Can One Walk-In Tub Have Air, Hydro, Microbubble and Foot Massage Together?

Yes, on the largest frames. Each massage system on an Ella walk-in tub runs on its own pump under the seat, so all four systems (air, back hydro, independent foot hydro and microbubble) fit only where there is room for four pumps: the Big4One, the ShaK and the two-seat tubs, with the TransferXXL by special order. Compact 52 inch tubs take two systems and mid-size frames take three. The full menu by model is in Which Therapy Combinations Fit Which Tub: Hydro, Air, Microbubble, and Foot Massage by Model.

Why the Count Depends on the Tub

Ella does not use a diverter to split one pump between jets. Some bathtubs use a small plastic diverter to send flow to either the foot jets or the back jets, which cuts volume from one when the other runs. Ella installs a separate pump and motor for every system, so everything runs at the same time at full pressure. The trade-off is space under the tub, which is why a 52 inch frame is limited to two systems on most models while a 66 or 72 inch frame takes all four.

Where Four Systems Fit

• All four possible: Big4One, ShaK and all two-seat tubs. The TransferXXL carries the triple packages on its spec sheet, and the team has confirmed an all-four build as a special order.
• Three systems: Royal, Monaco, Transfer32 and Transfer60 take Air + Hydro + Microbubble or Air + Hydro + Foot. The Ultimate ships with Hydro + Foot + Air standard, with microbubble by special order.
• Two systems: Petite, Capri, Transfer26 and most 52 inch tubs. The Elite lists Air + Hydro, Hydro + Foot and Hydro + Micro. The published Air + Hydro + Foot schematic names the Elite and Capri, but space is tight, so confirm any three-system build first.
• One system: LayDown 30x60 and 32x72 take air, hydro or microbubble, and the Standard, Zen and Flow are hydro only.

Ella publishes a four-system schematic, but a four-system tub outside the models above is not a stock package. Treat it as a special order that your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 confirms in writing for your model before you plan the electrical work.

Plan the Electrical Before You Order

Hydro, Air + Hydro or any single system uses one dedicated 20A 120V GFCI line. Adding microbubble or the independent foot massage as a third feature, or a heated seat on a single-seat tub, calls for a second dedicated line. The ShaK and Big4One with microbubbles and fully loaded two-seat tubs use three lines. Have your licensed electrician confirm the extra lines can be run before you place the order, because Ella does not send technicians and the wiring is done locally.

Extra Jets Are Not Added

Jet layouts stay as published for each package. When a customer asked for additional smaller hydro jets on the sides of a Transfer32, the team declined after checking with the technicians, because there is no room on the sides and adding more holes weakens the acrylic shell. Choose the package whose published layout suits you, and use the intensity dial to soften a massage.

What Cannot Change Later

Packages are built into the shell at the factory, so systems cannot be added after purchase. Any package with two or more systems is a dual massage package and includes the LED chromatherapy light. Microbubble therapy is delivered through a single port and turns the water milky white. Hydrogen (H2) is offered only on the Standard60 and cannot be combined with microbubbles.

Related Guides

• Electrical requirements by model: dedicated GFCI circuits for your walk-in tub
• Therapy System Schematics Index: Every Published Component Diagram, Which Models It Lists, and How Many Dedicated Lines It Shows
• How to Read an Ella Spec Sheet: Actual Versus Nominal Size, Shipping Size, Occupied Versus Unoccupied Capacity, Package Jet Tables, Amp Disclaimers and Known Misprints

Related Videos

Common Questions

Which models can carry all four therapy systems? Big4One, ShaK and all two-seat tubs. The TransferXXL takes all four as a special order the team has confirmed, so ask before planning the electrical.

Can a 30 by 52 inch tub have three systems? The Elite is listed with Air + Hydro, Hydro + Foot or Hydro + Micro. The published Air + Hydro + Foot schematic names the Elite and Capri, but space is tight, so confirm a three-system build with the team first.

Does a four-system tub need more than one electrical line? Yes. A third feature such as microbubble or foot massage requires a second dedicated line, and the ShaK and Big4One with microbubbles use three. Confirm the lines with your electrician before ordering.

Do all the systems run at the same time? Yes. Each system has its own pump and there is no diverter, so foot jets, back jets, air and microbubble can all run together.

Can I add a therapy system to my tub later? No. Therapies are built into the shell and cannot be added after purchase, so choose the full package you may want at order time.