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Troubleshooting Start Here: Match Your Symptom to the First Check and the Right Article

Updated November 2026

When something on your Ella walk-in tub stops working, start with the one check that solves that symptom most often, then follow the link for the full fix. The table below is built from the questions the support team answers every day. Three rules protect your tub while you check: never run a water pump unless the water is above the jets, never lean or put weight on the door, and if you smell anything burning, turn the power off at the breaker and stop.

Match Your Symptom to the First Check

SymptomFirst checkFull article
Nothing powers on at allReset the dedicated breaker, then the GFCI (often behind the front apron access panel), then look for the green light on the blue control boxControl box has no power light
A button does nothing, no clickThe air hose behind the push button has popped off the button or the box nipplePush-button air hoses
You hear a click but no pumpThe relay is firing; check the pump cord and outlet for that pumpPump or massage system not working
Foot jets dead, back jets fineFoot and seat hydro are independent pumps and may be on different lines; reset every breaker and GFCIElectrical requirements by model
LED light will not turn offPress and hold the light button; a single press only changes the colorLight chromatherapy guide
Tub started by itself after a bathAuto Purge, about 20 minutes after the air pump is turned off, for 120 seconds. Normal.Auto Purge is normal
Light humming with nothing onThe ozone generator running by itself. Normal.Ozone sanitation explained
Heater is not heating the waterThe in-line heater only maintains temperature while the hydro pump runs; fill hot from the faucetWhat the in-line heater does
Water at the doorLeveling first: every leg touching with equal weight, no gap under any legWater at the door
Water under or behind the tubUnions at the pump and heater, the drain locking nut, and a wall-mounted hand shower without the barrel extension kitWater under the tub
Drain will not open or closeThe drain cable and the handle adjustmentDrain cable replacement
Tub drains slowlyOpen the handle fully, verify the house drain flows, and prefer a Y fitting over a TTub drains slowly
Microbubble buzzes, no cloudy waterWater level, then the pressure tankMicrobubble not working
TCV stuck or not mixingFouled cartridge; a licensed plumber cleans or replaces it, and an inline filter protects the new oneTCV cleaning and cartridge
Breaker or GFCI keeps trippingCompare the loads on each circuit to the package's line countBreaker keeps tripping
Door will not open after the bathDrain completely first; the door stays shut while water is in the tub. Normal.Operating common questions
Heated seat is cold, water is finePress the heat keypad once, allow the 10 to 15 minute preheat; 20 minute auto-off is normalHeated seat and backrest
Touchpad blank or unresponsiveReset the circuit and check the green light on the control box; a failed touchpad is replaced as a partTouchpad troubleshooting

The Two Checks Behind Most Button Complaints

Push buttons on Ella tubs are pneumatic. Pressing the button sends a puff of air down a small tube to a relay in the control box; the relay closes and powers the pump. Two things go wrong far more often than anything else: the tube slips off the button or off the nipple on the box, or the tube is fine but the pump is not getting power. The next two videos show how to tell them apart.

How to Secure Air & Hydro Connections in Your Walk-In Tub
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Understanding Air Signal Connections The technician explains how the push control sends an air signal to the control box via an air tube.
  2. 0:51 Securing Control Box Connections The technician demonstrates how to firmly plug the air tube onto the nipple of the control box.
  3. 1:03 Checking The Button Connection The technician shows how to retrieve the button from its housing using a flat screwdriver.
  4. 1:21 Securing The Pump Connection The technician pulls out the black pump part and secures the connection with the lock nut and hose.
  5. 1:40 Reassembling The Button The technician puts the pump and button back in place, securing it with the chrome ring.

Here the technician shows the air tube running from the push control to the control box, and how to seat it on the box nipple with a firm push-and-twist. He then pries the button out of its housing with two small flat screwdrivers, pulls the black bellows out, and checks the lock nut and hose on the back of the button. Reseat the hose, push the bellows back, snap the button and chrome ring in place, and press again; the pump should start. Watch: How to Secure Air & Hydro Connections in Your Walk-In Tub with chapters and a full transcript.

