This page is the first half of the installation sequence for the Ella tubs with the outward-swinging U-shape door: the Capri, Monaco, Front Entry, Mobile, Lounger, Shak and Big4One. It follows the Outward-Swing Door Owner's Manual (28 pages, dated 6/15/23), with door clearance figures taken from the Monaco and Mobile spec sheet drawings, and covers delivery, the floor space the door needs, the water test, and leveling. Part 2 continues with drains, faucet, electrical, the grab bar, the Capri and Monaco extension kit, the door check and wall finishing.

Which Tubs This Manual Covers

These are the cover figures. For fit-critical work, use the actual size on each model's spec sheet, summarized in dimensions by model.

The Door on These Tubs Swings Outward: Plan the Floor Space First

All seven models share a plastic composite and tempered glass door that swings outward, secured by a 3-latch gear and shaft mechanism. The Monaco and Mobile spec sheet drawings both show a door swing of 165 degrees outward, with a door width of 19 1/2" on the Monaco and 19 5/8" on the Mobile. That arc must be clear of the toilet, vanity, wall and bathroom door, so lay out the room before the tub is set. Our outward door swing clearance page and the bathroom layout planning guide cover this in detail.

A Printing Carryover to Ignore in the Entry Section

The manual's operations pages describe "the U-shape inward swing door handle" and show a diagram captioned "Elite U-Shape Stainless Steel and Tempered Glass Inward-Swing Door." That text and drawing were carried over from the inward-swing tub manual and do not describe these seven models. If you are reading it in your printed copy, you are reading it correctly; it is a printing carryover. Your door is composite and tempered glass and swings outward, as described in outward-swing U-shape door operation, and your model's spec sheet or product page is the right reference for the door.

Delivery Inspection and the Panel-Removal Rule

Inspect the crate and carton for damage as soon as the truck arrives. If you find any, take a few pictures, record the details on the shipper's delivery document and have the driver sign it; damage must be recorded on the delivery paperwork for a claim to be processed. Report it within 48 hours as described in freight damage claims. Keep the crate, pallet and all packaging until the installation is complete, since returns are accepted only in the original packaging.

Before moving the tub, remove the front apron with its access panels and the end panel so you can grip the frame. This copy of the manual reads "Remove all four (3) access panels," a typo in the source; the sister manuals say four, and the principle is the same: every panel comes off before the tub is carried, so the panels cannot fall out and break and so nobody lifts by them. Lift only by the frame, never by the plumbing, and protect the bottom of the shell where the air jets sit. Step-by-step advice is in delivery inspection and moving.

Safety Rules Before Any Work Starts

• A licensed plumber and a licensed electrician must do the work, following all local codes. The tub is for indoor use only, with manufacturer parts and accessories only.
• The electrician tests all connections to the dedicated line, including the GFCI. No electric appliances within 3 feet of the tub.
• Never switch on the hydro jets until water covers every jet; running pumps dry can permanently damage them.
• Bathers without all functioning limbs must be attended by a caregiver at all times and use an installed safety belt.
• Do not wall-mount the hand held shower without an extension hose with barrel protection.

The Pre-Installation Water Test

1. Place the tub on a completely flat surface where it can drain after the test.
2. Wipe the door seal with a clean rag and warm water.
3. Seal the drains with tape and fill 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 and inspect all plumbing and seals for leaks.
5. With appropriately rated three-prong extension cords plugged into separate outlets, run all pumps, the blower and the heater if fitted for another 30 minutes, then inspect again, including the unions at the pump and heater.
6. If a union still leaks after tightening, it is over-tightened or its O-ring has moved; take it apart and reseat the O-ring.

Read more in the pre-installation water test article.

Leveling Every Leg and Checking the Door

Confirm the subfloor is level and can carry the tub, bather and water. Set the tub, check level in every direction, and adjust the leveling legs until each one touches the floor with equal weight distribution. The manual states that a tub that is not perfectly level may warp the frame and shell, change the door alignment, cause leaks and void the warranty. The tub was leveled at the factory, but the installer must recheck it. Then close the door and confirm it seats evenly against the frame; extending or shortening a leg closes any door-to-frame gap. While there, release a seal that stuck in shipping by squeezing it with your fingertips and pulling it away from the frame, and leave the door open when the tub is not in use. The leveling guide shows what warping looks like.

Next: Part 2

With the tub level and tested, continue with Part 2, which covers the drains (including the Front Entry's single drain), faucets, electrical, the grab bar, the Capri and Monaco extension kit, handle orientation, the first fill and the tile flange.

Download the official document: Outward-Swing Door Owner's Manual

Filmed on the Big4One, the largest tub in this family, the video shows the end panels, side panels and aprons coming off before the tub is brought in, leveling with the adjustable legs so the door functions, and the dual T-type 4-port drains with individual P-traps running to the main.

Common Questions