The intensity control dial is the chrome dial on the deck of every Ella hydro massage tub that lets you make the water jets stronger or gentler. You may also hear it called the jet intensity dial, the hydro intensity control or simply the air control. That last name fits best, because the dial works by adding or removing air in the jet stream rather than by changing anything electrical. It is an air control on a hose, not a switch, and it never changes the speed of the pump.

How It Works

The hydro pump moves water through the jets at a steady rate. The dial sits on an air line that feeds into that water stream. Turning the dial up opens the air path and introduces more air, so each jet delivers a livelier, stronger flow. Turning it down closes the air path for a softer massage, and turning it all the way down leaves the jets barely perceptible while the pump keeps running. Our guide to adjusting jet pressure and the intensity dial walks through the settings, and hydro massage vs air massage controls explains how the dial fits alongside the air massage buttons.

Which Ella Models Have It

Every Ella tub with a hydro massage system has an intensity control dial on the deck, whether the tub uses push controls or the digital touchpad. Tubs configured with independent foot massage, where a second pump feeds the foot and calf jets, carry a second dial so the seat jets and the foot jets can be set separately. The Ella Ultimate includes independent foot massage as standard, and the Ella Capri offers it as an option, so both can be set up with two dials.

What to Know as an Owner

The dial needs very little care. Wipe it with the same mild, non-abrasive cleaner you use on the deck and keep abrasive pads away from the chrome. A dial that feels stiff is usually bound by excess silicone around its base, and clearing that silicone frees it. If the pump runs but the dial changes nothing, the cause is almost never electrical. Check that the air hose is still connected at the pump, since a hose that has slipped off leaves the dial with nothing to control. Before you open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850, have your model name, your order details from where you purchased, and a note on whether the pump is running and what the dial does or does not change. You may also find push controls vs the digital touchpad and common operating questions useful.

Common Questions