Push Button Control Issues and Repair
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Pneumatic Push Button Controls The video introduces how push button controls work using pneumatic pressure and a red connection tube.
  2. 0:32 Activating the Relay Switch Pushing the button creates pneumatic pressure, which activates the relay switch inside the control box.
  3. 1:05 Relieving an Air Lock The video demonstrates how to relieve an air lock by disconnecting the red tube from the control box.
  4. 1:20 Reconnecting the Tube After reconnecting the tube, pushing the button should produce an audible clicking sound from the control box.

This one covers the "click but no pump" row. With the red tube secured at the box and at the button's locking nut, each press should produce an audible click inside the control box as the relay activates. A click with no pump means the relay is doing its job and the pump side needs attention. The video also shows an air lock, where the button sticks in the down position: disconnect the red tube at the box, the button pops up, and reconnect it. Watch: Push Button Control Issues and Repair with chapters and a full transcript.

Rules That Prevent Damage While You Check

  • Do not press the hydro or foot buttons until the water is above all the jets on that system. Running a water pump dry causes permanent damage that is not covered.
  • Do not lean on, step on, or hang onto the door. It holds its own weight only, and shifting the alignment is the fastest way to create a leak.
  • Power off at the breaker on any burning smell, scorched mark, or a GFCI that trips the instant you reset it, then call.
  • Reset the breaker and the GFCI before you open anything; on tubs with two or three dedicated lines, reset all of them.

What to Have Ready for a Ticket

Your model and serial number (the label is behind the magnetic access panel next to the door; see where to find your model and serial numbers), the therapy package you ordered, where you purchased the tub, and photos or a short video of the symptom and the area behind the access panel. Every video referenced in this index is collected in the repair videos library, and hours and contact details are in how to reach Ella's Bubbles support.

