Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tubs: All 20 Models Compared

One of the most important rooms to consider modifying when outfitting a home for an older adult is the bathroom. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) calls the bathroom “the most dangerous room in the house.” This is in large part due to slippery surfaces that lead to falls around the toilet and tub and shower. There are ways to make a bathroom safer—including the addition of grab bars, non-slip mats or tape, benches, and walk-in tubs. Walk-in tubs, like those made by Ella’s Bubbles, are the priciest and most involved of these options, but they are often the most beneficial and appreciated.

A walk-in tub eliminates the need to step over a high, often wet and slippery threshold. It also generally includes multiple secure places to hold on while maneuvering in and out. When it comes to maintaining independence and enjoying life, a walk-in tub may be just the addition that you’re looking for in your bathroom remodel—and Ella’s Bubbles is a highly recommended brand.

About Ella’s Bubbles

Ellla’s Bubbles is a Chicago-based manufacturer of walk-in tubs and accessories. With over 20 fully customizable models, the selections and combinations are practically endless. There are five types of walk-in tubs in their line-up: Inward-Swinging Stainless Steel Door, U-Shape Outward-Swinging Door, Two-Seat Tubs, L-Shape Outward-Swinging Door Transfer Tubs, and Lay-Down Tubs. Note: Ella’s Bubbles is discontinuing its S-shaped door line as well as its Deluxe model.

Ella’s Bubbles is one of the few walk-in tub companies that lets you use your own installer, which may save money in the long run. Choosing your own installer allows you to gather multiple estimates and select the installer that makes you feel the most comfortable. Companies who include installation with the tub purchase tend to charge very high install prices. Ella’s Bubbles tubs may be purchased from home stores like Home Depot or Lowes or directly from Ella’s Bubbles.

With prices ranging from $2,521 for the smallest soaker tub to $12,000 and up for the largest jetted tubs, they are in the mid-range for cost when compared to other walk-in tub companies. On the lower end, it’s possible to find basic, soaker walk-in tubs for just under $1,000. You can also spend upwards of $20,000 on the tub alone (without installation) with some of the more expensive manufacturers.

The following features make Ella’s Bubbles stand out from the competition:

• Array of types, sizes, and features
• Stong, long-lasting acrylic shell with stainless steel frame
• Easy to care for with auto-cleaning features like Ozone Sterilization for all hydrotherapy jetted tubs and Auto Purge for all air jetted tubs
• Proprietary dual-drain technology for fast, gravity-fed draining
• Independent foot massage option
• Microbubble therapy option
• 360-degree swivel tray for holding objects like phones, beverages, and books
• In-line water heater on all hydrotherapy jetted tubs
• Designed, assembled, and tested in the U.S.
• Shop directly from their website

Pros and Cons of Ella’s Bubbles’ Walk-In Tubs

Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tub Models

If there’s one drawback to Ella’s Bubbles’ walk-in tubs, it’s that there’s a bewildering assortment of models and packages from which to choose. On the one hand, that kind of variety is great—it lets consumers choose the tubs and features they truly value. On the other hand, however, with over 20 named models on the market, and with some models offering up to eight different therapeutic packages, shopping for an Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub over the internet can be a frustrating experience.

Ella’s Bubbles Features and Accessories

One thing that makes Ella’s Bubbles such a desirable brand is their long list of available features and accessories. After choosing a model, you may customize your tub to your exact specifications with the addition of those features most important to you.

Stainless Steel Frame

Where many competitors use regular steel frames underneath fiberglass or acrylic tub bodies, Ella’s Bubbles uses stainless steel. By using a stainless steel frame, Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs are less likely to have internal rust and corrosion, maintaining their structural integrity longer than other brands.

Dual-Drain Technology

To speed up the water draining process, most Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tubs have two drains instead of one. This dual-drain technology empties the tub in roughly 80 seconds, allowing the bather to exit the tub sooner. Some competitors quote drain times of two or three minutes and more. By eliminating the waiting period between bathing and exiting the tub you are less likely to get cold waiting and less likely to exit before the tub is completely drained. Staying warm between bathing and exiting the tub maximizes the bath’s benefits for your circulation, joints, skin, and relaxation.

Slip-Resistant Surface

Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tubs all come standard with slip-resistant texturing at the bottom of the tub. As opposed to adhesive grips or mats, the body of the tub itself is textured to provide maximum foot grip while standing or transferring in or out of the tub.

