Printable First Bath Checklist for a New Walk-In Tub

What should you do before the very first bath in a new walk-in tub? Run the one-time vinegar flush, check the door seal and the GFCI, then take the bath in the published order: step in, sit, lock the door, close both drains, fill above the highest jets, run the therapies, turn them off, drain completely, then open the door. Print this page and tick the boxes as you go.

Print and Tick: Before the First Fill

• u2610 Installer's water test done: 3 inches above the highest jet, 30 minutes standing, 30 minutes running
• u2610 Every leveling leg touches the floor; the door closes smoothly into a watertight seal
• u2610 Door seal restored if shipping left it stuck, then wiped with rubbing alcohol
• u2610 GFCI tested: TEST cuts power, RESET restores it; if not, power off and call a licensed electrician
• u2610 Both drain handles open and close fully
• u2610 Construction dust wiped off with a mild detergent; no abrasives on the acrylic
• u2610 No electric appliances within 3 feet of the tub
• u2610 Warranty activation form submitted, or set aside to submit promptly

The One-Time Vinegar Flush

• u2610 Mix 2 cups of white vinegar with 2 cups of water
• u2610 Close both drains; fill to 1 inch above the highest jets
• u2610 Add the mixture and run the tub for 10 minutes
• u2610 Drain completely

The same recipe is your monthly flush. Details in before your first bath.

The Bath Itself, in Order

• u2610 Heated seat, if fitted, on 10 to 15 minutes before entry
• u2610 Step in and sit fully in the seat, back on the backrest. Never enter a tub with water in it
• u2610 Close and lock the door, feet and knees clear of an inward-swing door
• u2610 Close both drains completely
• u2610 Temperature set before the water reaches you; the manuals warn that water above 100.4 F may be harmful
• u2610 Fill above the highest jets, and never above the center of the drain handle

Safety notes are in how to take a bath step by step.

The video shows the order: step in, sit, lock the door, close both drains, fill above the jets, run air, hydro and foot massage with the dials. Watch: Ultimate Walk-In Tub Guide: Ella's Bubbles Explained with chapters and a full transcript.

Therapies: First Press, Dial, Purge Expectation

• u2610 Water covers every jet before any pump button is pressed; running a pump dry can cause permanent damage
• u2610 Hydro: one gentle press on; set the intensity dial
• u2610 Air: first press high, second medium, third low, fourth off
• u2610 Expect the Auto Purge about 20 minutes after the air pump is off: 120 seconds, on its own, normal

See water level before running the jets and Auto Purge explained.

Draining and Door

• u2610 Every therapy off
• u2610 Both drains fully open; stay seated. An average dual-drain tub empties in about 80 seconds under ideal conditions
• u2610 Open the door only when the tub is completely empty

Afterward: Door Open, Seal, GFCI Habit

• u2610 Leave the door open between baths to protect the seal
• u2610 Rinse the tub; rinse chrome after any salt bath; no bath bombs
• u2610 Wipe the seal and frame clean
• u2610 GFCI test made a periodic habit; monthly flush on the calendar

More in door seal cleaning and care and the new owner first-week checklist.

Related Guides

• How do you fill a walk-in tub after you get in?
• How Do I Run the One-Time Vinegar Flush on a New Ella Walk-In Tub?
• How do I run the one-time vinegar flush on a new Ella walk-in tub?

Common Questions