What Are the Acrylic Shell and Stainless Steel Frame on a Walk-In Tub?

The acrylic shell and stainless steel frame are the construction of every current Ella walk-in tub: a vacuum-formed acrylic and ABS shell reinforced with gel-coated fiberglass, bonded to a rust-proof stainless steel frame with adjustable leveling legs. The acrylic gives a gloss white, non-porous bathing surface that resists mold, mildew and staining, and the stainless frame carries the pumps and plumbing and spreads the weight of tub, water and bather to the floor.

How It Works

A solid acrylic/ABS sheet is heated and vacuum-formed over the mold into one seamless surface. Gel-coated fiberglass is applied to the back for strength, the shell is set on the stainless frame, and further fiberglass layers bond shell and frame into a single structure. The team describes the acrylic as roughly 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick with the fiberglass backing behind it. Because the white runs through the sheet rather than sitting on top, it resists fading far better than a sprayed gel coat finish, and the non-porous surface wipes clean. Threaded leveling feet let the installer level the tub on an imperfect floor, and larger tubs add center legs so the frame cannot twist while the pumps run. The full story is in acrylic construction and frame.

Which Ella Models Have It

Every current Ella walk-in tub, from the Petite to the two-seat models and the LayDown line, uses the acrylic shell on a stainless steel frame. Every tub is white; the warranty page notes that the white acrylic tone may vary slightly, and an off-white unit occasionally appears on clearance. Hardware is chrome, with faucet finish upgrades covered in tub colors and hardware finishes.

What to Know as an Owner

There is no set bather weight limit. The frame transfers load to the floor across every leveling leg, so fit comes down to seat width and soaking depth rather than a weight rating; the wide-seat models are listed in weight limits and bariatric options. Lift the tub only by the frame, never by plumbing or panels, since air jets on the underside break off if the tub is set down on them. For care, use approved non-abrasive cleaners, avoid bleach and bath bombs, and bring back dull spots or light scratches with a fine-grade automotive polishing compound; never use abrasives. The method is in acrylic surface care and touch-up, and discoloration is covered in tub looks pink, yellow or stained. Grab bars must go in with the large metal washer under the shell, since omitting it can crack the acrylic. For a ticket about the surface or frame, have your serial number, close-up photos in good light and a note of what cleaners were used ready.

Related Guides

• Where Are Ella Walk-In Tubs Made, and What Is the Country of Origin for Customs?
• What Are the Shell, Frame, Door and Towel Bar of an Ella Walk-In Tub Made Of?
• Gelcoat vs Acrylic Walk-In Tub: Which Material Holds Up Better?

Related Videos

Watch: Walk-In Tub With Rustproof Frame for Extended Lifespan u2013 Voted Best/Safest 2020 with chapters and a full transcript.

Common Questions

For anything specific to your model or serial number, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850.