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Replacement Extension Panels Come With Their Mounting Arms, and Why the Panel Must Never Be Glued On

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary8
  1. What Comes in the Box
  2. Why the Panel Must Stay Removable
  3. Ordering a Replacement
  4. Fitting the New Panel
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions
  8. Still Need Help?

Yes. The acrylic extension panel for Ella walk-in tubs is available as a replacement part, and it ships with the two metal mounting arms that bolt to the tub frame and hold the panel in place. You do not need to order the arms separately. Order it through your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 with your model and serial number so the correct panel for your tub is sent. If your installer glued the original panel on, plan on a new panel and new arms together, because glued arms usually cannot be cleaned up and reused.

What Comes in the Box

A replacement extension panel order includes the acrylic panel and two L-shaped metal brackets, often called extension arms or legs. Each bracket has an adjustable foot. The brackets bolt to the tub's frame, the panel rests on them, and you turn the feet to level the panel so it lines up with the tub apron. This is the same hardware that shipped with your tub, so the new panel goes on exactly the way the original did. Tubs shorter than 60 inches include one extension panel from the factory; the alcove fit and extension panel guide explains how it fills the gap in a standard alcove. If you are not sure whether you need an extension panel, an end panel or a front apron, the article on getting the right replacement panel sorts out the names.

Why the Panel Must Stay Removable

The extension panel and the front apron are your service access to the equipment under the tub, including the hydro or microbubble pump and the LED light wiring. When a pump or light needs attention, support can guide you or your plumber through removing the panel to reach it, and parts ship under the warranty for your local plumber or electrician to fit. Adhesive defeats all of that. A common mistake is an installer running a bead of glue or construction adhesive behind the panel and its brackets to keep them from shifting. Later, when the owner needs to reach the pump, the panel and the arms can be damaged as they come off. Never caulk or glue the extension panel or its mounting arms to the tub. The adjustable feet on the brackets are what hold the panel level and snug. If the panel does not seem to sit right, check the bracket orientation first; the article on brackets and clips that look rotated on a new tub shows what they should look like once turned into position.

Ordering a Replacement

  1. Have your model and serial number ready. The serial is on the label behind the magnetic access panel next to the door.
  2. Confirm which piece you need. The extension panel is the acrylic filler that sits at the end of the tub away from the faucet; see why the extension panel does not attach on the faucet side.
  3. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850. The team confirms the panel matches your tub model and takes the order.
  4. The panel ships boxed with both mounting arms. The support team can confirm current shipping details for your specific order.

Fitting the New Panel

Bolt the two brackets to the tub frame in the same positions the originals used, set the panel on them, and adjust the feet until the panel is level and flush with the apron. If any white screw caps or trim were lost with the old panel, the article on white screw caps and trim explains how to get them. If it is the front apron or its plastic brackets that broke rather than the extension panel, see replacing a broken front apron instead.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Included Every Ella walk-in tub includes one reversible end panel that can be placed on either side of the tub.
  2. 0:36 Extension Panel for Tubs Ella walk-in tubs under 60 inches long come with an extension panel to fit a standard 60-inch alcove.
  3. 1:08 Removable Front Apron Ella walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for plumbing and component service.
  4. 1:30 Removing Panels Before Moving All removable panels must be taken off before the walk-in tub is moved into the house and bathroom.

Watch: Ella's Bubbles: Understanding Extension and End Panels with chapters and a full transcript.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Placement The video explains how to position the reversible end panel on either side of the tub to cover plumbing and the frame.
  2. 0:33 Extension Panel For Shorter Tubs Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs under 60 inches long include an extension panel to fit standard 60-inch alcoves.
  3. 1:06 Removable Front Apron Panels Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for servicing plumbing and components.
  4. 1:28 Removing Panels Before Moving Tub All removable panels, including the front apron, end panel, and extension panels, must be removed before moving the walk-in tub.

Watch: Ella's Bubbles: End Panels And Extension Panels with chapters and a full transcript.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Extension Panel for Seamless Installation The video introduces the extension panel, also called a fill kit, which allows for custom cutting to fit various wall spaces.
  2. 0:35 Integrated Shelf Support Bracket The video shows the integrated shelf support brackets, which are adjustable and made of stainless steel.
  3. 0:52 Panel Support and Durability The video explains how the integrated support prevents issues like silicone cracking or panel failure, making it a durable component.

Watch: Walk-In Tub Extension Panels for Seamless Installation - Voted Best/Safest 2020 with chapters and a full transcript.

Common Questions

Does a replacement extension panel include the mounting arms?
Yes, a replacement acrylic extension panel for Ella walk-in tubs includes the two metal mounting arms. These L-shaped metal brackets, also called extension arms or legs, bolt to the tub frame and have adjustable feet to level the panel. You do not need to order the mounting arms separately, as they ship with the acrylic panel.
Can I reuse my old mounting arms with a new panel?
If the arms are undamaged and free of adhesive, yes, they bolt to the frame the same way. If they were glued to the old panel or the tub, they are usually not salvageable, and the new panel comes with a fresh pair anyway.
Is it ever okay to glue or caulk the extension panel?
No, you should never glue or caulk the extension panel or its mounting arms to the tub. The extension panel and the front apron provide service access to equipment under the tub, such as the hydro or microbubble pump and LED light wiring. If adhesive is used, the panel and arms can be damaged when removed for service, and the adjustable feet on the brackets are designed to hold the panel level and snug without glue.
Does every Ella walk-in tub come with an extension panel?
Tubs shorter than 60 inches include one extension panel so they can fill a standard 60-inch alcove. Longer tubs do not include one from the factory. A second or replacement panel is ordered separately through your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.
Is a cracked extension panel covered under the warranty?
The parts warranty covers defects in the tub and its equipment for the original owner. A panel damaged because it was glued on and pried off is installation damage rather than a defect, so it is normally purchased as a replacement part. Support can confirm for your specific case.

Still Need Help?

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

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