Which Walk-In Tub Fits a 32 by 60 Inch Alcove for a Tall Bather?

A 32 by 60 inch alcove accepts any Ella walk-in tub that is 32 inches wide or less and 60 inches long or less, and for a tall bather the strongest matches are the 60 inch length models: the Lounger with its long seat, plus the Ultimate, Standard60, Zen60 and Transfer60. The two models usually suggested for bathers around 6 feet and taller, the Big4One 33x66 and the ShaK 36x72, are both larger than that opening. The full model table lives in What are the standard dimensions of a walk-in tub?, and this page narrows those figures down to your alcove and your height.

How a 32 by 60 Alcove Narrows the Choice

Two measurements define your opening. The 60 inch figure is the length between the finished walls at the two ends of the alcove, and it is compared with the tub's length. The 32 inch figure is the width from the back wall to the front edge of the alcove, and it is compared with the tub's width, which on a walk-in tub is the short side that runs from the front of the tub to the back wall.

That gives you a simple filter. A tub that is 32 inches wide or narrower fits front to back, and a tub that is 60 inches long or shorter fits wall to wall. A tub does not have to fill the whole length on its own, because Ella tubs shorter than 60 inches include an extension panel that closes the gap between the tub and the end wall. So the real question for a tall bather is not only what fits, but which fitting model gives the most room inside.

Keep in mind that the size in a model's name is a rounded nominal figure. A tub sold as 28 inches can measure 27.5 inches on the drawing, and a tub described as a 5 foot tub can measure 59.5 inches long. The actual inch figure on the current specification drawing is always the one to measure against, as explained in How Wide Is a Walk-In Tub, and Will It Fit Your Home?

Exterior Dimensions of the Models to Compare

The figures below are the ones published in Ella's sizing guides. Where a figure does not appear in those guides, the cell says not listed and the spec sheet for that model is the place to confirm it.

What the differences mean for you: the models built specifically around the tallest bathers need more room than a 32 by 60 alcove offers, so within your opening the 60 inch length models are where to look first. The Lounger gives its space to length rather than width, which is why it is described as a tub with a long seat. The Monaco goes the other way, using your full 32 inch width for a 23 inch seat on a 52 inch length, which suits a broader bather more than a taller one. The LayDown 30x60 is the choice when the goal is to recline at full length rather than sit.

What a Tall Bather Should Check Beyond the Footprint

The width and length on an Ella spec sheet are the outside of the acrylic shell. They tell you whether the tub fits the alcove, not how it fits the person. The interior is described separately, by seat width, seat length and the depth from the seat to the overflow, and those are the numbers to hold up against the bather. How Do I Evaluate a Walk-In Tub's Footprint for a Small Bathroom? shows how to work through the exterior and interior figures in order.

• Seat length and legroom. Compare the interior figures on the spec drawing for each 60 inch model, since two tubs with the same outside length can be laid out differently inside.
• Height under a window. The Lounger stands 40 inches high. Measure from the floor to the bottom of any window sill and compare it with the tub's height.
• Door swing. An outward door needs open floor in front of the tub, so include that space when you look at the room.
• Weight. There is no set weight limit on an Ella tub. Comfortable fit in the seat is the thing to check.

If the bather is well over 6 feet and the room can be opened up, the Big4One and the ShaK are worth a look, but plan the path too: for the ShaK the team asks for a doorway of at least 36 inches.

When the Tub Is Shorter Than Your 60 Inch Opening

If the interior of a 52 inch model suits the bather, the alcove is not a problem. The installation tips video for the Ella Standard shows a 30 by 52 tub going into a 60 inch alcove with an end panel on the faucet side and a 7 inch extension panel on the other side for a snug fit. The extension panel video shows that the panel can be placed on the right or the left side of the tub, can be trimmed when an alcove is out of square or an unusual size, and doubles as a shelf for towels, shampoos and soaps, carried on adjustable stainless steel brackets that are part of the tub frame.

Openings that are not a true 60 inches have answers as well. For a 57 or 58 inch opening, the Petite at 27.5 by 52 inches actual, the Deluxe at 29.5 by 55 inches, or any 52 inch model will drop in. For a 48 inch space, the Flow 28x48 is the shortest inward-door tub, and the Mobile 26x45 is shorter still with an outward U-shape door. More of these cases are answered in Common Fit Questions.

Measure Before You Settle on a Model

1. Measure the length between the finished walls at the two ends of the alcove.
2. Measure the width from the back wall to the front edge of the alcove, and confirm it at the tightest point once the walls are finished.
3. Measure the height from the floor to the bottom of any window sill.
4. Measure every doorway and hallway the tub must pass through, because a crated tub is larger than the tub itself.
5. Note which side the existing drain is on. On every Ella walk-in tub the door and the drains are on opposite sides.

The step-by-step method is in How big is a standard bathtub, and how do you measure yours? Once you have your numbers, your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can confirm the right model against the current spec sheet before you order.

Watch: Ella's Bubbles: Installation Tips For The Ella Standard Walk-In Tub with chapters and a full transcript.

Related Guides

• Interior Length, Seat-to-Overflow and Seat-to-Footwell by Model: The Soaking Depth Table
• How many gallons of water does a walk-in tub hold?
• What Size Water Heater Do I Need for My Walk-in Tub?

Related Videos

Common Questions