Independent foot massage is a therapy option on Ella walk-in tubs that gives the foot and calf jets their own dedicated hydro pump and their own intensity dial. Because the foot jets no longer depend on the seat jets, you can fill only the footwell and enjoy a foot spa without filling the whole tub. Ella also calls it the Hydro Foot package, and the full story is in Independent Foot Massage: A Foot Spa Without Filling the Whole Tub.

How It Works

A tub built with this option has two separate hydro pumps, one for the seat jets and one for the foot jets, each with its own push button and its own intensity dial. There is no diverter valve robbing power from one side to feed the other, so each system gets full flow. On these configurations the in-line heater is attached to the foot massage pump, so it helps hold the water temperature while the foot jets run.

For a foot-only session, close the door and the drains, fill the footwell to just below the seat and just above the calf jets so every foot and calf jet is covered, then press the foot button and set the strength with the foot dial. For a full massage, fill the tub 1 to 2 inches above the highest seat jet and run both pumps. Our water level guide shows both marks.

Which Ella Models Have It

Per the current Air + Hydro + Independent Foot Massage schematic, the option is available on the Royal, Monaco, Elite, Capri, Shak, Transfer60, Transfer32 and TransferXXL, and it is standard on the Ultimate. Triple packages that combine air, hydro and independent foot massage require two dedicated GFCI 120V 20A outlets. Therapy combinations by model lists every pairing.

What to Know as an Owner

The second pump, its jets and its dial are built in at the factory, so independent foot massage cannot be added later; decide with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 before the order is placed. Never start either pump until its jets are under water, because a pump run dry is permanently damaged and not covered by warranty. Keep the monthly vinegar flush going for both circuits. The in-line heater article explains why the water stays warm but is never heated from cold.

Because the seat and foot systems are independent, one can run while the other does not. If that happens, note which button, pump and dial are affected before you open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, along with your model and serial number and therapy package. Owners of two-seat tubs can compare symptoms in two-seat tub: one side not working.

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