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Hydro massage vs air massage: what each system does and how to use the controls

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary5
  1. Hydro Massage: Powerful, Targeted Water Jets
  2. Air Massage: Three Speed, Full Body Bubbles
  3. How the Two Systems Compare
  4. Related Guides
  5. Common Questions

Hydro massage vs air massage: Ella walk-in tubs offer two different massage systems, and they work in very different ways. The hydro massage system uses a water pump to recirculate your bath water through strategically placed water jets, giving you a deep, targeted massage for the back, hips, legs, and feet. The air massage system uses a separate three speed air blower to push air through many small jets in the seat and floor, surrounding you with a gentle, effervescent, full body bubble massage. Many tubs are configured with both systems, and you are welcome to run them together for a full spa experience.

Hydro Massage: Powerful, Targeted Water Jets

Hydro massage jets and the blue LED chromatherapy light on the wall of an Ella Royal walk-in tub
Hydro massage jets on the wall of a Royal, with the LED light beside them.

When you press the hydro button, the water pump draws water from the tub and pushes it back through the hydro jets. Three things happen automatically along the way:

  • The in-line water heater turns on with the pump and helps maintain your bath temperature while the hydro massage runs. It maintains warmth only; it does not heat cold water.
  • The ozone sterilization system runs with the hydro pump to keep the water system fresh and sanitary. When the ozone generator is running by itself it makes a light humming noise, which is completely normal.
  • The intensity control dial lets you fine tune the jet strength. The dial is an air control connected by a hose, not an electrical switch. Turning it up allows more air into the jet stream for a stronger feel, and turning it down reduces the air for a softer stream.

Important: only turn on the hydro massage after the water level is 2 inches above the highest jets. Running a water pump without enough water can permanently damage it. Our water level article gives the fill level for every system.

How To Use The Hydro Massage Intensity Control Dial

This short clip shows the intensity dial in use. Every hydro massage tub has one; turning it up adds air to the jet stream for a stronger flow and turning it down gives a gentler flow, all the way to barely perceptible. If the dial ever feels stiff or an individual jet needs aiming, see adjusting jet pressure and a stiff intensity dial.

Many models can also be ordered with Ella's exclusive independent foot massage, a separate pump with its own control button and its own intensity dial that drives dedicated foot and calf jets. Because it is independent, there is no need to fill the whole tub. Simply fill the foot well to just below the seat and just above the calf jets, touch the foot massage button, and enjoy a hydro foot massage any day, even without a full bath.

Air Massage: Three Speed, Full Body Bubbles

Underwater view of feet over the air jet nozzles and whirlpool jets in the footwell of an Ella Elite walk-in tub
Air jets in the footwell floor of an Elite, seen underwater.

The air massage system blows air through its own set of jets, placed where no one else puts them, including hip jets, foot jets, and even bidet jets. The video below shows how the buttons work, and the steps are written out underneath.

Ultimate Walk-In Tub Guide
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Getting Started With Your Tub The video begins by showing how to safely enter the walk-in tub and secure the door.
  2. 0:18 Understanding the Control Buttons The various function buttons for the LED light, air massage, and hydro massage are explained.
  3. 0:45 Filling the Tub and Foot Massage Instructions are provided for filling the tub using the Fast Fill faucet and activating the independent foot massage.
  4. 1:54 Full Body Soak and Air Massage The video demonstrates how to fill the tub for a full body soak and activate the air and hydro massage pumps.
  5. 3:01 Auto Purge System Explained The automatic Purge system is explained, detailing its function and operation after the pumps are turned off.
  6. 4:09 Hand Shower and Swivel Tray The multi-function hand shower and the 360-degree swivel tray are demonstrated.
  7. 4:51 LED Chromotherapy Light The operation of the LED light chromotherapy button is shown, including color selection and turning it off.

As shown in the walkthrough of the Ella Ultimate above, operating the push controls is simple and gentle: Watch: Ultimate Walk-In Tub Guide: Ella's Bubbles Explained with chapters and a full transcript.

  1. Push the air massage button gently once for high speed.
  2. A second gentle push gives you medium speed.
  3. A third touch gives you low speed.
  4. A fourth touch shuts the system off. Some control box configurations also include a wave setting that cycles the intensity up and down before the next press turns the system off.

There is no need to push the buttons hard or deep. Pushing too hard may damage the internal mechanism. For bathers with arthritis or limited mobility, a gentle push with the palm of the hand works just as well. After you finish using the air massage, the system runs a short automatic Auto-Purge cycle about 20 minutes later to dry out the air lines. This is normal and is covered in its own article.

