, and labor is done by your local plumber or electrician.
What if a brass fitting broke off the nose of the hydro pump?
That is a different part from the air switch. Send a photo of the broken fitting and the pump, and the team ships a replacement fitting. Diagrams for your model are available if you want to confirm the location first.

Still Need Help?

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

Related guides

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