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End Panels, Extension Panels, and Aprons: Getting the Right Replacement Panel

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary7
  1. What Comes with Every Tub
  2. Extension Panels Are Trimmed on Site
  3. Need to Cover Both Ends? Add a Second End Panel
  4. Alcove Installations and Service Access
  5. Ordering the Right Replacement Panel
  6. Related Guides
  7. Common Questions

A replacement end panel or extension panel for your Ella walk-in tub is ordered through Technical Support with your model, serial number and door side, because panels are cut for a specific model and a specific end. Every Ella tub ships with one reversible end panel, tubs shorter than 60 inches also include an extension panel for a standard 60 inch alcove, and the removable front apron carries the access panels for service. A second end panel can be added when both ends of the tub are exposed, and any panel can be replaced if it is damaged. This guide explains what is included, what can be added, and how to order the right panel the first time.

What Comes with Every Tub

Ella Walk-In Tub End Panels, Extension Panels, and Aprons
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Included Every Ella walk-in tub includes one reversible end panel that can be placed on either side of the tub.
  2. 0:36 Extension Panel for Tubs Ella walk-in tubs under 60 inches long come with an extension panel to fit a standard 60-inch alcove.
  3. 1:08 Removable Front Apron Ella walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for plumbing and component service.
  4. 1:30 Removing Panels Before Moving All removable panels must be taken off before the walk-in tub is moved into the house and bathroom.

Watch: Ella's Bubbles: Understanding Extension and End Panels with chapters and a full transcript.

  • One reversible end panel. Every Ella walk-in bathtub comes with one reversible end panel that can be placed on either side of the tub. If the tub sits in the right corner of the bathroom, the panel installs on the exposed left side to cover the plumbing and frame, and the reverse for a left corner installation. End panels do not add length to the tub.
  • An extension panel on tubs under 60 inches. Any Ella walk-in tub that is less than 60 inches long comes with an extension panel so it fits perfectly into a standard 60 inch tub alcove, and it can be placed on either the right or the left side of the tub. Full-length models such as the Ultimate, Standard60, Zen60, Transfer60 and the two-seat tubs do not need one, and the Big4One, ShaK, Front Entry and Mobile do not use one.
  • A removable front apron. The apron is affixed to the tub front and typically includes two easily removable panels for service access to the plumbing and components. Depending on your model, the apron attaches with clips, screws, velcro tape or magnets.
  • Opting out. If you do not need the end panel or the extension panel, you can opt out of receiving one or the other when ordering, in an effort to reduce plastic waste.

One important handling note: all removable panels, including the front apron with its access panels, the end panel and the extension panel, must be removed before the walk-in tub is moved into the house and into the bathroom. The delivery day guide covers moving the tub by the frame.

Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub with an arrow marking the reversible end panel that finishes the exposed end
The reversible end panel covers the exposed end of the tub in a corner installation.

Extension Panels Are Trimmed on Site

Extension Panels or Filler Kits For Alcove Installation
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 What Are Extension Panels? Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs use extension panels to create the best fit for your new tub in your home.
  2. 0:14 Trimming Panels For Fit Extension panels can be trimmed to ensure your tub fits seamlessly and beautifully, even if your alcove is out of square.
  3. 0:29 Panel Storage Space The extension panels provide a convenient place for towels, shampoos, soaps, and other bathing items.

Watch: Ellas Bubbles: Extension Panels or "Filler Kits" For Alcove Installation with chapters and a full transcript.

The video explains that the extension panel, sometimes called a filler kit, can be trimmed to fit an out-of-square or unusual alcove, placed on the right or the left of the tub, and doubles as a shelf. It comes with integrated adjustable stainless steel shelf support brackets that are part of the tub frame, so the panel and its silicone joint are supported rather than floating. Panel widths by model, and the models that do not use one, are listed in extension panels and filler kits by model, and the alcove planning side is in will it fit my alcove?

White L-shaped Ella extension panel kit with metal mounting brackets and hardware for walk-in tub alcove installation
An extension panel kit with its stainless support brackets and hardware.

Need to Cover Both Ends? Add a Second End Panel

Ella Walk-In Tub Accessories Overview
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Extension and End Panels Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs come with extension and end panels for flexible installation in various bathroom layouts.
  2. 0:49 Four-Fold Glass Screen A four-fold glass screen offers a convenient and elegant alternative to a shower curtain, folding away when not in use.
  3. 1:27 Flexible Tile Flange and Wall Tiles The flexible tile flange creates a watertight seal, and groutless wall tiles provide a maintenance-free finish for your tub area.
  4. 2:40 Fast Fill Faucets and Rain Head Fast fill faucets quickly fill the tub, and a 10-inch rain head shower kit adds a luxurious showering experience.
  5. 4:24 Hand Shower Sliding Bar A 24-inch hand shower sliding bar with leak protection offers adjustable height and pivoting for comfortable showering.
  6. 5:17 Safety and Comfort Accessories Seat belts, wall pillows, headrests, and seat cushions provide enhanced safety and comfort during bathing.

