Ella's Bubbles does not publish a seasonal shutdown or winterizing procedure for walk-in tubs, so this checklist keeps to the habits that are published: clean the tub, drain it, leave the door open so the seal is not compressed, and run the standard vinegar flush before the first bath when you return. Water and power decisions belong with your plumber and electrician, and if the home will go unheated, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your model before you leave.

What Ella Publishes and What It Does Not

No published Ella document describes line-draining, blow-out or antifreeze steps, and we would rather not guess on your behalf.

Before You Leave: Clean, Drain, Door Open

• ☐ Run the vinegar flush: 2 cups white vinegar with 2 cups water, filled 1 inch above the highest jets, run 10 minutes, then drained.
• ☐ Drain fully, rinse the shell and wipe it dry.
• ☐ Wipe the door seal and frame with a common household cleaner or rubbing alcohol; see the door seal care guide.
• ☐ Leave the door open so the seal is not compressed.

Water and Power Decisions to Discuss with Your Plumber

Every installation should have accessible shut-off valves close to the tub. What to do with them while away depends on your home and how long you will be gone.

• ☐ Ask your plumber whether to close the tub's supply shut-off valves.
• ☐ Ask your electrician whether the tub's dedicated circuits should stay on; note which breakers serve the tub.
• ☐ If your faucet has a thermostatic valve, this is a good moment to clean the inline filter or mesh.

If the Home Will Be Unheated: Ask the Team First

Before your last day, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your model, the idle period and the temperatures you expect, or call your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850. Do the same for a tub that will sit idle for many months.

• ☐ Ticket opened with model, idle period and expected temperatures.

When You Return: GFCI, Control Box LED, Seal, Flush

• ☐ Reopen any valves and switch on any breakers you turned off.
• ☐ Press Test, then Reset on the GFCI. If it will not hold, leave the power off and call a licensed electrician.
• ☐ Look for the steady green LED on the blue control box. If it stays dark on a live outlet, stop and open a ticket.
• ☐ Confirm the air hose behind each push button is seated at both ends.
• ☐ If the seal took a set, squeeze it gently and pull it away from the frame, then clean it with rubbing alcohol.
• ☐ Fill the tub, close the door and let the water stand 20 minutes to confirm the seal is watertight.
• ☐ Run the vinegar flush before the first bath. A second flush to run clear is normal.

If nothing responds at all, see nothing works after a storm or power outage.

Related Guides

See the restart guide, first bath preparation and flush, common maintenance questions and the monthly maintenance guide.

Common Questions