This page is the first half of the installation sequence for the Ella tubs with a brushed stainless steel and tempered glass door that swings inward: the Ultimate, Deluxe, Royal, Elite and Petite. It comes from the Stainless Steel Inward-Swing Door Owner's Manual (28 pages, dated 6/15/23) and covers delivery day, moving the tub safely, the water test the manual requires before the walls close, leveling, and the door seal check. Part 2 picks up with drains, faucet, electrical, the grab bar, the extension kit, the door check and wall finishing.

Which Tubs This Manual Covers

The manual's cover lists five models. The sizes below are printed exactly as the cover shows them.

One note on the Petite: 28" is the nominal size. The current Petite spec sheet gives the actual width as 27.5", and that is the figure to use for doorways, alcoves and framing. The width printed for the Petite in this manual's extension kit table is a known misprint and should not be used. Full footprints for every model are in the dimensions by model guide.

Inspect the Crate Before the Driver Leaves

Inspect the crate and carton for damage as soon as the tub arrives. If you see anything, take pictures, record the details on the shipper's delivery document, and ask the driver to sign it. In the manual's words, "Damages must be recorded on shippers delivery documents for proper claim processing." If you suspect hidden damage, note that too and call (800) 480-6850. Report shipping damage within 48 hours of receipt; see freight damage claims.

Keep every piece of packaging until the installation is finished, because returns are only accepted in the original packaging. See delivery inspection and moving and the crate inventory checklist.

Remove All Four Access Panels and Carry by the Frame Only

Before the tub goes anywhere, remove the front apron with its access panels and the end panel. The manual's moving page names four pieces: the large access panel, the small access panel, the toe kick access and the end access panel. Pull off the white screw caps and back out the screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. The warning is printed in capitals: "REMOVE END PANELS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO MOVE OR CARRY."

With the panels off you can grab the frame, the only place to lift from. Never lift by the plumbing or panels, keep the front of the tub off the floor and stairs, and protect the bottom of the shell where the air jets can break off. Once inside, check for plumbing that loosened in transit.

Safety Rules the Manual Sets Before Any Work Starts

• Contract a licensed plumber and a licensed electrician and follow all local codes. Indoor use only, with manufacturer parts and accessories only.
• Have the electrician test every connection on the dedicated line, including the GFCI. No electric appliances within 3 feet of the tub.
• Never turn on the hydro jets until water covers every jet. Running the pumps dry can permanently damage the equipment.
• Do not attach the hand held shower to the wall unless you have an extension hose with a barrel protection; without it, water can leak behind the tub.

The Pre-Installation Water Test, Step by Step

The manual requires the pumps to be tested before the final in-wall installation, while the tub is still easy to reach. Our pre-installation water test article expands on each step.

1. Place the tub on a completely flat surface in an area where it can be drained after testing.
2. Wipe down the door seal with a clean rag and warm water so it is free of debris.
3. Seal the drains (tape works) and fill the tub to at least 3 inches above the highest jet, or to the bottom of the grab bar if the tub has no jets.
4. Let the water stand for 30 minutes, then inspect all plumbing and seals for leaks.
5. Using appropriately rated three-prong extension cords, each plugged into a separate outlet, run every electrical component (air blower, water pump, and heater if fitted) for another 30 minutes. Inspect again, paying attention to the unions around the pump and heater.
6. If a union still leaks after tightening, it may be over-tightened or the O-ring may have shifted. Take it apart, seat the O-ring properly and reassemble. Do the same at the heater, and confirm the heater threads match the pipe threads.

Placing the Tub and Leveling Every Leg

Prepare the subfloor for the drain and confirm it is level and strong enough to carry the tub, the bather and the water, as local code requires. Set the tub, put a level on it in every direction, and adjust the leveling legs until it reads level and every leg touches the floor with equal weight distribution. The manual's reason: a tub that is not perfectly level can warp the frame and shell, misalign the door, cause leaks and void the warranty.

Your tub was leveled and tested at the factory, but the manual places the final check on the installer. Extending or shortening a leg closes any gap between the door and the frame. The leveling guide shows the manual's frame warping drawings.

Door Seal on Arrival and Why the Door Stays Open

The door has been closed through shipping and storage, so the silicone seal may have stuck to the frame or taken a set. To restore it, squeeze the seal with your fingertips and pull it away from the door frame so it relaxes with the door open. The manual recommends leaving the door open whenever the tub is not in use to extend the seal's life and keep it flexible. Everyday door use is covered in stainless steel inward door operation.

Next: Part 2

Once the tub is level, tested and in position, continue with Part 2, which covers the drain, faucet, electrical, grab bar, extension kit, door check and wall finishing.

Download the official document: Stainless Steel Inward-Swing Door Owner's Manual

This video walks through the same sequence: inspect for shipping damage, fill the tub outside to check for transit leaks, recheck the air, hydro and electrical connections, remove all panels and aprons before moving, level so every foot carries weight, then fill and run all components for an extended check.

Common Questions