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Can Ella Walk-In Tubs Be Installed in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Long-Term Care Facilities?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary8
  1. What Certification Ella Tubs Carry
  2. What the Facility Needs to Check
  3. Models Facilities Usually Consider
  4. Ordering Several Units
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions
  8. Still Need Help?

Ella does not designate its walk-in tubs as residential-only or commercial-only, so they can be considered for bathing rooms at nursing homes, assisted living and memory care communities, and long-term care facilities. Every Ella tub is UL certified, and a Certificate of Compliance is available for your plan reviewer or inspector. Because each facility and each state health department has its own requirements, confirm those requirements with the facility before you order.

What Certification Ella Tubs Carry

Ella walk-in tubs are certified and tested to the industry safety and performance standards that apply to hydro-massage bathtubs: UL 1795 for hydro-massage bathtub systems, CSA C22.2 No. 218.2, ASME/ANSI A112.19.7 (2012) for water retention, and ASME/ANSI A112.19.15 (2012), the hydromassage bathtub standard. The published spec sheets and the Certificate of Compliance are the compliance documentation Ella provides, and no additional commercial-use document exists. Where the certification label sits on the tub, and how to have the certificate sent to an inspector, is explained in the article on safety certifications on Ella tubs and faucets.

What the Facility Needs to Check

Local codes, licensing rules and the facility's own policies govern what goes into a resident bathing room. The points below come up on nearly every facility project.

  1. Plan review and permits. Building, plumbing and health department reviews are supported with the model spec sheet and the Certificate of Compliance. Request both early so they can be attached to the submission.
  2. Facility approval. Some communities route the request through their plant operations or regional management, who may ask to see blueprints and speak with the installer before approving. Start that conversation before purchasing, because a facility can decline an installation after its own review.
  3. Installer policy. Some facilities require their own maintenance staff or approved contractors, while others allow an outside licensed installer. Ella does not perform installations, but its technical support team works with whichever licensed installer the facility approves.
  4. Temperature control. Not every faucet configuration includes a thermostatic control valve. If the review calls for thermostatic mixing at the fixture, choose the Ella thermostatic faucet package, which includes the built-in Ella thermostatic control valve.
  5. Accessibility. Seat height and grab bar placement relative to ADA guidance are compared in the ADA seat height and grab bar article.

Models Facilities Usually Consider

Shared bathing rooms most often use the wheelchair-accessible Transfer series, whose outward-swing door is designed for a side transfer from a chair. The Transfer26 measures 26 inches wide by 52 inches long, and the Transfer60 measures 30 inches wide by 60 inches long, so the choice comes down to the room and the residents being served. Transfer series tubs include two access panels for service. Sizes for every model are listed in walk-in tub dimensions by model. Ella has also developed the Ella HomeCare and the Ella HoistAssist with care facilities in mind. The team at (800) 480-6850 can help match a model to the bathing room's dimensions, door orientation, drain side and therapy needs.

Ordering Several Units

Multi-unit projects move fastest when the facility has the bathing room dimensions, the door and drain orientation for each room, and the therapy features wanted ready before the first call. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 handles the details of a facility order.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Transfer Walk-In Tub Overview The video introduces Ella's Bubbles transfer walk-in tubs, ideal for unobstructed access and available in five sizes.
  2. 0:38 Easy Access and Transfer Options The presenter demonstrates how bathers can easily transfer into the tub from a wheelchair or by stepping in.
  3. 1:17 Quality Door and Tub Features The video highlights the robust, integrated door, ergonomic handle, and strategically placed grab bars for safety.
  4. 2:17 High-Flow Faucet and Customization The presenter explains the high-flow faucet, dual drains, and various customization options like hydro and air jets.
  5. 3:24 Space-Saving Design and Plumbing The video shows how the tub's door design allows installation in tight bathrooms, swinging over a toilet.
  6. 4:10 Unrestricted Water Flow System The presenter details the three-quarter inch braided supply lines and valve system for unrestricted, high-volume water flow.
  7. 4:51 Wide Range of Transfer Tub Sizes The video showcases the Transfer Triple XL model and emphasizes the wide selection of transfer tubs available to fit any space.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Transfer Tub Series Overview Ella's Bubbles introduces the transfer tub series, designed for effortless entry and exit for wheelchair users.
  2. 0:52 Innovative Jet Design Features The bathtubs offer three-speed air massage with automatic purge and whirlpool with an in-line water heater and intensity control.
  3. 1:33 Dual Drain Technology Ella's Bubbles features large 2-inch dual drains for fast and efficient drainage, providing the fastest gravity drainage in the industry.
  4. 2:20 Optional Accessories Available Optional accessories include MicroBubble infusion therapy, a heated seat and backrest, light chromotherapy, and various support pillows.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 L-Shaped Outward Swing Door Tub Ella's Bubbles presents an L-shaped outward swing door wheelchair-accessible acrylic walk-in tub.
  2. 0:46 Extra-Wide L-Shaped Door The tub features an extra-wide L-shaped door that fits over the toilet and provides easy access.
  3. 1:07 Dual Drain Technology And Chromatherapy This tub features Ella's dual drain technology for fast draining and includes light chromatherapy for a relaxing visual element.
  4. 1:23 Optional Heated Seat And Shower An optional heated seat and backrest add comfort, and the tub is available with a four-fold glass screen or a walk-in tub shower column.

Common Questions

Are Ella walk-in tubs rated for commercial use?
Ella does not classify its tubs as strictly residential or strictly commercial. They are UL certified and come with a Certificate of Compliance that can be provided to a facility or inspector. Whether a given facility may install one depends on its local codes and policies.
What documentation can I give my plan reviewer?
Ella provides the model spec sheet and the Certificate of Compliance, which reflects the UL, CSA and ASME/ANSI standards the tubs meet. No additional compliance documents exist beyond these. If a reviewer asks for something more, discuss it with the team before ordering.
Does Ella install tubs in care facilities?
No. Ella manufactures the tubs and supports installers with manuals and free technical support, but a licensed local plumber and electrician do the work. Check whether the facility requires its own approved contractors before scheduling.
Do all Ella faucets include thermostatic temperature control?
No, not every faucet configuration includes a thermostatic control valve. Tubs ordered with the Ella thermostatic faucet package include a built-in thermostatic control valve that mixes to a set temperature. Choose that package if the facility's review requires it.
Which Ella models are best for a shared bathing room?
The Transfer series is the usual choice because its outward-swing door allows a side transfer from a wheelchair. Room size and the residents' needs decide between the 52-inch and 60-inch lengths. The Ella HomeCare and HoistAssist were developed specifically with care settings in mind.

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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