Common Questions

Where do I start when something on the tub stops working?
Find your symptom in the table above and do the first check listed for it, then follow the link to the full article if that check does not clear it. For anything electrical, the first check is always the same: reset the dedicated breaker, then the GFCI, and then look for the green light on the blue control box. Keep the three safety rules in mind while you work: water above the jets before any pump runs, no weight on the door, and power off at the breaker if you smell anything burning.
What can I check safely before calling?
You can safely reset breakers and GFCIs, confirm the water level is above the jets, check the air tube at both the button and the box nipple, and confirm each pump cord is plugged into a live outlet. Those checks solve most button and pump complaints without tools. Anything involving wiring beyond plugging in a cord belongs to a licensed electrician, and a burning smell or a GFCI that trips instantly means power off at the breaker and a call.
The tub turned on by itself. Is it broken?
No. About 20 minutes after the air pump is turned off, the Auto Purge cycle runs the air pump for 120 seconds to blow leftover water out of the air lines. It stops on its own and needs no action from you. A light humming when nothing is on is also normal, since that is the ozone generator running by itself.
Why does the heater not warm my water?
The in-line heater is not designed to heat cold water. It only maintains the temperature of water you filled hot from the faucet, and it only does that while the hydro pump is running, because the water passes through the heater as it circulates. Fill the tub at the temperature you want, then run the hydro massage to keep it there.
The door leaks a little. Should I order a seal?
Check leveling first, because misleveling is the number one cause of door leaks. Every leg should touch the floor with equal weight and there should be no gap under any leg. Only after the tub is confirmed level and the door still weeps should a replacement seal be considered, and the water at the door article linked in the table walks through the checks in order.
How do I know whether it is the button or the pump?
Press the button with the access panel open and listen. A click inside the control box with no pump means the relay is doing its job and the pump side needs attention, starting with the pump cord and its outlet. No click at all points at the air tube between the button and the box, which may have slipped off the button or the box nipple. The two videos above show both cases.
What should I have ready when I call?
Have your model and serial number, which are on the label behind the magnetic access panel next to the door, the therapy package you ordered, and where you purchased the tub. Photos or a short video of the symptom and of the area behind the access panel help the team diagnose quickly. A short video of pressing the button with the panel open is especially useful because the team can hear whether the relay clicks.
Which article covers my problem if it is not in the table?
Browse the repair videos library linked above, which collects every video referenced in this index, or see the support contact article for hours and what to have ready. If nothing matches, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support describing the symptom, along with your serial number and photos, and the team will point you to the right steps.
Does Ella's Bubbles cover my heater and blower under a five-year warranty like my manual says?
The five-year equipment warranty text in some owner's manuals is outdated. Ella's Bubbles equipment, including heaters and blowers, along with the shell, frame, door, seal, and finish, is covered under the Lifetime Limited Warranty. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 to confirm the coverage that applies to your tub.
What should I do about minor scratches on my tub's door?
For minor scratches, repair kits or replacement parts are often available through home improvement suppliers such as Home Depot, or through a local contractor or installer. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can also help point you toward the right option for your model. Avoid leaning on or putting pressure on the door while addressing any cosmetic repair.
Is replacing the control box something I can do myself?
Yes, replacing the control box is a straightforward task most homeowners can handle with just a Phillips screwdriver. If your control box is locked up or its light keeps flashing even after you reset the correct breaker, a new control box can be sent out as a replacement part. Reach out to your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 to arrange one for your model.
Why would water be found inside my tub's blower motor?
Water getting into the blower motor usually points to a problem with the check valve in the manifold rather than the blower itself. That valve is designed to keep water from siphoning back into the air lines and blower. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 so the check valve can be inspected.
Is it safe for the air blower to run without any water in the tub?
Yes. Unlike a water pump, the air blower is designed to run dry and will not harm your tub even with no water present. This is often what customers notice during the Auto Purge cycle, when the air pump briefly runs on its own to clear leftover water from the air lines. Water pumps, such as the hydro or foot massage pumps, are different and need water above the jets before they run.
Is the connection between the push button and the control box electrical?
No, the connection between the push button and the control box is a pneumatic air connection, not an electrical one, and it uses air pressure to signal the relay inside the control box. Because no wiring is involved, a handyman can typically troubleshoot the air switch connection itself. Actual pump wiring and outlets are a separate matter best left to a licensed electrician.
What should I check if my hydro-massage pump makes no noise at all?
