Is There a Time Limit on How Long the Microbubble Pump Runs?

No. The microbubble pump on an Ella walk-in tub has no time limit and no automatic shutoff. It keeps running for as long as you leave it switched on, and it stops only when you press the control to turn it off. Ella technical support confirms it will run for an hour or so if that is what you want. This is different from the air massage system, which has a built-in Auto Purge cycle that runs on its own after your bath.

How the Microbubble System Behaves

When you switch the microbubble system on, the pump circulates tub water and fills it with tiny bubbles, giving the water its cloudy, milky look. There is no countdown inside the control. If you soak for twenty minutes, it runs for twenty minutes. If you forget it, it keeps going until you turn it off. For a walkthrough of what each part of the system does, see what the LayDown microbubble schematic shows or, for combination tubs, what the air, hydro, hydro foot and microbubble schematic shows.

Why the Air System Is Different

The air massage system is the one with an automatic cycle. About 20 minutes after you switch the air pump off, Auto Purge starts on its own and runs for 120 seconds to blow residual water out of the air lines. It cannot be stopped, and it is normal for it to start while you are still sitting in the tub. People sometimes assume the microbubble pump has a similar timer because they have heard the air purge kick in. It does not. The microbubble pump only responds to its own on and off control.

Good Habits for a Long Soak

1. Fill the tub to your normal level before switching the microbubble system on so the pump always has water to draw from.
2. Run the system for as long as you like. On hydrogen-equipped tubs, the water reaches its rated hydrogen concentration by the time the tub fills to the drain overflow, and it can climb further during an extended bath of roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Switch the microbubble pump off before you open the drain so the pump is not left running as the water level falls.
4. If you are unsure which button controls which therapy, what does this button on my walk-in tub do maps each control.

If the Pump Stops on Its Own

Because there is no timer, a microbubble pump that shuts off by itself or runs without turning the water cloudy is telling you something else is going on. Work through microbubble system not working first. If the tub has been idle for a long stretch, how to start using a walk-in tub that sat unused covers the checks to make before running any of the pumps.

Related Guides

• Why Isn't My Microbubble System Making Bubbles?
• MicroBubble Pump Will Not Run: Dedicated 20-Amp Circuit, Air Hose, Fan Screw and Breather Cap
• What the Hydro + Microbubble Schematic Shows: Two Pumps, a Pressure Tank, an LED Control Box and Two Dedicated Lines (Stainless and Outward Door Tubs)

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.