A custom-built Ella walk-in tub carries the same lifetime limited parts warranty as a standard model, uses the same owner's manual as its base model and therapy options, and follows the same cleaning routine. There is no separate custom-tub warranty, no separate custom manual and no different maintenance schedule. Whatever therapies were added, such as air massage or microbubble therapy, are covered as supporting equipment under the same terms.

Warranty on a Custom Tub

The lifetime limited warranty covers the tub shell, frame, door, door seal and finish, plus the supporting equipment: pumps, heaters, electronic controls, faucet and drain hardware. Parts are covered; labor is not. A custom build changes the size or configuration of the tub, not the coverage, so the terms in what the lifetime limited warranty covers apply exactly as printed. The usual exclusions also apply: the thermostatic control valve carries a one-year limited warranty, and non-Ella faucets carry only their own manufacturer's warranty.

Activating the Warranty

Activation is required to put the warranty in force, and it works the same way for custom tubs. The two-page activation form must be completed and signed by both the customer and the installer and returned to Ella's Bubbles with a copy of the sales receipt and the installer's information. If a dealer or contractor installed the tub, that installer signs the form with the customer. Keep the serial number handy; it is on the label behind the magnetic access panel next to the door.

Which Manual to Use

Use the manual for the base model your custom tub was built from, matched to the therapies on your invoice. A custom lay-down tub with air massage and microbubble therapy, for example, uses the lay-down manual for its base size and the operating instructions for those two systems. The dimensions on the drawing may differ from your build, but the installation steps, controls and warranty pages are the same. If a manual did not arrive with the tub, where to get an owner's manual explains how to request the current version. Older manuals that are still online may describe earlier controls; older operations instructions still online lists which ones match which tubs.

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Before first use and once a month, combine 2 cups of white vinegar with 2 cups of water.
2. Fill the tub with water to one inch above the highest jets and add the mixture.
3. Run the tub for 10 minutes, then drain.
4. Between flushes, wipe the shell with a mild, acrylic-safe cleaner and keep the pump inlet cover clear of hair and debris.

Flushing after every bath is not necessary because the air and hydro systems are fully plumbed. On air-massage tubs, the auto purge runs on its own about 20 minutes after the air pump is switched off and blows residual water out of the lines for 120 seconds; it is normal to hear it, even if you are still in the tub.

Buying Through a Dealer or Contractor

Custom tubs are often ordered through a dealer or a contractor-reseller. The warranty still belongs to the first purchaser at the original installation address, and support, parts and warranty claims work the same way as for any other Ella tub. See how support, parts and warranty work for retailer and dealer purchases for the details on who to contact and what to have ready.

Related Guides

• How do I activate my Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub warranty?
• 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
• Which cleaners are safe for my walk-in tub, and which chemicals should I avoid?

Related Videos

Watch: Walk-In Tub Cleaning and Maintenance Guide with chapters and a full transcript.

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

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