A pump that makes no noise and does not even click could be experiencing an airlock rather than an electrical or button problem. To clear it, disconnect the air hose from the pump for a moment to let the air pressure recalibrate, then reconnect it and try the pump again. If the pump still does not respond, check its electrical connection and button connection, and try plugging it into a different outlet to rule out the outlet itself.
What else besides a fouled cartridge can cause my tub's TCV faucet to stick or stop mixing?
Besides a fouled cartridge, TCV issues can also come from a bad gasket on the cartridge or a broken weld on the stem. These problems typically call for inspection by a licensed plumber, who can clean or replace the cartridge as needed. Installing an inline filter afterward helps protect a new cartridge from similar buildup.
What happens if my tub's faucet valve becomes seized and won't turn?
If a faucet valve seizes up, it often cannot be fixed by just replacing the cartridge, since the cartridge cannot be easily removed from the top of the valve. In that case, the entire valve typically needs to be replaced. Cartridges are not available separately from Ella's Bubbles, they come as part of the complete valve, trim, and handle assembly, so contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 to arrange a replacement.
Why does my tub's faucet keep dripping even when it is turned off?
A dripping faucet indicates that the valve itself is not shutting off completely, which is typically not a simple washer issue. If the faucet valve becomes seized and won't turn, the entire valve usually needs to be replaced, as the cartridge cannot be easily removed from the top of the valve. Cartridges are not available separately from Ella's Bubbles; they come as part of the complete valve, trim, and handle assembly. Contact your Ella dealer or the Ella's Bubbles support team so the valve can be inspected and addressed.
Can I adjust how strong the hydro massage jets feel while bathing?
Yes, the intensity of the hydro massage jets can be adjusted using a dial. This allows you to increase or decrease the strength of the massage to your preferred comfort level. The in-line heater only maintains the temperature of water while the hydro pump runs, so adjusting the hydro massage will not affect the water temperature itself.
Why might my tub's water pump lose suction or seem weak?
The suction intake for the water pump has a screen that needs to stay clear of obstructions like hair. If that screen gets blocked, it can restrict water flow into the pump and affect performance. Checking and clearing this screen periodically helps keep the pump running as it should.
Why does the water keep coming out of the shower head instead of returning to the faucet spout?
When the diverter is pushed and the water does not revert back to the spout, turn the water off and then back on using the handle. This resets the flow so it returns to the faucet spout. If water still only comes out of the shower head after that, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 with your model and serial number.
What does it mean when the jets run for a few seconds, stop, and I smell something electrical?
Jets that run for 5 to 10 seconds and then stop, together with an electrical smell, point to a potential electrical issue rather than a button or water level problem. Turn the power off at the breaker right away and do not keep pressing the button. Then open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 with your serial number and a description of what happened so the team can guide the next step.
How can I tell whether my air blower itself has failed?
If the air blower still does not run even when it is plugged directly into a wall outlet, that indicates a faulty blower rather than a control or wiring problem. Because the air blower is designed to run dry, it is safe to test this way with no water in the tub. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 with your model and serial number so a replacement can be arranged.
Why does my tub leak only when the jets are running, even after I cleaned the door gasket?
A leak that appears only while the jets are on, and not while the tub simply holds water, suggests the leak point is somewhere other than the door gasket, most likely within the jet system. Check the area behind the access panel with the jets running and take photos or a short video of where the water appears. Send those to ellasbubbles.com/support along with your serial number so the team can help pinpoint the source.
What days and hours can I reach technical support by phone?
Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM Chicago time. During those hours, you can reach the team at (800) 480-6850, or submit a request anytime at ellasbubbles.com/support.
What can I do if the door handle is hard to pull closed?
If pulling the lever to close the door is difficult, a piece of PVC pipe can be added to the lever to provide extra leverage. This makes it easier to grip and pull without straining. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can advise on the best fit for your model.
Is there an easier handle option if I struggle to grip the drain?
Yes, a 'lay-down tub' drain handle with an attached rod is available, which is easier to grasp than the standard handle. This handle should be turned rather than twisted. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 to ask about this option for your tub.
Can I get a replacement if my shower head breaks off?
Yes, if the shower head has broken or come off the hose, a replacement part can be ordered for your tub. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready so they can send the correct part.
Can I stop the Auto Purge cycle once it starts?
No, Auto Purge is fully automatic and cannot be stopped once it begins. It runs for 120 seconds to blow leftover water out of the air lines. It is normal even if it starts while you are still in the tub.
Will Auto Purge run if I did not use the jets?
