Adjusting jet pressure on an Ella walk-in tub takes three simple controls: the intensity control dial on the deck sets the overall strength of the hydro massage, each foot jet nozzle can be opened, reduced or closed by hand, and a dial that feels stiff is usually freed in a few minutes by clearing excess silicone. Every Ella tub with hydro massage has the dial, so if the jets feel too strong, too weak or the dial will not turn, the fix is almost always one of the three adjustments below rather than a pump problem.

What the Intensity Control Dial Does

Whether you start the hydro massage with the easy touch buttons or the digital touchpad, all Ella walk-in tubs with hydro massage include an intensity control dial on the deck. Turning the dial up introduces more air into the jet stream for a stronger flow, and turning it down reduces the air for a gentler, softer flow. The dial is an air control on an air hose, not an electrical control, so it does not change pump speed; it changes how much air is mixed into the water. A change in how the jets feel after someone turns the dial is not a malfunction, so before troubleshooting weak jets, check where the dial is set. Tubs with independent foot massage have a second dial for the foot and calf jets, so check both.

Adjusting or Closing a Foot Jet

If the pressure at a foot jet feels too strong or too weak, you can adjust it at the jet itself. The center nozzle of the foot jet is a valve, and turning it opens or closes the jet.

1. Turn the center nozzle left or right to increase, reduce, or shut off the flow at that jet.
2. If the nozzle is too hard to turn, loosen the butterfly handles behind it. A pair of channel type pliers seated on the butterfly gives you the leverage for a gentle turn, which releases the center nozzle so it turns freely.
3. To confirm the valve is fully open, remove the jet from the inside. The jet has a half cut opening, and inside the fitting there is a hole where the water comes out. Line up the open side of the jet with that hole.
4. Tighten the jet nut again so it is secure and the nozzle stays where you set it.

The same rotating face lets you aim a jet away from a sore spot or close a seat jet that sits in an uncomfortable position. Replacement jet faces and covers are covered in air jet covers and jet replacement parts.

Fixing a Stiff Intensity Control Dial

If the intensity dial on your tub is tight and difficult to turn, the usual cause is excess silicone left from the assembly process, and it takes just a few minutes to clear.

1. Place protective tape on the tub surface around the dial so nothing gets scratched.
2. Remove the dial.
3. Using a straight edge that is not too sharp, gently wipe and trim the excess silicone from around the ring.
4. Snap the dial back on. It should now turn without any difficulty.

When Adjustment Is Not Enough

If the pressure stays weak at every jet no matter where the dial is set, the cause is usually not the jets at all. If the dial does nothing while the pump runs, the air hose from the dial to the pump may have come off; if the pump itself will not start, see pump and massage system troubleshooting. A pump that runs at full strength for a few seconds and then drops to half strength, or jets that blow weaker than they used to, can also point to a clogged pump inlet or debris in the lines, so run the monthly vinegar flush from cleaning and monthly maintenance and clear the pump inlet cover before contacting the team. Remember that the right checks depend on which therapy package is on your order, and never run a pump before the water is above the highest jets.

Common Questions

For anything specific to your model or serial number, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850. The team is glad to help.