How the Two Systems Compare

FeatureHydro massageAir massage
What movesBath water, recirculated by a water pumpAir, pushed by a three speed blower
FeelDeep, targeted, adjustable water jetsGentle, effervescent, full body bubbles
AdjustmentIntensity control dial (air control on a hose)Three speeds by button press
Runs with itIn-line water heater and ozone sterilizationAuto-Purge self drying cycle after use
Water level needed2 inches above the highest jetsFill past the jets before running pumps

Exact jet counts depend on the model and jetting package. A few examples from the published spec sheets:

ModelHydro jetsAir jets
Standard18 hydroHydro platform
Elite16 (10 seat + 6 foot)16 (8 seat + 8 foot)
Royal16 (10 seat + 6 foot)15 (7 seat + 8 foot)
Capri15 (9 seat + 6 foot)14 (8 seat + 6 foot)
Ultimate11 seat + 2 calf + 4 foot17 (9 seat + 8 foot)

Your own tub's spec sheet, available on its product page under the Downloads tab, lists the exact configuration you ordered, and our jet counts by model and package article collects every model. This overview of the jetting options shows both systems in action:

Customize Your Walk-In Tub: Jetting Options & Accessories
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Designing Your Walk-In Tub The video introduces the customization options available for Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs, emphasizing the detailed website for choices.
  2. 0:16 Jetting Packages and Features Different jetting packages are offered based on tub style and size, including air massage, hydro massage, and MicroBubble therapy.
  3. 1:07 Exclusive Features and Therapies Many tubs offer an independent foot massage feature, LED chromotherapy, and various ways to configure jetting packages.
  4. 1:31 Additional Accessories and Comforts Customers can add heated seats, different control buttons, headrests, seat cushions, and a four-fold glass screen.
  5. 1:54 Shower and Aroma Therapy Options The video shows how to add a rain head shower column and the luxury of aroma therapy to the walk-in tub.

As the video explains, the three speed air massage and the dynamic hydro massage with in-line water heater and intensity control dial turn your tub into a personal spa, Auto-Purge clears moisture from the air system after bathing to keep it mold and mildew free, and eco friendly ozone sterilization works with your hydro system to keep it fresh for every use. Watch: Customize Your Walk-In Tub: Jetting Options & Accessories with chapters and a full transcript.

Why Ella's Walk-In Tubs Were Voted Best & Safest: Standout Features
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Standard Walk-In Tub Features The video introduces the essential standard features of Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs, including water and air massage therapy.
  2. 0:39 Optional Custom Bathtub Features The video highlights optional features like a heated seat and MicroBubble therapy, allowing customers to customize their walk-in tub.
  3. 1:34 Advanced Water System Features The video explains the benefits of the ozone generator and inline heater, which are standard in Ella's Bubbles water jet systems.
  4. 2:51 Comparing Other Bathtub Options The video contrasts Ella's Bubbles features with other manufacturers' tubs, showing their limited and basic offerings.

Watch: Why Ellau2019s Walk-In Tubs Were Voted Best & Safest: Standout Features with chapters and a full transcript.

In this dealer walkthrough, water massage is described as targeting muscle and joint pain while air massage moves the water for a gentler, cleansing effect. It also covers the options that ride along with each package: the heated seat, microbubble therapy on its own separate pump, and the chromatherapy light, plus the ozone generator and in-line heater that come standard with hydro. If you are still choosing, our guide to which therapy combinations fit which tub shows what each model can carry.

