Every walk-in tub cleaning video from Ella's Bubbles is gathered here: the routine wipe-down and monthly flush, the first-use cleanout, door seal care, the ozone sterilization system, the auto-purge on the air system, and cleaning the thermostatic control valve (TCV) cartridge and screens. This page lists every one of them in the order you are likely to need them, names the article that covers each topic in depth, and notes where the current published instruction is the one to follow. Three of the videos are embedded here with written steps so the guidance stands on its own.

Routine Cleaning

The Walk-In Tub Cleaning and Maintenance Guide shows the routine: ozone runs whenever the hydro jets are on, the auto purge dries the air lines after an air massage, you wipe the surface with a non-abrasive cleaner about twice a month, keep the intake screen clear, skip bath bombs, and flush with white vinegar monthly. It is covered by our cleaning and monthly maintenance article. For the flush, follow the current published recipe: 2 cups of white vinegar with 2 cups of water, filled one inch above the highest jets and run for 10 minutes.

First-Use Flush

• How To Clean Your Walk-In Tub (watch). The initial cleanout after installation and before the first bath. Covered by the first bath preparation article and the monthly maintenance article, since the first-use flush and the monthly flush use the same recipe: 2 cups of vinegar, 2 cups of water, 10 minutes.

Door Seal Care

• Proper Door Seal Maintenance, Inward and Outward Swing Doors (watch). Clean the seal and door frame regularly with a common household cleaner, since residue in the seal or frame is a leading cause of leaks; re-secure a loose seal with a thin bead of silicone in the gasket channel, letting it set 20 minutes before reinserting the gasket and 24 hours before use; and leave the door slightly open when the tub is not in use so the gasket is not compressed. Covered by door seal cleaning and care.

Ozone Sterilization

• Introducing Ozone Sterilization for Walk-In Tubs (watch). A short clip explaining that ozone is a proven water disinfectant that eliminates mold and bacteria from the water system and prevents mildew and odor. Ozone runs automatically whenever the hydro massage is on. Covered by ozone sanitation explained.
• Disconnecting The Ozone Generator (embedded below). Covered by ozone generator disconnect and service.

The video shows how the ozone generator is taken out of the circuit when the support team has advised doing so. The steps as shown: locate the power cord from the ozone generator and find the T connection that joins the hydro pump to the ozone generator; disconnect both ends of that T connection; wrap the disconnected ozone generator cord with a cable tie and secure it within the tub frame so it cannot touch water or moving parts; then reconnect the hydro pump plug to the plug coming from the central control box. The hydro massage then runs without the ozone stage. Because this involves the tub's wiring behind the access panel, please open a ticket first so the team can confirm it is the right step for your unit.

Auto-Purge on the Air System

• Walk-In Tubs Featuring Three Speed Air Massage and Auto-Purge Technology (watch). Explains that auto-purge activates about 20 minutes after the air massage is turned off to clear leftover moisture and prevent mold and mildew. Covered by the Auto-Purge article.
• Voted Best Walk-In Tub in 2020 With Air Massage and Auto Purge Function (watch). Shows that some water flows back into the air lines after the pump stops, and that the purge restarts the pump for two minutes; it may begin while you are still in the tub and that is not a fault. If you want to exit while it runs, drain and step out normally.
• Inside the Build: Under-the-Deck Piping (watch). A dealer's tour behind the tub showing the bundled air and water lines and explaining how auto-purge blows every line dry after use.

TCV Cleaning

• TCV Valve Replacement (embedded below). Covered by TCV cartridge cleaning and replacement and hard water and inline filter protection, which also reference the printed cartridge-cleaning sheet.

The video covers removing, cleaning and refitting the thermostatic control valve. As shown: shut off the water supply; remove the control handle by loosening the Allen bolt and lifting the handle off; loosen and remove the cover plate; slide off the TCV governor; remove all the washers, then the escutcheon plate; use channel locks or vice grips on the unthreaded flat wrench area (never on the threads) to loosen and fully unscrew the metal collar; unscrew the cartridge; and check and clean the intake screens, where sediment, salt and other debris build up, using a soft brush and CLR. Check that the bottom of the cartridge is also free of debris, lightly lubricate the gaskets with lithium grease, then reinstall the cartridge, the collar (tightened securely but not over-torqued), the escutcheon plate, the washers, the governor and the handle. The video also reminds you to inspect the water intake screen and check valve on the bottom of the valve, since calcification there can impede flow. The printed cleaning sheet adds two cautions: when gripping the cartridge with channel locks, do not grasp it by the rubber gaskets, and do not use a solvent strong enough to soften them. Ella's warranty documentation asks that TCV removal and cleaning be performed by a licensed and insured contractor or plumber, and cartridge cleaning due to mineral or particle buildup is the owner's responsibility.

Related Video Libraries

Door videos, including handle and latch adjustments and gasket replacement, live in the door videos library, and pump, control box, and jet videos are in the repair videos library.

Common Questions

For anything specific to your model, serial number or water conditions, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and the team will be glad to help.