How to Open and Close the Inward-Swing Acrylic Door on Standard, Zen, and Flow Tubs

The inward-swing acrylic door on the Standard, Standard60, Zen, Zen60, and Flow walk-in tubs works the same way on every model: you open the door toward the seat, step in over the low threshold, close the door while standing, and fill the tub. As the water rises, water pressure presses the door into its seal, so the door actually seals tighter the fuller the tub gets. The one habit to remember: never open the door until the tub is completely drained.

Meet Your Door

This door family belongs to our single-drain acrylic platform. The door is molded acrylic, swings into the tub, and latches with a chrome handle on the inside of the tub. Because the door swings inward, it needs no clearance space in front of the tub, which makes these models a great fit for smaller bathrooms.

A note for Zen and Zen60 owners: the Zen product pages describe the sleek inward-swing S-shape acrylic door, the same door platform as the Standard, and the Zen manual matches the Standard manual. Where an older spec sheet says "U-shape" for the Zen, that wording is a misprint; on Ella tubs "U-shape" names the outward-swing composite door. Model profiles: Standard and Standard60, Zen and Zen60, and Flow.

Getting in and Out, Step by Step

1. Open the door fully into the tub.
2. Hold the grab bar and step over the low threshold onto the textured floor.
3. Remain standing and pull the door closed until the handle latches. Closing the door while seated is much more difficult, so latch it before you sit down.
4. Sit, then fill the tub with the faucet. Water pressure will hold the door firmly against its seal for the whole bath.
5. When you are done, open the drain and let the tub empty completely. This family drains through one oversized 2" gravity drain with a chain-operated plug, and there is an emergency pull-up chain within easy reach.
6. Only after the water is fully gone, unlatch and open the door, then step out holding the grab bar.

Why the Door Will Not Open Right After a Bath

This is by design and is not a fault. An inward-swing door is held shut by the weight of the water, which is part of what makes it watertight. Once the tub is completely drained, the door opens normally. If your door feels stuck, please check that the drain plug is fully open and give the tub a moment to finish emptying. Our article on why the door will not open until the tub drains covers both door types and the question of accidental opening.

A Quick Look at All Three Ella Door Styles

As the video explains, Ella walk-in tubs come in three unique door styles: the inward-swing door, the outward-swing U-shape door, and the L-shape outward-swing door. Outward U-shape doors are industrial-strength PVC with a decorative glass panel and need 21 inches of clearance, and the L-shape door needs 36.5 inches of clearance for wheelchair access. Your inward-swing acrylic door is the compact option of the three: it swings into the tub, so nothing in the bathroom has to move to make room for it. Watch: Walk-in Tubs With Stylish, High Quality Doors for Easy Access with chapters and a full transcript.

Installation Tips That Affect the Door

Watch: Ella's Bubbles: Installation Tips For The Ella Standard Walk-In Tub with chapters and a full transcript.

This installation video for the Standard shows the parts of the platform that matter for the door: the adjustable frame with access points for door adjustment on site, the removable access panels for service, and the oversized 2 inch drain with its emergency pull chain. It also covers fitting the tub into a 60 inch alcove with the faucet-side end panel and extension panel, and the single dedicated GFCI connection for the hydro pump and heater. If your door ever rubs or will not seal, the leveling legs behind the apron are the first thing to check, as described in fixing a door that rubs the frame.

Care for the Door and Seal

• The silicone door seal can stick or look slightly deformed when the tub first arrives, from shipping and storage. Gently squeeze the seal with your fingertips and pull it away from the door frame so it relaxes back into shape, and clean it with rubbing alcohol.
• Keep the door open when the tub is not in use. This prevents unnecessary compression of the gasket and extends its flexibility and life. Full seal care is in caring for your door seal.
• The door is designed to hold its own weight only. Please never lean on it or use it for support; that is what the deck and wall grab bars are for.
• On this platform the front leveling legs are screwed into the subfloor, and every leg must carry equal weight for the door to close squarely.

Common Questions

For anything specific to your model or serial number, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850, and please attach photos so the team can help you quickly.