Support Center / Ordering, Shipping & Delivery / Printable Delivery Day Checklist for a Walk-In Tub
Back to Ordering, Shipping & Delivery

Printable Delivery Day Checklist for a Walk-In Tub

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary8
  1. Before the Truck Arrives
  2. Before the Driver Leaves
  3. After the Driver Leaves: Unpack and Inspect
  4. Small Parts to Account for
  5. Moving the Tub Inside
  6. The 48-Hour Rule
  7. Related Guides
  8. Common Questions

Print this page and keep it by the door on delivery day. Your walk-in tub arrives fully assembled on a freight truck, and a few minutes of inspection while the driver is there, followed by a careful unpack, protect your ability to claim any damage. The rule to remember: report any damage or missing parts within 48 hours of receipt, and save all packaging. This is the tick-box version; the full walkthrough, with the receiving video, is how to inspect the delivery before signing.

Before the Truck Arrives

  • u2610 Someone able to receive and inspect the crate is home for the delivery window
  • u2610 Your installer or at least two able helpers will move the crate; the driver does not carry it inside
  • u2610 The path from the entrance to the bathroom is measured against the shipping size, not the tub size
  • u2610 A garage or covered spot is ready if the crate must wait for the installer

Details in how to prepare for delivery day.

Before the Driver Leaves

  • u2610 Walk around the crate and photograph every side, the top and the skid; light scuffs are normal, but document them anyway
  • u2610 Write every scuff, dent or puncture on the delivery document and have the driver sign it; unrecorded damage cannot be claimed
  • u2610 If you cannot inspect fully, sign "subject to further inspection"
  • u2610 If the crate is severely damaged, call (800) 480-6850 before the truck leaves; you may reject the delivery
  • u2610 Keep your copy of the bill of lading

After the Driver Leaves: Unpack and Inspect

  • u2610 Open carefully and save all packaging, including the crate, until installation is complete
  • u2610 Inspect the shell, door, glass, finish and every fitting for concealed damage
  • u2610 If the silicone door seal deformed in shipping, squeeze it with your fingertips and pull it away from the frame; see door seal care
  • u2610 Plan the pre-installation water test before the walls are finished; a complete inspection is visual and operational

Small Parts to Account for

  • u2610 Parts box inside the tub or under the frame: drains, handles, hardware, accessories
  • u2610 Headrest and hardware, sometimes in the envelope on top of the wrap
  • u2610 End panel screws, often taped behind the end panel or in a small bag in the parts box, with the screw caps
  • u2610 Installation paperwork attached to the tub, plus the owner's manual
  • u2610 Open every box before reporting anything missing; see the crate inventory checklist

Moving the Tub Inside

  • u2610 Remove the front apron, access panels and end panels before carrying
  • u2610 Lift by the frame only, never by the plumbing, panels or fittings
  • u2610 Leave the tub wrapped on its pallet until the installer is ready; see moving your tub the right way

The 48-Hour Rule

  • u2610 Damage or missing parts, including concealed damage: report within 48 hours of receipt to [email protected] with photos, your invoice and the bill of lading, or call (800) 480-6850
  • u2610 If you purchased through a dealer, tell them as well, since they hold your order
  • u2610 Packaging saved; returns need the original packaging

Small damaged pieces can usually be replaced individually; the first 48 hours after freight damage walks through the claim, or open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support.

Common Questions

Do I have to unpack the tub while the driver is waiting?
No, you do not have to unpack the walk-in tub while the freight truck driver is waiting, as drivers rarely wait for a full unpack. You should photograph every side, the top, and the skid of the crate, noting any scuffs, dents, or punctures on the delivery document and having the driver sign it. If you cannot inspect fully, sign "subject to further inspection" on the delivery document, then complete your inspection of the tub and its parts within the 48-hour reporting window.
Should I refuse a crate that has scuffs?
No, you should not refuse a crate that has light scuffs, as these are normal and the container is designed to absorb them. You should photograph and note every scuff, dent, or puncture on the delivery document and have the driver sign it, then unpack and inspect the tub for concealed damage. You should only refuse a delivery if the crate is severely damaged, and only after calling Ella's Bubbles Support.
How long do I have to report damage or a missing part?
You have 48 hours from the time of receipt to report any damage or missing parts for your walk-in tub. This includes concealed damage, which must also be reported within that 48-hour window. To report, email [email protected] with photos, your invoice, and the bill of lading, or call (800) 480-6850. If you purchased through a dealer, you should also inform them, as they hold your order.
Where are the drain plugs and handles?
The drain plugs, handles, and other hardware are typically found in the parts box, which is located either inside the tub or under the frame. The headrest and its hardware may be in an envelope placed on top of the tub's wrap. Additionally, the end panel screws, often with their screw caps, are frequently taped behind the end panel or located in a small bag within the parts box.

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.

Related guides

Did this solve your question?

If not, open a ticket and our team will pick it up from here.

Open a Support Ticket