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How is a walk-in tub installed in an existing bathroom?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary7
  1. Step 1: Get the Tub into the Bathroom
  2. Step 2: Set and Level the Tub
  3. Step 3: Connect Drain, Water and Power
  4. Step 4: Finish the Walls and Keep Service Access
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions

A walk-in tub goes into an existing bathroom in a set sequence: the tub is carried in with its removable panels off, set level on its own frame in the opening where the old tub sat, connected to the drain, the water supply and dedicated GFCI-protected power, water-tested, and only then closed in with tile and trim. Ella's Bubbles builds the tub but does not install it; a local licensed plumber or general contractor completes the work. Most tubs go into the three-wall opening described in What Is an Alcove Installation for a Walk-In Tub?.

Step 1: Get the Tub into the Bathroom

The hardest part of many installations is the route in, so the doorway is the first thing to measure. You need a door opening larger than 26 inches to fit Ella's narrowest tub, and each model has its own requirement, so compare the shipping size and actual width on the model's spec sheet with every doorway, hallway, corner and turn on the path. Every Ella tub comes with a removable front apron, usually with two access panels, plus one reversible end panel and, on tubs shorter than 60 inches, an extension panel. The video on this page explains those panels and states the rule that all of them must be removed before the tub is moved into the house and into the bathroom. Remember that an outward-swing door also needs clearance in front of the tub. Mobile homes, condos, upper floors and slabs each add a planning step, covered in Installing in Mobile Homes, Condos, Upper Floors, and on Concrete Slabs.

Step 2: Set and Level the Tub

Most bathrooms were framed around a 60-inch tub, so that is usually the opening being filled. Tubs 60 inches or longer fill it on their own, and shorter tubs use the extension panel, which can go on the right or the left end so the tub looks built in. The tub does not rely on walls for support; it stands on its own stainless steel frame and adjustable leveling legs, and the installer levels it with every leg touching the floor. If the tub is placed away from a wall, the contractor frames a short wall to cover the unfinished back, as explained in What Is a Knee Wall Behind a Walk-In Tub?. Where both ends are exposed, a second end panel closes the other end. If you do not need the extra end panel or the extension panel, you can opt out of receiving it.

Step 3: Connect Drain, Water and Power

The installer runs the drain under the tub if the house drain is on the far side, places shut-off valves and outlets within reach of the supply lines and cords, and provides dedicated GFCI-protected power for the tub's equipment. The pre-installation water test is completed before any wall is closed, so leaks can be found while everything is still reachable. Every Ella fast fill faucet includes a pull-out hand shower, and an optional shower column kit adds an overhead rain shower to a tub with an Ella 2-piece or 5-piece deck-mount faucet; see Can I Shower in a Walk-In Tub? Hand Showers, Shower Columns, and Screens. In an alcove with an extension panel the column uses the long 4 to 5 inch pipe connector to reach the wall, so mention the alcove and the panel when asking about it.

Step 4: Finish the Walls and Keep Service Access

The walls above the deck are finished with tile or a surround over a tile flange, with silicone at every joint, so water runs back into the tub. Ask the installer to add a wall access panel behind the plumbing end, keep the front apron and its access panels reachable because the pumps, heater and cords live behind them, and never pack insulation around the equipment. Photograph the framing and shut-off locations before the wall closes; those photos are useful if you ever open a ticket.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Placement The video explains how to position the reversible end panel on either side of the tub to cover plumbing and the frame.
  2. 0:33 Extension Panel For Shorter Tubs Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs under 60 inches long include an extension panel to fit standard 60-inch alcoves.
  3. 1:06 Removable Front Apron Panels Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for servicing plumbing and components.
  4. 1:28 Removing Panels Before Moving Tub All removable panels, including the front apron, end panel, and extension panels, must be removed before moving the walk-in tub.

Watch: Ella's Bubbles: End Panels And Extension Panels with chapters and a full transcript.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Pre-Installation Checks and Tips Before installation, the video emphasizes checking tub dimensions, inspecting for damage, and leak-testing the tub with water.
  2. 1:34 Dual Drain System Installation The video demonstrates how to install Ella's exclusive dual drain system, showing various configurations and recommending a two-inch house drain.
  3. 3:09 Leveling and Door Alignment The technician levels the tub, ensuring proper door alignment for a leak-proof seal, and advises leaving the door unlocked when not in use.
  4. 3:53 Water Supply and Electrical Connections The video shows connecting fast-fill faucets with three-quarter inch supply lines and emphasizes using GFCI-protected outlets and breakers for electrical connections.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Preparing for Your Walk-In Tub The video shows the removal of an old tub and the preparation of the space for a new Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub.
  2. 0:31 Unboxing and Leveling the Tub The installer removes the tub's panels to prevent damage and then levels the tub using its adjustable leveling legs.
  3. 1:00 Ella's Dual Drain Technology The video explains Ella's dual drain system and shows different drain configurations for efficient water removal.
  4. 2:03 Water Supply and Electrical Connections The video highlights the importance of shutoff valves, proper supply lines, and dedicated GFCI circuits for the tub.
  5. 2:31 Designing for Easy Access The video recommends incorporating access panels into the bathroom remodel for convenient future servicing of the tub.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Ella Standard Walk-In Tub Overview The video introduces the Ella Standard walk-in tub, highlighting its size and design for average bathers.
  2. 0:27 Fitting Tub Into Alcove Tips are provided for fitting the tub into a 60-inch alcove, including trimming the apron or using the standard end piece.
  3. 0:49 Hydro Massage System Features The tub's 18-jet hydro massage system is described, including its intensity control dial and inline water heater.
  4. 1:14 Drainage And Adjustable Frame The oversized two-inch drain and adjustable frame with access points for door adjustments are showcased.

Common Questions

Does Ella's Bubbles install the walk-in tub for me?
No. Ella's Bubbles manufactures the tub, and a local licensed plumber or general contractor completes the installation. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can answer questions about your order.
Will a walk-in tub fit where my old bathtub was?
Every Ella model fits a three-wall alcove, and most bathrooms were framed around a 60-inch tub. Tubs 60 inches or longer fill that space on their own, and shorter tubs come with an extension panel to close the gap at one end.
Does the tub need a wall behind it for support?
No. The tub stands on its own stainless steel frame and leveling legs. A back wall or a contractor-built knee wall is there to hide the unfinished back, carry plumbing and wiring, and give the tile flange and silicone a surface to finish against.
Do the panels come off before the tub is carried in?
Yes. The front apron with its access panels, the end panel and the extension panel are all removable, and all of them must be removed before the tub is moved into the house and the bathroom. The attachment method varies by model, with clips, screws, Velcro tape or magnets.
What electrical supply does a walk-in tub need?
The tub needs dedicated GFCI-protected power, with outlets placed within reach of the equipment cords behind the front apron. A licensed electrician should provide the circuit before the tub is closed in.
When should the plumbing be tested during installation?
The pre-installation water test is done after the tub is leveled and connected but before any wall is closed. That way the drain and supply connections can be checked while they are still reachable.

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