How Do I Use Only the Foot Massage Without Filling the Whole Tub?

Whether you can use only the foot massage without filling the whole tub depends on one thing: whether your therapy package includes Independent Foot Massage. Packages with that option put the foot jets on their own pump and their own button, so the foot spa runs with only the footwell filled, to just below the seat and just above the calf jets. Without that package the upper jets share the pump with the foot jets, so a partial fill would push water out of the exposed upper jets and risk running the pump dry, which causes permanent damage that is not covered. The first thing to check is your order, which tells you whether foot massage is independent on your tub. The feature is described in independent foot massage.

Likely Causes

• Your package includes Independent Foot Massage, so a footwell fill and the foot button are all you need.
• Your package shares one pump between seat and foot jets, so the tub must be filled past the highest jets before any hydro button is pressed.
• The tub was filled only to the footwell and the shared pump was started, which is a dry run risk.

What to Check, in Order

1. Find your package on your order or in therapy package combinations by model. Look for a separate foot pump with its own button and dial.
2. If foot massage is independent, fill the footwell to just below the seat and just above the calf jets so every foot and calf jet is covered, then press the foot button. The upper jets stay off because they are on a different pump.
3. If foot massage is not independent, fill to at least 1 inch above the highest jets you intend to run before pressing any hydro button. The guide water level before running jets shows where that line is on your tub.
4. Never start a pump with jets above the waterline. A dry run damages the pump permanently and that damage is not covered.
5. For the full routine of filling, running therapies and draining, follow how to take a bath step by step.

When to Open a Ticket

If you cannot tell whether your foot massage is independent, or the foot button also starts the upper jets, send a photo of the control cluster, a photo of the pumps under the tub if reachable, and your order details to your Ella dealer or the team at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850. The team confirms your package from your order and tells you the safe fill level for your tub.

Related Guides

• Foot Massage Jets Not Working? Fill Level and Shared-Pump Foot Jets Explained
• Why Water Runs Over the Back of the Tub When the Jets Are On
• Can I Use My Jetted Ella Walk-In Tub as a Plain Soaking Tub With the Jets Off?
• What is a hydro tub and how does hydro massage work?
• Where are the Tub4Two foot jets and do both seats get them?
• Can I run only the foot jets on the Transfer60 walk-in tub?

Common Questions