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Can I Upgrade to a Stronger Hydro Pump for More Jet Pressure?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary8
  1. How Ella Sizes the Pump to the Tub
  2. Why a Bigger Pump Is Not Simply Swapped in
  3. What a Pump Change Means for Your Electrical
  4. Finding Out Which Pump Is Already in Your Tub
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions
  8. Still Need Help?

A stronger hydro pump is not a standard option on most Ella walk-in tubs. Ella fits its pumps by tub family: the standard hydro pump on the single-seat tubs, a larger pump on the two-seat tubs, and the largest pump, called the Hercules, on the Big4Two. Putting a larger-than-standard pump into a smaller tub is not a menu choice, and any request to do so has to be approved by the factory before an order is changed. Ask your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 whether an upgrade is possible for the exact model you are considering.

How Ella Sizes the Pump to the Tub

Jet pressure comes from the pump, and each pump is chosen for the volume of water and the number of jets it has to move. The single-seat tubs use the standard hydro pump. The two-seat tubs, which have more jets and a larger shell, use a medium pump. The Big4Two, the largest tub in the lineup, uses the Hercules pump. The pump ratings for your model are printed on the current spec sheet and on the pump label itself, and those printed figures are the ones to rely on.

Why a Bigger Pump Is Not Simply Swapped in

A larger pump pushes more water through the same jets and lines, so the jet count, hose sizes and electrical supply of the smaller tubs are matched to the standard pump. That is why a larger-than-standard pump on a single-seat tub requires factory approval rather than being a stock option. The team will tell you whether your model can take it. If the answer is no, it is because the tub was not designed for it, not because the team is unwilling.

What a Pump Change Means for Your Electrical

A higher-amperage hydro pump draws more current, and adding an independent foot massage adds a second hydro pump. On the full air, hydro and hydro foot packages this moves the requirement from two dedicated lines to three dedicated 20-amp lines. The two-seat full package schematic shows how those three lines are split between the pumps and the control boxes. Any upgrade discussion should include your electrician, because the extra circuit has to be in place before the tub is installed.

Finding Out Which Pump Is Already in Your Tub

Ella has changed hydro pumps several times over the years, so the team cannot tell from the model alone which pump a tub already has. If you are asking about more pressure on an installed tub, send a clear photo of the pump label, taken through the access panel or from the plumbing side of the tub. The label identifies the exact pump, and from that the team can say whether a larger model exists that fits your tub.

  1. Open the access panel or reach the pump from the plumbing side of the tub.
  2. Photograph the label on the pump body so the model and amperage are readable.
  3. Open a ticket with the photo, your tub model and your serial number.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Electrical Components Are Marked Ella's Bubbles ensures all electrical components are clearly marked and easily accessible for installation.
  2. 0:13 Dedicated GFCI Protected Outlets Your contractor connects the tub to your home's power supply using dedicated GFCI protected outlets.
  3. 0:25 GFCI Protected Breakers The breaker box must utilize GFCI protected breakers with the appropriate amperage value for your tub's components.
  4. 0:40 Enjoy Your Walk-In Tub Proper installation provides years of reliable, trouble-free walk-in tub enjoyment.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Electrical Components Clearly Marked The video explains the electrical requirements for installing an Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub, showing how components are clearly marked and accessible.
  2. 0:31 Dedicated GFCI Protected Outlets The contractor connects the tub to the home's power supply, emphasizing the need for dedicated GFCI protected outlets and breakers.
  3. 0:57 Finding Electrical Requirements Online The video directs viewers to the Ella's Bubbles website to find detailed electrical requirements based on their specific tub model and jetting packages.
  4. 1:28 Plug In and Enjoy After proper installation, the tub is ready to be plugged in, and technical support is available for any questions.

Common Questions

Which Ella tubs come with the strongest hydro pump?
The Big4Two is fitted with the Hercules pump, the largest Ella uses. The two-seat tubs use a medium pump, and the single-seat tubs use the standard hydro pump. Each is sized to the shell and jet count of that tub family.
Can a single-seat tub be ordered with the Hercules pump?
Not as a stock option. A larger-than-standard pump on a smaller tub requires factory approval before an order is changed. Ask your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 to check for the specific model you want.
Will a stronger pump need a different electrical circuit?
Often, yes. A higher-amperage pump, or the second pump that comes with an independent foot massage, can move a full package from two dedicated lines to three dedicated 20-amp lines. Have your electrician review the schematic for your package before installation.
How do I find out what pump my installed tub has?
Photograph the label on the pump body and send it to the team with your serial number. Pumps have changed several times over the years, so the label, not the model name, identifies the exact pump. The team can then say whether a larger pump exists for your tub.
Who confirms whether a pump upgrade is available for my order?
Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 confirms it for your specific order, because it depends on the model, the therapy package and whether the upgrade is approved for that tub. The team will also confirm any added electrical requirement so your electrician can plan for it.

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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