Watch: Walk-In Tub Accessories to Enhance Your Experience with chapters and a full transcript.

Accessories ordered with your tub ship together with it. If your walk-in tub is installed against the back wall with both ends open, a second end panel can be added to give the installation a finished look on both sides. The same applies to wider models: the Shak, for example, includes one end panel for its 36 inch side, and an additional panel can be added if the other end will be exposed. A second end panel and other accessories can also be added after your original purchase. There is no factory cover for the long back side of any tub, so the back goes against a wall or a built knee wall; can the tub be freestanding? explains the options. One installation tip from the accessories video: when adding a glass shower screen, always attach it to the wall side of the tub, away from extension panels, for the most stable installation and the best splash coverage.

Alcove Installations and Service Access

Placing the tub snugly into a three wall alcove limits access for maintenance, since both ends of the tub are enclosed. The removable front apron still provides access panels for service, and we recommend talking to your installer about adding wall access panels so future servicing does not require drywall removal, repair and painting. Service labor is not covered under the warranty, so planning access up front is worth it; see planning service access.

Ordering the Right Replacement Panel

Panels are model specific, and the correct panel also depends on which side your door is on. To order, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 with:

  1. Your tub model and serial number, which tell us the exact panel dimensions for your unit.
  2. Your door side, left or right, so the panel arrives cut for the correct end.
  3. Which panel you need: end panel, extension panel, front apron or an access panel.
  4. A photo of the installation, especially if a panel arrived damaged or does not appear to fit, so our team can confirm the right part before it ships.

A panel that arrives cracked or damaged with the tub should be reported within 48 hours of receipt so it is handled as freight damage. The general parts process is in how to order replacement parts.

Common Questions

What is the difference between an end panel and an extension panel?
An end panel covers the exposed short end of the tub in a corner installation, finishing the plumbing and frame, and it does not add any length to the tub. An extension panel, sometimes called a filler kit, fills the gap between a 52 or 55 inch tub and a standard 60 inch alcove and can be trimmed on site; its width varies by model, from about 4 to 8 inches, as listed in the extension panels by model article. The two serve different purposes and can be used together on the same installation.
Can I get a second end panel?
Yes. A second end panel can be added at order time or after your original purchase for installations where both ends of the tub are exposed. Send your model, serial number and door side through a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or by calling (800) 480-6850, and the correct panel is arranged for your unit.
Can the extension panel be cut?
Yes. It is designed to be trimmed on site to fit an out-of-square or unusual alcove, and it can go on either side of the tub. The integrated stainless steel shelf brackets on the frame hold the trimmed panel and its silicone joint firmly.
Can I have extension panels on both ends?
Extension brackets can be fitted to both ends of the tub, but this must be specified before the tub is built. Mention it to your Ella dealer or the team when you place your order so the frame is prepared correctly. If you are unsure whether your alcove needs an extension on both sides, the alcove fit article linked above can help you decide.
Which models do not come with an extension panel?
Full-length models do not need one: the Ultimate, Standard60, Zen60, Transfer60 and the two-seat tubs already fit a standard 60 inch alcove. The Big4One, ShaK, Front Entry and Mobile do not use one. Every other Ella tub shorter than 60 inches includes one.
Can the back of the tub be finished too?
No. There is no factory panel for the long back side of any Ella tub. The back sits against a wall or a knee wall built by your contractor; the freestanding and exposed side installations article explains the options for an open layout.
My end panel arrived cracked. What do I do?
Photograph the damage as soon as you find it and report it within 48 hours of receipt, to the retailer if you purchased through one and to the team through a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, so the replacement is handled as freight damage. Include your model, serial number and door side so the replacement panel arrives cut for the correct end.
How is the front apron attached?
With clips, screws, velcro tape or magnets, depending on the model; the Ultra family uses magnetic panels. If a panel feels tight, work it loose gently from one corner rather than prying at the middle, and remember that all removable panels must come off before the tub is moved into the house.
Can I opt out of the panels to reduce waste?
Yes. When placing your order you can opt out of the end panel, the extension panel, or both, for example when both ends of the tub will be enclosed by walls. Mention it to your Ella dealer or the team before the order is finalized.

Still need a hand? Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and our technical support team will be glad to help.

About this guide. Answers in the Ella’s Bubbles Support Center are compiled from real conversations with tub owners, our technicians’ notes and the product documentation, then reviewed by our team. Tub models and options have evolved over the years, so a detail here may differ slightly from your exact tub. If something looks different on yours, send us your serial number and a specialist will confirm it for your model.

Related guides

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