Common Questions

Which is better for arthritis or muscle pain, hydro or air?
Hydro is the deeper, stronger massage and its pressure can be dialed down to very gentle; air is softer and surrounds the whole body. Many customers with arthritis choose hydro with the dial, and hydro plus independent foot massage for legs and feet. Follow your physician's advice about heat and soaking.
When does the ozone generator run?
The ozone sterilization system runs automatically whenever the hydro massage water pump runs. Its purpose is to keep the water system fresh and sanitary by killing bacteria and mold inside the plumbing. When the ozone generator is running by itself, it makes a light humming noise, which is completely normal.
Does the in-line heater raise the water temperature?
No, the in-line water heater does not raise the water temperature or heat cold water. It turns on with the hydro pump and helps maintain your bath temperature while the hydro massage runs. This ensures the water stays warm as it recirculates through the hydro jets.
How do I use the hydro intensity dial?
To use the hydro intensity dial, turn it up to allow more air into the jet stream for a stronger feel, and turn it down to reduce the air for a softer stream, all the way to barely perceptible. This dial is an air control connected by a hose, not an electrical switch. If the dial does nothing, you should check the hose connection at the hydro pump.
Does the air massage have a heater?
No, the air massage system does not have a heater. Only the hydro massage loop includes an in-line water heater to maintain bath temperature. The air blower simply pushes air through the air jets in the seat and floor for a gentle, effervescent, full body bubble massage.
Can I run hydro and air at the same time?
Yes, you can run both the hydro massage and air massage systems at the same time. Each system has its own separate pump, allowing you to run them together for a full spa experience. Ensure the water level is at least 2 inches above the highest hydro jets and covers every air jet before activating both systems.
Can I turn off just the upper or seat jets?
Not on a standard hydro system; the upper jets run whenever the hydro pump runs unless your tub has the independent foot massage option, which puts the foot jets on their own pump. Individual hydro jets can be aimed, and the dial sets the overall strength.
Can I add air jets to my hydro tub later?
No, you cannot add air jets to a hydro-only tub later. Air jets and their three-speed air blower are plumbed into the tub's shell at the factory during manufacturing. Therefore, a hydro-only tub cannot be converted to include an air massage system after purchase; you must choose the full package you want when ordering.
Can I fill the tub only partway and run the air massage?
No, you cannot fill the tub only partway and run the air massage system. Every air jet in the seat and floor must be completely submerged under water before the air blower starts. A partial fill only works for the independent foot massage, which has dedicated foot and calf jets and its own pump. For the full air massage, you must fill the tub to the level specified in the water level article before pressing the Air button.
Which is louder, the hydro pump or the air blower?
Both the hydro pump and the air blower make a steady motor sound during operation, and the ozone generator hums softly when it runs. If you notice a new rattle, grinding, or squeal, it is worth reporting through a support ticket with a short video of the sound. This can help diagnose any potential issues.
What does ozone sterilization mean, and do I still need bleach in the lines?
Ozone injects a small amount of ozone into the hydro jets to kill bacteria and mold inside the plumbing. It runs automatically whenever the hydro pump runs, so no bleach goes into the lines; bleach also damages acrylic. The monthly vinegar flush remains the maintenance step.
Does the chromatherapy light have a health benefit?
The chromotherapy light is a color-changing LED feature designed for relaxation and atmosphere within the tub. It has no other function or health benefit. You can leave the chromotherapy light off without affecting any other system or therapy in your walk-in tub.
How do I stop the bubbles when I am ready to drain the tub?
Press each water button once to switch its pump off, and press the air button until the blower stops. If bubbling continues while the water level drops, a pump is running dry, which should be stopped right away because jets must never run with the water below them. The air system will purge itself later on its own timer.
Are the foot jets in a hydro package air jets or water jets?
The foot jets in a hydro massage package are water jets, not air jets. In every hydro package, the lower jets, including those for the feet, are fed by the hydro massage water pump. The true air jets are distinct and sit in the floor and seat of the tub, only coming with an air massage package.
How does the heated seat and back option work in an Ella walk-in tub?
The heated seat and back option uses a heating pad installed underneath the seat. This pad warms the bather by heating through the tub's acrylic surface rather than heating the bathwater itself. It works independently of the hydro and air massage systems.
How many hydro and air massage jets does the Transfer 60 walk-in tub have?
The Transfer 60 model with air plus hydro therapy includes 13 hydro jets, split between 7 upper and 6 lower positions, paired with an inline heater. It also includes 17 air jets, with 11 upper and 6 lower, along with an auto purge feature that clears moisture from the air system after use.
Does the Transfer 60 walk-in tub include LED chromotherapy lighting as standard?
Yes, LED chromotherapy lighting is a standard feature on the Transfer 60 model. This color-changing light is included for relaxation and atmosphere without needing to be added as an extra option.
Does microbubble therapy run on its own pump separate from hydro and air massage?
Yes, microbubble hydro massage operates on its own separate pump, distinct from the hydro massage and air massage systems. This allows it to function as its own dedicated therapy option on tubs equipped with it.
Is a heated seat and back option available on Ella walk-in tubs?
Yes, Ella's Bubbles offers a heated seat and back as an optional feature you can add to your walk-in tub. This is separate from the hydro and air massage systems and provides added warmth while you soak. Check your tub's spec sheet under the Downloads tab on its product page to confirm whether your model includes this option.
How do I turn the heated seat and back feature on or off?
The heated seat and back feature can simply be turned on when you want added warmth and turned off when you are finished using it. It operates independently from the hydro and air massage systems, so using it does not require running either pump. Refer to your tub's control panel for the exact location of this control.
How many massage therapy options does Ella's Bubbles offer for its walk-in tubs?
Ella's Bubbles offers four different therapy options: hydro jets on their own, air massage on their own, air combined with hydro, and hydro combined with the independent foot massage. Each combination gives you a different massage experience, from deep targeted water jets to gentle full body bubbles. Your tub's spec sheet lists which therapy options are included with your specific model.
What does microbubble therapy do in an Ella walk-in tub?
Microbubble therapy uses water with pressurized air pushed through a single jet, and it is designed for exfoliation and skin therapy. It is an optional feature that runs on its own separate pump. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can confirm which models can carry it.
What does the heated seat and back option actually warm?
The heated seat and back option heats the acrylic of the seat and back, not the bath water. It keeps the seat comfortable while you wait for the tub to fill, and it does not change the water temperature. It is an optional add-on.
How long does the Auto-Purge cycle run after my air massage?
Auto-Purge starts automatically 20 minutes after the air pump is turned off and runs for 120 seconds to blow residual water out of the air lines. It is fully automatic and cannot be stopped. It is also normal if it starts while you are still in the tub.

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

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.

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