This page is the second half of the installation sequence for the outward-swinging U-shape door family: 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) from a level, water-tested tub, with drain and faucet details confirmed against the Capri and Front Entry spec sheets and the family brochure, and covers drains, the below-floor option, faucets, electrical, the grab bar, the Capri and Monaco extension kit, the door check with handle orientation, and the wall.

Dual 2 Inch T-Type Drain on Most Models; the Front Entry Exception

Most tubs in this family ship with two Ella 2" T-type dual port floor drains; the Capri spec sheet, for example, lists two 2" 4-port PVC drains with 2 end caps, 2 overflows and 2 stainless steel operated openers. The pair presents four 2" ports, so the line can leave in either direction. Connect all four for the fastest drainage, or connect two and cap the others. Join the outlets with a Y fitting rather than a T, and confirm the house drain works properly first, since the tub cannot drain faster than the house line.

The Front Entry is the exception. Its spec sheet lists a single 2" 2-port PVC drain with 1 end cap, plus 2 overflows and 2 openers, and two access side panels. Drain-side planning for every model is in drain configurations and the house drain.

Below-Floor Drain Recess and the Warranty

The leveling legs let the tub be lowered, but the apron, end panel and drain will then meet the floor. Recessing means cutting subfloor access for the drain and trimming the bottom of the apron and/or end panel with masking tape and appropriate cutting tools. The manual warns that the warranty will not cover the damaged or altered parts. See lowering the tub and recessed installations.

Faucet Options and Supply Lines

Two 3/4" supply lines are included with every Ella fast-fill faucet and connect to shut-off valves that are not included. The manual documents both faucets this family can ship with:

• 2-piece fast-fill faucet: lift the lever for on, turn left for hot and right for cold, press the diverter button under the spout to switch to the hand shower, and push the lever down for off. The Front Entry spec sheet lists this faucet at up to 16 GPM at 60 PSI under ideal in-home plumbing conditions.
• 5-piece fast-fill faucet: red hot handle, blue cold handle; turn the middle diverter lever toward OFF and push the faucet lever down for the pull-out hand shower. The Capri spec sheet lists it at up to 18 GPM at 60 PSI under ideal conditions.

The hand shower has 5 flow settings on its dial in either case. Deck mounting steps are in fast-fill faucet installation. Do not wall-mount the hand shower without an extension hose with barrel protection.

Electrical: Dedicated GFCI Lines by Package

The spec sheets read "Dedicated GFCI protected electrical line(s) required, 110/120V 60Hz," and every electrical fixture connects to a dedicated GFCI protected outlet or breaker. Two-pump packages may need more than one line; see electrical requirements by model. If the GFCI will not reset, turn the power off until the fault is found. Do not insulate around the tub equipment, and provide code-compliant service access, which is the installer's or owner's responsibility.

Deck-Mount Grab Bar Washers

The grab bar kit contains a chrome grab bar (1), escutcheons (2), rubber washers (4), metal washers (2) and bolts (2). The manual's warning is printed in capitals: the washers, above all the large metal washer under the shell, must be installed to prevent cracking of the acrylic shell, and failing to do so voids the warranty.

1. Place a metal washer on the bolt, then a rubber washer.
2. Feed the bolt up through the tub shell.
3. Add a rubber washer over the bolt, then the escutcheon.
4. Thread the bolt loosely into the grab bar, then repeat for the second bolt.
5. Tighten both bolts with the supplied Allen wrench.

More on the included and optional bars is in grab bars included and add-on.

Extension Kit: Capri and Monaco Only, with Its Own Parts Count

The manual's kit table lists two models, the Capri at 52" L x 30" W and the Monaco at 52" L x 32" W, and the Capri spec sheet lists one reversible end panel and an 8" extension panel as included. The family brochure states the 60" alcove extension panel is not available for the Big4One, Shak, Front Entry and Mobile, which leaves the Capri, Monaco and Lounger. Because the kit table prints sizes for the Capri and Monaco only, a Lounger owner should confirm the kit with their Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850. This family's kit has its own parts count:

1. Install the extension support brackets provided in the kit.
2. Clamp the extension panel to the tub shell, lining up the top and front facade.
3. Pre-drill holes about 3/8" wider than the mounting screws for final adjustment.
4. Mount the extension with the screws, washers and bolts.
5. Apply silicone or white caulking as needed.

Sizes for every model are in extension panels and filler kits by model.

Door Check, Handle Orientation and First Fill

Close the door and confirm it seats evenly all the way around; a gap means going back to the leveling legs. On these outward doors the handle faces away from the hinges when unlocked and toward the hinges when locked; the video below shows how to seat a handle, and fine adjustments are in door handle lock nut and hinge adjustment. Then fill the tub, let it stand, and run the pumps while watching every union, jet and drain fitting. Never fill above the center of the drain handle, and never open the door until the tub is completely drained.

Wall Finishing

Before pushing the tub to the wall, glue a tile flange strip to the tub edge with 100% silicone. Any thin 1/8" to 3/16" rustproof, waterproof material works, such as acrylic, thin stainless steel or a fiberglass strip, about 5" tall and overlapping the edge by 2". Tile or wall panel then overlaps the flange and the flat deck, and silicone-based caulking goes on every joint. The full method is in tile flange and wall finishing. Finally, have the installer complete and sign the two-page Warranty Activation Form at the back of the manual, then follow activate your warranty.

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

The video lines up the tabs, seats the handle on the latch, hand-tightens the locking bolt, secures it with a socket wrench and fits the chrome cover, then shows the handle facing away from the hinges when unlocked and toward them when locked.

Common Questions