No, Auto Purge only activates after the jets have been used. When it does run, it starts about 20 minutes after the air pump is turned off. If the jets were never used, you will not hear it.
Why did my lights, air bubbles, and jets all shut down after about 15 minutes?
If every function shuts down after roughly 15 minutes of use and will not turn back on, a tripped breaker is the likely cause. A tripped breaker can come from a faulty breaker, a breaker that is not strong enough for the load, or wires touching. Reset the breaker and GFCI first, and have a licensed electrician check the circuit if it trips again.
Who can replace a part on my tub if it has a problem?
If a part has a problem, you can call technical support at (800) 480-6850 or contact your Ella dealer. Your installer can then change the part on your tub. Visit ellasbubbles.com/support to open a ticket if you prefer.
What product can I use to touch up small worn spots on my tub's finish?
For small areas where the finish has worn off, Rust-Oleum white epoxy appliance touch-up can be used. It is meant for minor cosmetic wear rather than structural or deep damage. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 if you need guidance on matching the finish for your specific model.
How should I prepare the surface before applying a touch-up finish?
Clean the area thoroughly with a dish soap such as Dawn to remove any residue or buildup. Let the surface dry completely before applying the touch-up product. Skipping this preparation can keep the touch-up from adhering properly.
What should I check if my tub's back jets will not shut off?
If the back jets will not shut off, the issue is most often the control button or the air hose connection running to it rather than the jets themselves. Check that the air hose is fully seated at both the button and the control box nipple, since a loose connection can cause a control to behave erratically. If the connection looks secure and the jets still will not shut off, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.
Why would my hydro massage not increase in volume while my lights and other controls stop working too?
When the hydro pump runs normally on low but will not increase in volume, and other electrical controls such as the lights stop responding at the same time, a tripped circuit breaker is a likely cause. Reset the dedicated breaker and the GFCI for that circuit before checking anything else. If resetting the breaker does not restore full function, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.
Should I leave my walk-in tub's door open or closed between baths?
Between baths, the door should be left slightly ajar rather than kept shut under constant compression. Leaving it ajar allows the seal to reshape itself instead of staying compressed in one position, which helps it hold a good seal over time. This simple habit can help prevent the type of door leaks described elsewhere in this article.
Does my new tub arrive fully assembled or will installation require some assembly?
Ella's Bubbles tubs are factory assembled before they ship. Depending on the model and the installation, your installer may still need to complete some assembly steps as part of putting the tub in place. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can confirm what to expect for your specific model.
Why does my drain plug stay down even when the handle is open?
A drain plug that stays down no matter the handle position can be caused by a snapped drain cable. You can pull the drain plug out to check the rod and see whether the lever moves when you operate the handle. If the brass rod in the drain itself does not move, the drain cable is likely the issue.
What can I do if my tub has two drain stoppers and one is not working?
If one stopper is not working, you can use the working stopper as a temporary replacement. Swapping it in is also a handy way to diagnose where the problem is. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can help with a permanent fix.
How can I reach the drain plug if water is standing in the tub?
If standing water is trapped by a broken drain, a shop vac can be used to remove the water. That gives you access to the drain plug so you can check it. Keep the door clear of any weight or leaning while you work.
What do I need to get a replacement for a broken lever drain stopper?
For a broken drain stopper with a lever, pictures of the unit and of the broken part are needed to identify the correct replacement. Clear photos help match the right part to your tub. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can help from there.
What should I do if my tub arrives with shipping damage?
Note the damage on the shipping document at the moment you accept the delivery, for example that the tub was damaged but you are accepting it, or that concealed damage is possible. That written note is what allows a claim to be filed with the shipping company. Then contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 so they can help with next steps.
Where can I download a manual if one did not come with my tub?
If a manual was not included with your item, you can download it from the Ella's Bubbles website at ellasbubbles.com. Scroll down to your model's product page to find it. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can also help if you cannot find the right one.
Can the drain still be connected if it is not in the exact same spot as my old one?
Yes. Connecting the drain is a common challenge during installation, but it can be connected underneath the tub even when the existing drain is not in exactly the same place. There is a three-inch space under the tub to work with.
Why does the hose to my jet motor keep coming off?
A hose coming off the motor for the jets is a common repair, and it can be fixed when you have access to the back of the tub, such as by opening a wall on a closet side. The hose should be long enough and secured with a zip tie so it cannot slip off and fall down. If you cannot reach the back of the tub, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.
Does Ella's Bubbles send a technician to repair my walk-in tub?
