The shipping crate is the wooden crate or reinforced corrugated container that protects a fully assembled Ella walk-in tub in transit. It rides on a custom skid with support layers under every tub foot and is designed to take the scuffs of shipping so the tub inside does not. Keep the crate and all packaging until installation is complete.

How It Works

Depending on the model, the tub is packed in a multi-piece corrugated box roughly 3/4 to 1 inch thick or in a half-inch plywood crate cut and assembled around that tub. The skids underneath are wrapped in plywood to resist forklift damage, and layered supports sit under each foot so the frame carries the tub's weight during handling. Light scuffs and scrapes on the outside of the container are normal and expected; the container is meant to absorb that damage.

Inside, the tub ships as one assembled unit. Small parts such as drains, handles, hardware and accessories are individually wrapped and boxed and placed inside the tub or under the frame, and the paperwork is attached to the tub itself. What is in the crate lists the loose parts, panels, supply lines, drain caps and documents to account for before your installer starts.

Which Ella Models Have It

Every Ella walk-in tub ships crated, and the shipping size and shipping weight for each model are printed on its spec sheet. One model-specific note: the crate cover on the Standard and Zen takes two people to remove. Shipping sizes and delivery preparation are covered in How your walk-in tub ships and how to prepare for delivery day.

What to Know as an Owner

On delivery day, inspect the crate before the driver leaves. Look at every side and the skid, photograph anything beyond light scuffing, and note it on the shipper's delivery document before you sign; a claim needs that written record and the driver's signature. Then open the container and inspect the tub for concealed damage, visually and operationally. Freight damage must be reported within 48 hours of receipt, so do those checks promptly. Your walk-in tub has arrived walks through the inspection step by step, and Delivery day: inspecting, moving and preparing your tub covers moving it safely once uncrated.

Keep the crate, the skid and every piece of packaging until the tub is installed and tested; returns are accepted only in original packaging. When lifting the tub out, remove the apron, access panels and end panels first and lift only by the frame.

If you need to report damage, have your order details, the serial number, photos of the crate and the tub, and the signed delivery document ready, then contact the team at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850 right away so the report lands inside the 48 hour window.

Common Questions