Does My Ella Tub Include an In-Line Heater? Hydro, Air-Only, Soaker and Clearance Units
An in-line water heater is part of Ella's hydro massage systems, and it is not included on soaking-only or air-only tubs. Whether a particular tub, including a clearance unit, has one depends on the therapy package it was built with rather than on the model name alone. The quickest way to know for sure is to check the therapy configuration on your order paperwork or the model's spec sheet, or to ask your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.
What the In-Line Heater Actually Does
The in-line heater sits in the hydro massage water line and warms the water as the pump circulates it through the jets. Its job is to hold your bath at a comfortable temperature for the length of your soak, not to heat cold water coming from the tap. Your home water heater still does the work of filling the tub with hot water. You can read more about how the component works in our overview of the in-line water heater.
Which Configurations Include It
Because the heater is plumbed into the hydro line, it comes with configurations that have a hydro massage pump. The Ella Standard is a good example: it ships as a hydro massage tub with 18 hydro jets, a pump, and an in-line heater. Tubs that combine air massage with hydro massage include the heater as part of the hydro side of the system.
Two configurations do not include an in-line heater. Soaking-only tubs have no pumps and no electrical connection, so there is nothing for a heater to run on. Air-only tubs have a blower but no hydro water line, so they do not include one either. If you own an air-only or soaking tub and want warmer water for longer, see whether a heater or jets can be added later.
Clearance and Display Tubs
A clearance tub sells exactly as it was built. Some were configured as soakers or air-only units, so they will not have an in-line heater, while others were built with hydro massage and do. Please do not assume either way from the model name, because the same model can be built with different therapy packages. Ask for the therapy configuration of the specific unit before you commit, and have that answer confirmed in writing on your order.
How to Check a Tub You Already Own
- Look at your invoice or order confirmation for the therapy package. A hydro massage package, or a combined air and hydro package, means an in-line heater is part of the system.
- Compare against the spec sheet for your model, which lists the heater with the hydro system components.
- Find your serial number on the label behind the magnetic access panel next to the door, then open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850. The team can confirm the exact configuration your tub shipped with.
The Heated Seat Is a Separate Option
Customers often ask about the in-line heater and the heated seat in the same breath, but they are different features. The in-line heater warms the bath water. The heated seat and backrest warms the surfaces you sit and lean against, which takes the chill out of the wait while the tub fills. It runs on its own control, and you can read more in our heated seat and backrest article. Having one does not tell you anything about whether the other is installed.
Related Guides
- Does the in-line water heater warm up my bath? What it does and does not do
- What Size Water Heater Do I Need for My Walk-in Tub?
- Why Doesn't the Water Stay Hot and Why Do the Jets Blow Cold?
Related Videos
Common Questions
Does every jetted Ella tub have an in-line heater?
Will the in-line heater warm up cold tap water?
Do clearance walk-in tubs come with an in-line heater?
Is the in-line heater covered under the warranty?
Is the in-line heater the same thing as the heated seat?
Still Need Help?
Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.
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