Support Center / Door & Seal / What Is an L-Shape Transfer Door on a Walk-In Tub?
Back to Door & Seal

What Is an L-Shape Transfer Door on a Walk-In Tub?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary5
  1. How It Works
  2. Which Ella Models Have It
  3. What to Know as an Owner
  4. Related Guides
  5. Common Questions

The L-shape transfer door, also called the wheelchair transfer door or the L-shape outward-swing door, is the aluminum door on Ella's Transfer family. It swings outward through 172 degrees and, because of its L shape, exposes the full side of the tub. That lets a bather slide across from a wheelchair directly onto the seat instead of stepping over a wall, and it is why the Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60 and TransferXXL are designed with wheelchair users in mind.

TransferXXL walk in tub with wide L-shaped door swung open showing transfer bench and jets
The L-shape door on a TransferXXL opens 172 degrees so the whole side of the tub is clear for a seated transfer.

How It Works

The handle sits on the front of the door. Swing the door fully open, position the wheelchair beside the tub, transfer onto the seat, then pull the door closed and turn the handle clockwise. The handle drives a 2-latch gear and shaft mechanism: turning it pushes two tapered pins into the frame, compressing the seal evenly. This is the same family of mechanism as the U-shape outward door, which uses three latches. The seal is just as tight with the tub empty as with it full, and the door must never be opened until the tub has completely drained. The L shape is also designed to fit over a standard toilet. See operating the L-shape transfer door and the video walkthrough in getting into a transfer tub.

Which Ella Models Have It

Every Transfer model has the L-shape door: the Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60 and TransferXXL. One owner manual covers all five; the wheelchair-transfer and L-shaped-outward-swing-door manuals on the site are the same file. The transfer tub family guide compares the five sizes and their packages.

What to Know as an Owner

Plan for the swing: the door needs about 36.5 inches of clear floor in front of the tub for its 172 degree arc, and the wheelchair needs room to sit alongside. Never put your weight on the open door during a transfer, since the door and seal warranty is valid only when the alignment is correct and has not been changed by a bather's weight; use the grab bar and the seat instead. Keep the seal clean and, each time you lock, confirm the handle completes its clockwise travel so both pins seat. If the pins stop lining up with the striker plate, or the plate itself loosens, transfer door pins and striker plate covers the adjustment. For a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850, have your model name, your order details from where you purchased, and photos of the pins, striker plate and seal.

Common Questions

Why does the transfer door open so wide?
The L-shape transfer door, also known as the wheelchair transfer door or L-shape outward-swing door, swings outward through 172 degrees. This wide opening exposes the full side of the tub, allowing a bather to slide directly from a wheelchair onto the seat without needing to step over a wall. This design is why Ella's Transfer models, including the Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60, and TransferXXL, are designed with wheelchair users in mind.
What is the difference between a two latch and a three latch door?
Both use Ella's gear and shaft mechanism, where the handle pushes tapered pins into the frame. The L-shape transfer door uses two pins, while the U-shape outward door uses three. Either way the pins compress the seal evenly for a tight closure.
Will the L-shape door clear a toilet next to the tub?
The door is designed to fit over a standard toilet, which is one reason the Transfer family works well in bathrooms where the toilet is close by. You still need about 36.5 inches of clear floor in front of the tub for the full swing.
Can I open the transfer door while the tub still has water in it?
No, you must never open the L-shape transfer door while the tub still has water in it. Although the seal maintains its tightness whether the tub is empty or full, the door must remain closed until the tub has completely drained to prevent water from spilling onto the floor. This ensures proper operation and prevents any potential mess.
Which way do I turn the handle to close the transfer door?
To close and lock the L-shape transfer door, turn the handle clockwise. The handle is located on the front of the door and drives a 2-latch gear and shaft mechanism. Ensure you complete the full clockwise turn so that both tapered pins push into the frame, compressing the seal evenly for a secure and watertight closure.

About this guide. Answers in the Ella’s Bubbles Support Center are compiled from real conversations with tub owners, our technicians’ notes and the product documentation, then reviewed by our team. Tub models and options have evolved over the years, so a detail here may differ slightly from your exact tub. If something looks different on yours, send us your serial number and a specialist will confirm it for your model.

Related guides

Did this solve your question?

If not, open a ticket and our team will pick it up from here.

Open a Support Ticket