This page covers the first half of installing an Ella LayDown walk-in tub: the two sizes, what to measure before the crate arrives, how to inspect and carry the tub, the water test, leveling, and how the tempered glass door should sit once the tub is level. It comes from the Ella Lay-Down Walk-In Tubs 30" x 60" and 32" x 72" Owner's Manual (23 pages, dated 6/15/23), with printed dimensions from the LayDown60 and LayDown72 spec sheets. Part 2 covers the single drain, the faucet by size, electrical, therapy controls and walls.

One Manual for Both Sizes

Ella publishes one owner's manual for the LayDown family. The file linked from the 30x60 page and the file linked from the 32x72 page are the same document, byte for byte, so whichever you downloaded, you have the right manual. Where a page applies to only one size, the manual says so. A feature overview is in the LayDown tub guide.

Sizes and Shipping Crate to Check Before Delivery Day

The spec sheets print these dimensions. The LayDown72 sheet is a drawing-only document with no weight or crate figures, so do not estimate them from the 60.

If a brochure cover lists the 30x60 as 30" x 52", that is a known cover misprint; the tub is 30 inches wide and 60 inches long. A LayDown crate is lower than a walk-in tub crate but still more than 5 feet long, so confirm hallway turns and the bathroom doorway with our doorway measurement guide.

Inspect, Then Carry by the Frame with Panels and Toe Kick Plates Off

1. Inspect the crate and carton before the driver leaves. Photograph any damage, write it on the shipper's delivery document and have the driver sign it. Damage must be recorded on the delivery documents for a claim to be processed.
2. Keep every piece of packaging until the tub is installed; returns are accepted only in the original packaging.
3. Remove all access panels and toe kick plates, if applicable, before carrying, so they cannot fall out and break.
4. Lift and carry only by the stainless steel frame. Never lift by the plumbing, and do not bump the sides or bottom of the shell, where air jets can break off.

The complete routine is in delivery day inspection and moving.

Safety Rules

Contract a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician and follow local codes. The tub is not intended for outdoor use, and only manufacturer parts and accessories should be used. The unit must be on a GFCI-protected circuit, tested by the electrician. Keep electrical appliances at least 3 feet from the tub. Never run hydro jets until water covers all of the jets. Water above 100.4 degrees F may be harmful, so check the temperature before every bath. Bathers who do not have all functioning limbs must be attended by a caregiver at all times.

Water Test on a Lay-Down Shell

The manual requires a water test before the tub goes against the wall, using the same procedure printed for the walk-in family. On a soaking model without jets, fill to the bottom of the grab bar instead.

1. Set the tub on a completely flat surface where it can drain.
2. Wipe the glass door seal with a clean rag and warm water.
3. Seal the drain (tape works) and fill to at least 3 inches above the highest jet, or to the bottom of the grab bar if there are no jets.
4. Let the water stand 30 minutes and inspect all plumbing and seals for leaks.
5. Using properly rated three-prong extension cords in separate outlets, run all electrical components (air blower, water pump, heater if applicable) for another 30 minutes and inspect again, including the unions at the pump and heater.
6. If a union leaks after tightening, it may be over-tightened or the O-ring displaced; take it apart and re-seat the O-ring. Verify heater threads match the pipe threads.

Why the test matters is explained in the pre-installation water test article.

Leveling and the Glass Door Alignment

The LayDown sits on a stainless steel frame with adjustable leveling legs, and the leveling rules are identical to every Ella walk-in tub. The subfloor must be level and must carry the tub, the water and the bather. Adjust the legs so all of them touch the floor with equal weight. If the tub is not perfectly level, the frame and shell warp, the door falls out of alignment, water leaks past the seal, and the warranty is voided. The tub was leveled at the factory; the installer re-tests it on your floor.

1. Check level along the 60 or 72 inch length and across the width.
2. Adjust each leg until every leg bears weight and there is no rocking.
3. Close the glass door. It must close smoothly and make a watertight seal. Extending or shortening legs closes any gap between the door and the frame.
4. If the silicone seal looks stuck or flattened from shipping, squeeze it with your fingertips and pull it away from the door frame with the door open so it relaxes.

The glass door swings inward with the handle on the inside. Enter, stay standing, and close the door before you sit; the manual notes that closing it from a seated position is much harder. Keep the door open whenever the tub is not in use. Our leveling guide and the LayDown glass door guide go deeper on both.

Door Swing and Opening Dimensions from the Drawings

Both spec drawings print the same door geometry, so the entry is the same on either size.

Because the door swings into the tub it needs no floor space in the room, but the drawings still call out a 20 1/4 inch swing clearance for the door, which is why the door must be checked with the tub level and nothing leaning against the glass.

This tour of both LayDown sizes shows the straight sidewalls, the tempered glass door with its locking handle, the low threshold and the oversized 2 inch drain you will connect in Part 2.

Download the official document: Ella Lay-Down Walk-In Tubs 30x60 and 32x72 Owner's Manual

Next: Part 2

With the tub level and the glass door sealing, Part 2 covers the single 2 inch drain, which faucet applies to your size, the dedicated electrical line for each therapy system, the therapy controls, wall finishing and the optional glass shower screen.

Common Questions