Therapeutic Hydro Massage

The most powerful massage feature in any tub is hydrotherapy, which pumps water through jets into the bath to work the legs, back, shoulders, and other areas likely to experience tension or chronic pain. Hydro jets provide a more intense massage than air jets, and Ella’s Bubbles tubs have an intensity dial to increase or decrease hydro jet pressure. Hydro jets deliver an intense massage, but by applying this pressure underwater the user also benefits from reduced gravitational stress on bones, muscles, and joints.

Consumers who choose this option also get chromatherapy, where multicolored lights provide a soothing display in the water. In addition, people who choose this feature also enjoy Ella’s Bubbles’ ozone sterilization system, which helps remove microbes from the water for the cleanest possible bath, and an in-line water heater to keep the tub warm for longer baths. Hydrotherapy costs about $800–$1,000 extra, depending on the model. An aromatherapy tray can be added to any hydromassage-equipped tub for an additional $200.

Air Massage

Unlike hydrotherapy which distributes water through the jets, air massage refers to the distribution of air though jets. Depending on the model and the tub size, the air jets that provide a gentle massage can number in the dozens. Air massage comes with a three-speed push control and auto-purge to reduce maintenance and keep the lines clean and clear of water and mildew.

Independent Foot Massage

Some models offer an independent hydrotherapy foot massage option which allows the user to partially fill the tub and enjoy hydrotherapy for their lower legs and feet. By combining two independently operating pumps and strategically placed jets at the bottom of the tub, you can stay dry and clothed while enjoying the relaxation and stress relief benefits of a foot soak and hydrotherapy massage. The jets in this independent system can be adjusted from low- to high-intensity to give your feet their ideal and most comfortable jet pressure.

Infusion Microbubble Therapy

Ella’s Bubbles gets its name from this system that infuses the water with millions of microscopic bubbles, creating a unique sensation of buoyancy and a soothing and gentle massage effect, while also providing a cleansing effect for the pores and skin. Infusion MicroBubbles are oxygen-rich, infusing the bath water with up to 80% more oxygen than untreated tap water. In a test sponsored by Ella’s Bubbles’ partner NuWhirl, 100% of participants had improved skin hydration after just 10 minutes in MicroBubble infused water. Most participants also saw significant improvements in the softness and texture of their skin. Besides these skin benefits, the NuWhirl study also claims that this technology promotes relaxation and transition to sleep, increases circulation, neutralizes free radicals, exfoliates and moisturizes skin, and even helps to keep your body warmer both during and after bathing.

Controls

Most models can come with push-button controls or have an additional digital LED control pad. Users who have opted for the hydrotherapy or air massage (or both) in their tub can choose to have it include an LED control system rather than the standard push-button controls.

Faucets and Thermostatic Control Valves

Ella’s Bubbles offers two- and five-piece, deck-mounted, chrome, fast-fill faucet sets on most models of tubs. The five-piece faucet includes a hand-held sprayer and can include a thermostatic control valve that prevents potential scalding by limiting the temperature of the water coming into the tub. Note that a thermostatic control valve will slow down the fill rate of the faucet.

Two-piece faucets come in chrome or brushed nickel and five-piece faucets come in chrome or may be upgraded to a Huntington Brass brand faucet in satin nickel or antique brass. It’s important to note, though, that the jets will always be encased in chrome, so if you don’t want mixed metals in your design you only have the option of chrome faucets.

Shower Column Kit

If you want to add shower capability to your walk-in tub, the shower column kit is a great option and eliminates the need for a wall-mounted shower head. The kit comes with everything you need to connect the shower column to the existing two-piece or five-piece deck-mounted faucet on your Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub. With a rain shower head that extends up to 7 feet high and a five-mode hand shower, this kit expands your walk-in tub’s functionality to a walk-in tub shower combo.

Tempered Glass Shower Screen

This foldable glass shower screen helps contain any splashes from bathing or showering, while also adding an element of privacy to your walk-in tub or tub-shower combo. It’s made of four glass panels and built with durable hinges and an aluminum frame to withstand frequent opening and closing, and it can be mounted to fit any Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub depending on your walls and surrounding space.

Heated Seats

All Ella’s Bubbles tubs can come equipped with heated seat and back surfaces. Many people consider this crucial because it will help keep you warm while waiting for the tub to fill and drain.

Seat Pillow and Riser

Ella’s Bubbles’ seat pillow and riser (with bidet cutout option) adds cushioning and a bit of height to your tub seat. Great for extended baths, added pressure protection for delicate skin, and an overall comfort boost, the waterproof and washable seat pillow attaches securely with suction cups and removes easily.

