Can My Walk-In Tub Sit Freestanding With the Sides Exposed?

Yes, your walk-in tub can sit freestanding with the sides exposed, with one rule to plan around. Any Ella tub fits a three wall alcove or stands free against one or two walls, and each exposed end is covered by a finished end panel: one reversible end panel comes with every tub and a second can be purchased for a second exposed end. What no model includes is a cover for the long back side opposite the door, so the back sits against a wall or a knee wall your contractor frames. The first thing to check is which sides of your layout will be open, then count end panels against that. The freestanding and exposed side guide walks through each placement.

Likely Causes

• A plan that leaves both ends open against a single back wall, which needs the second end panel.
• A plan that leaves the back side open, which needs a knee wall or framing since there is no factory back cover.
• A two seat or outward swing tub with an exposed end, which is covered by the included end panel, with a second panel purchased if the other end is open too.

What to Check, in Order

1. Sketch the room and mark every side of the tub that will be exposed: left end, right end, front (the apron side) and back.
2. Front: the removable front apron with its access panels is always finished and always stays reachable.
3. One exposed end: the included reversible end panel covers it, placed on the side opposite the corner.
4. Two exposed ends: add a second end panel through where you purchased the tub. Have your model, serial number and door side ready, as explained in end panel and extension panel replacements.
5. Exposed back: have your contractor build a knee wall or frame the back side, which also carries the plumbing, wiring and any wall mounted grab bar. The tub does not depend on the wall for support; it stands on its own stainless steel frame with adjustable leveling legs.
6. Keep service access. Every mechanism is reached through the removable side and apron panels, so nothing may be tiled or built in front of them and no insulation goes around the equipment. See planning service access.
7. Level the tub with every leg bearing before the knee wall or finish work is closed, and complete the water test with the panels open.

When to Open a Ticket

If you want confirmation for your layout or need a second end panel, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your model, serial number, door side and a sketch or photo of the room showing which sides will be open. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 will confirm what is included and what to add.

Related Guides

• The Extension Panel: What Ships With Your Tub, Where It Installs, and When to Set It Aside
• How Do the Two Front Access Panels on the Ella Ultimate Open for Service?
• How Do I Install a Second End Panel on a Freestanding Ella Tub?

Common Questions