The front apron comes off with a screwdriver and no special tools. Pull off the magnetic access panels first, unscrew the round white caps along the bottom edge, remove the three screws underneath them, then pull the apron down and away from the lip of the tub to release the three clips along the top. Wear gloves, because the inside edges of the plastic apron can be very sharp. Reattaching is the reverse: seat the top clips first, then replace the screws and caps.

Why You Might Need the Apron Off

The magnetic access panels give you a look at the pump and control box, and for most service that is all you need. The full apron comes off when you need to reach something wider, such as the nuts behind the door hinge, the drain connections, or the pump mounting. Installers also remove the panels while moving the tub into place. The planning service access article explains why you should leave room in front of the apron and never insulate around the tub.

Removing the Apron

1. Pull the magnetic access panels straight off the apron and set them aside.
2. Look along the bottom edge of the apron for three round white screw caps. Unscrew each cap by hand to expose the screw beneath it.
3. Remove the three screws with a screwdriver. These are the only fasteners holding the apron to the frame.
4. Put on gloves. Grip the apron near the bottom and pull it down and away from the lip of the tub. The three clips along the top release as the apron drops.
5. Lift the apron clear and lean it somewhere safe so the edges do not get scratched.

Reattaching the Apron

1. Hold the apron at a slight angle and line up the three top clips with the lip of the tub.
2. Push the top of the apron in and up so the clips seat, then swing the bottom in against the frame.
3. Replace the three screws along the bottom edge and thread the white caps back over them.
4. Press the magnetic access panels back onto the apron.

If a cap or piece of trim has gone missing during the work, see where to get white screw caps and trim. If the apron will not stay seated afterward, this article on a panel that keeps popping off covers the likely causes.

Reaching the Door Hinge

The door hinge screws are secured by nuts behind the door frame, and those nuts cannot be reached through the access panel openings alone. If a leak seems to be coming from the hinge area, plan on removing the full apron so your plumber has room to work. Keep this in mind if you are finishing the bathroom, since tile that runs in front of the apron will trap it. The apron should stay removable for the life of the tub.

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.