Headrest and Neck Support

A 5-inch-thick, removable neck-support pillow can be added to any tub. It can be attached directly to the wall or with an L-shaped bracket to the deck with suction cups. It is made with waterproof, mildew-inhibiting polyester.

Patented 360-Degree Swivel Tray

This tray is the perfect addition for anyone who likes to multitask in the tub. Whether you’re bathing with a book or a beverage, the tray provides a stable surface that can swivel 360 degrees to easily move into reach or out of the way. The tray is standard on all Inward-Swinging Stainless Steel Door models.

Cost of Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tubs

Many walk-in tub manufacturers prefer to give interested buyers individualized estimates of how much it will cost to buy and install one of their units. But since Ella’s Bubbles tubs are widely available from online retailers, as well as directly from their website, it’s easier to get a handle on the price of a particular Ella’s Bubbles model. All the same, different retailers can sometimes offer different prices on the same model, and the cost of installation (and shipping, if you’re buying online) is always a wildcard. Even if you’re still in the window-shopping phase, however, you’re probably hoping to get some idea of the cost of the unit you’re most interested in. A call to Ella’s Bubbles or a look at their website will give you straightforward pricing information for all models.

With 21 models and so many available features and accessories, pricing can vary greatly. While the price depends on configuration and specific model, here is a breakdown of the pricing by model:

• Steel Inward-Swinging Door: $3,088–to $8,123
• U-Shape Outward-Swinging Door: $3,870–$10,063
• Two-Seat: $8,302–$12,206
• L-Shape Outward-Swinging Door Transfer: $4,673–$8,353
• Lay-Down Walk-In Tub Stainless: $2,521–$4,950. 

Any optional features and accessories will add to the final price.

Most models can be customized with the features and accessories most important to you. Here is a breakdown of the pricing for Ella’s Bubbles features and accessories:

Ella’s Bubbles Warranty

Ella’s Bubbles’ warranty on their walk-in tubs is comparable to competitors. They offer a lifetime limited warranty which includes the frame, shell, door, door seal, and finish. The limited warranty also covers supporting equipment such as motors, pumps, and electronic components. The warranty is only valid for the original purchaser, and the tub or parts must not have been moved from their originally installed location. As with most warranties, the Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub warranty only applies under normal use and conditions, and only with the original purchaser.

If you’re having a problem with your Ella’s Bubbles tub and need replacement parts that are covered under warranty, the replacement parts will be shipped to you. The warranty states that Ella’s Bubbles is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by replacing defective parts. This means that they’ll ship you what needs to be replaced, but you will have to pay for labor if you hire someone to install it.

Unique to this company, Ella’s Bubbles also offers lifetime technical support by phone, email, video chat, Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, or WeChat.

Ella’s Bubbles Customer Reviews

Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs have a solid track record of satisfying consumers looking for more accessible bathing. It’s difficult to find complaints online. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives them an A+ rating and 5/5 stars for customer satisfaction. They reported only one complaint in the last three years that has since been resolved. Consumers overall seemed happy with their tub’s construction, quality, and features, with many specifically mentioning the ways that their tub helped them address problems like injuries or arthritis.

Ella’s Bubbles tubs also seemed to have a fairly trouble-free installation. There were very few complaints about the process, and quite a few consumers offered specific praise for the contractors and the ease with which their tubs became a fixture in their bathrooms.

Customers also seem thrilled with Ella’s Bubbles’ customer service. They have plenty of enthusiastic reviews across a number of websites, regularly mentioning outstanding customer support.

We can confirm, after multiple calls to Ella’s Bubbles, that someone helpful always answers the phone and earnestly addresses all of our questions. Their website also has a handy online chat feature if you would prefer not to speak with someone by phone.

Why Trust Us?

The tub reviews that we list follow an extensive examination of manufacturers, stated specifications, and reviews. Our reviewers are people who work to ensure claims made by tub and shower manufacturers are ones that are backed up by performance and results.

Our ratings consider factors we list in the review: comfort, manufacturer guarantee, installation, cost.

During our research process, we:

• Consulted with medical and tub sources
• Surveyed different models of tubs and showers
• Spent hours researching walk-in tubs and showers
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews

Many products and services featured on AgingInPlace.org will play a crucial role in your daily life. As these products should help enhance aging at home, we work to uncover as much as possible about the products and services we review. We also consult audiologists, geriatricians, professional adult caregivers, and other experts in the field to ensure we’re providing the most accurate, helpful information.

See a full explanation of our research methodology.