Ella's Bubbles does not perform service calls or install tubs. The team does help with troubleshooting over the phone or by video call. Call (800) 480-6850 or open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, and have your model and serial number ready.
Who can I hire if my tub needs a hands-on repair?
A local plumber or local contractor can handle a hands-on repair, and they are often easier to schedule. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can talk through the symptom with you first. They may be able to suggest a quick fix before you book anyone.
Can I stop the Auto Purge if it starts while I am still in the tub?
No. Auto Purge is fully automatic and cannot be stopped. It is normal even if it starts while you are still in the tub. It runs the air pump for 120 seconds, about 20 minutes after the air pump is turned off, to blow leftover water out of the air lines.
What should I do if my tub stopped working and it was installed through my builder?
Start with the builder or the dealer where you purchased the tub, because they are the ones who ordered it. Have your model and serial number, the therapy package you ordered, and a description or short video of the symptom ready. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can help from there.
Can I make the air jets gentler than the low setting?
Air jet strength can only be adjusted with the high, medium, and low settings, and there is no further fine-tuning. On the three-speed air massage push control, the first press is high, the second press is medium, the third press is low, and a fourth press turns the system off. If low still feels like too much, your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can talk through your options.
How do I get more water flow from an adjustable water jet?
Water jets are adjusted by turning the knob on top, which changes how much water flows. Turning the knob to the left opens the jet up and increases the flow. Jets can feel stiff to turn when they are wet or new, so a firm, steady turn is normal.
Why does water come out of the main spout when I only turn the temperature handle?
The three-handle control should have one handle for the main spout and another for the handheld shower, and the far-left handle typically controls temperature, with a red dot for hot and a blue dot for cold. If water comes out of the main spout when only the temperature handle is on, it may point to an incorrect hookup or a faulty valve. That calls for a technician, so contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.
Is spidering on the bottom of my Ella Liberty Walk-in Shower covered by warranty?
Spidering on the bottom of an Ella Liberty Walk-in Shower can be a warranty concern even if it is not cracked all the way through. For warranty claims, Ella's Bubbles will send someone to inspect and fix the unit. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 to start the process.
Why is my walk-in tub door difficult to close?
A door that is hard to close is often a leveling issue, especially when the center leg is not firmly on the floor. Improper leveling can warp the tub frame and push the door jamb in, so the door touches the frame instead of just the seal. Check that every leg is firmly on the floor, then contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 if the door still does not close easily.
Why won't the door gasket stay in its slot?
A gasket that will not stay in can have imperfections in the gasket itself, or it may be seating in a narrow slot at the bottom. Look closely at the gasket along its full length and at the slot where it sits. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can help you with the next step for your model.
Do the door hinges on my walk-in tub need WD-40?
Hinges rarely need WD-40, and when they do it is usually on older tubs. If your door is sticking or hard to close, check the tub's leveling first, since that is a much more common cause. Avoid leaning on the door while you check.
Who do I contact if my tub was installed by Leisure Life?
If your tub was installed by Leisure Life, they handle their own service and repairs. Reach out to them first for service on that installation. For other questions about your Ella tub, your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can help.
What can I do if my jets are shooting water off me and out of the tub?
Jets that spray water off the user and out of the tub are usually positioned too high or are not deep enough in the water. Raise the water level so the jets are well covered, and check how high the jets sit relative to you. Some jets are directional, so you may also be able to adjust them.
Are all of the jets on my tub directional?
Some jets are directional, but not all of them are. If you want to redirect or reduce the flow from a particular jet, your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can tell you which jets on your model can be adjusted.
How can I fix a leaking air line in my walk-in tub?
Leaking air lines can be fixed by replacing the hoses. If you are not sure which hose is leaking, your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can help you find the right replacement for your model.
Can the tub apron be removed to reach the parts behind it?
Yes, the apron on the tub can be removed to give you more access for repairs, as long as it has not been siliconed or tiled in. If your apron is sealed or tiled in place, check with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 before trying to take it off.

If the first check does not clear it, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support/new with your serial number and photos, or call (800) 480-6850.

About this guide. Answers in the Ella’s Bubbles Support Center are compiled from real conversations with tub owners, our technicians’ notes and the product documentation, then reviewed by our team. Tub models and options have evolved over the years, so a detail here may differ slightly from your exact tub. If something looks different on yours, send us your serial number and a specialist will confirm it for your model.

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