Are grab bars included with an Ella walk-in tub? Most models include a stainless steel grab bar in chrome finish, and many include both a deck-mount bar and a wall-mount bar positioned for entering, exiting, and standing up from the seat. A few models are different: the Petite and the Companion include a deck-mount grab bar only, and the Tub4Two and the LayDown tubs do not come with grab bars. The deck-mount bar is shipped loose and installed on site, and it has one rule that protects your shell and your warranty: the large metal washer must go under the shell. This article covers what is included, how to install the deck bar correctly, and how to add wall bars safely.

What Is Included by Model

The current spec sheets list the grab bars this way:

• Deck and wall-mounted grab bar: Elite, Royal, Deluxe, Ultimate, Capri, Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60, and TransferXXL. The Standard and Zen platform lists a U-shape deck and wall-mount grab bar.
• Wall-mounted grab bar: Ultra, Lounger, Big4One, ShaK, Escape, and Big4Two.
• Deck-mount grab bar only: Petite and Companion.
• No grab bar included: Tub4Two, which our team has confirmed does not ship with a grab bar, and the Flow, whose spec sheet lists none. Grab bars are not offered for the LayDown 32x72.

For the Monaco, Mobile, and Front Entry, check the spec sheet on the Downloads tab of the product page or ask our team. Grab bars are supplied in chrome finish, and jets and controls remain chrome even when a brushed nickel faucet is chosen; see tub colors and hardware finishes. The U-shape grab bar built into certain models is exclusive to those models and is not available separately.

This Elite tour is a good look at how the included grab bars sit relative to the seat, the door, and the textured floor on a stainless-door tub. Alongside the 22 inch seat, swivel tray, and removable backrest, the video points out the grab bars and the low threshold that together make independent entry and exit possible.

Installing the Deck-Mount Grab Bar

The kit contains one chrome grab bar, two escutcheons, four rubber washers, two metal washers, and two bolts. Assemble each bolt in this order:

1. Place a metal washer onto the bolt, followed by a rubber washer.
2. Feed the bolt up through the tub shell from underneath.
3. Place another rubber washer over the exposed bolt, followed by the escutcheon.
4. Start threading the bolt into the grab bar so the assembly is held loosely in position.
5. Repeat for the second bolt.
6. With both bolts in place, tighten them with the supplied Allen wrench.

Warning: under no circumstances install the grab bar without the large metal washer underneath the tub shell. Doing so leaves the acrylic shell vulnerable to cracking and voids the warranty. The metal washer spreads the load across the shell; the rubber washers cushion and seal. This is one of the installation choices that affect your warranty, and it is worth a 30 second check before your installer tightens down.

Adding Wall Grab Bars

If you feel you need extra grab bars, add them to the walls surrounding the tub rather than drilling into the tub, since any alteration or modification of the tub not done by Ella's Bubbles is excluded from warranty coverage. Wall bars must be anchored into the framing behind the wall and must be able to support your full body weight, so if you are uncertain of your do-it-yourself skills, hire a professional. Following ADA guidelines is a good practice: horizontal bars at 33 to 36 inches from the tub floor, with a vertical bar near the door entry point for stabilization during entry and exit, and bars thick enough for a firm grip. Consider bars near the toilet and sink as well, since several well-placed bars are better than one. Grab bars can also be mounted on acrylic or cultured marble shower walls as long as they are anchored securely into the studs. Our ADA and accessibility answers article has more on placement.

Suction-cup grab bars are not recommended. They are tempting because they are easy to install, but suction cups can loosen in a moist bathroom over time and may rip off the wall when you need them most. A grab bar is only useful if you can rely on it with your full weight.

Ella Add-On Grab Bars

Ella's Bubbles offers stainless steel grab bars in polished and brushed finishes and in several sizes, designed to fit in with our walk-in tubs and showers:

• Ella Modern Satin Brushed Finish Straight Grab Bar, in 18 inch, 24 inch, and 36 inch lengths.
• Ella Modern Polished Stainless Steel 12 inch by 1-1/4 inch Circle Grab Bar.
• Ella Modern 20 inch by 1-1/4 inch Dual Bent Grab Bar.

The Modern satin brushed bars are brand new items, not returns or blemished goods. Availability changes, so check with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850. Other comfort accessories such as the seat riser and cushions pair well with an extra bar for bathers who need more support.

Common Questions

Have a question that depends on your exact model or configuration? Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and our technical support team will be glad to help you and your installer.