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Ella’s Bubbles Review: A Solid Walk-In Tub Option With Trade-Offs

Ella's Bubbles is a Chicago maker that sells 25+ acrylic walk-in tub models direct and ships them to you. It does not install them, so you hire and pay your own plumber and electrician.

Ella′s Bubbles A Solid Walk-In Tub Option With Trade-Offs BestGuide rating
3.6/5 BestGuide rating: 3.6 out of 5. Set by our editors from reputation, services, transparency, customer satisfaction and scale. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.

Best for: Buyers who want a specific size or door style and have a trusted plumber and electrician to install it.

On this page13 sections
  1. Ratings and complaints
  2. Ella′s Bubbles vs. competitors
  3. Pricing
  4. Step by step
  5. Ella's Bubbles legitimacy and licensing
  6. How buying from Ella's Bubbles works
  7. Ella's Bubbles cost
  8. Ella walk-in tub models
  9. Warranty, returns and what can go wrong
  10. Who should skip Ella's Bubbles
  11. What customers say
  12. Alternatives
  13. FAQ
Our verdict

Ella's Bubbles suits buyers who want a wide choice of sizes and door styles, including two-seat, lay-down and wheelchair transfer tubs, and who are comfortable hiring their own installer. It is a legitimate manufacturer: in business since 2005, based in Chicago, BBB accredited since 2015 with an A+ rating and only 2 complaints in three years. The tradeoffs: prices are quote only, installation is not included, and the limited lifetime parts warranty depends on who installs the tub. Its website blocked our automated checks on October 12, 2026, so confirm current prices and terms by phone before you pay.

What it is
Manufacturer of Ella brand acrylic walk-in tubs and accessible showers, sold direct and through dealers1
In business
Since 2005; based at 2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL5
Models
28+ walk-in tubs: inward stainless steel door, outward swing, wheelchair transfer, two-seat and lay-down1
Price
Not published; quote by phone (800-480-6850) or online form3
Installation
Not included; you hire licensed contractors or use Ella's installer network3
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty on parts for the original owner at the install address, plus lifetime technical support3
Delivery
Estimated within 14 business days of a paid invoice, by freight in a crate3
BBB
A+, accredited since March 2015; 2 complaints in the last 3 years5

Ella′s Bubbles ratings and complaint records

  • BBB A+ Ella's Bubbles Walk In Tubs, Chicago, IL; accredited since March 1, 2015; 2 complaints in the last 3 years; 179 customer reviews View source
  • Trustpilot 3.7 out of 5 Unclaimed profile with very few reviews; not a meaningful sample View source

Pros

  • More than 28 models, including two-seat, lay-down and wheelchair transfer tubs
  • Manufacturer since 2005 with an A+ BBB rating and few complaints
  • Choosing your own installer can lower the total cost
  • Limited lifetime parts warranty and lifetime technical support
  • Senior and veteran discounts on request

Cons

  • No published prices
  • Installation not included; you manage the contractor
  • Warranty depth depends on who installs the tub
  • Does not work with insurance or the VA directly
  • Shells are made by partner factories in Asia, then assembled and tested in Chicago

Best for: Buyers who want a specific size or door style and have a trusted plumber and electrician to install it.

Skip it if: You want one company to handle measuring, removal, installation and a labor warranty from start to finish.

Ella′s Bubbles vs. competitors

Ella′s Bubbles compared with competitors
CompanyInstalled priceWarrantyWho installs
Ella's Bubbles Tub price by quote; installation extraLimited lifetime on partsYour own contractor or Ella's network
Safe Step $10,000 to $26,000Lifetime, parts and laborSafe Step certified installers
Boca Walk-In Tubs $7,000 to $20,000+Lifetime on all partsBoca's own installers
American Standard Not published; quoteLifetime materials and laborLocal licensed technicians

Ella′s Bubbles pricing at a glance

What Ella's Bubbles charges for, from its FAQ (archived 2026)3

Item How it works
Walk-in tub Quote only; depends on model, size, door and therapy options
Options Hydro jets, air massage, microbubbles, in-line heater, foot massage; aromatherapy listed at $200 (subject to change)
Shipping Freight in an Ella crate; cost quoted with the order
Installation Not charged by Ella; you pay your own contractor
Discounts Senior and military or veteran discounts on request; clearance tubs (open box and returns) sold at a discount
Financing Offered through PayPal and Klarna, per its FAQ

Ella's Bubbles does not publish tub prices or installation estimates. Plumbing, electrical work for jets and heaters, and any bathroom remodeling are separate costs you arrange yourself. Get a written quote that lists the tub, options, freight and delivery terms.

Ella′s Bubbles, step by step

  1. Pick a model

    Browse the online catalog or book a live product video call. Measure doorways and the bathroom first, since some models are 52 inches long and others 60 to 80.

  2. Get a quote and pay

    Call 800-480-6850 or use the quote form. Ask about senior or veteran discounts and financing before you pay the invoice.

  3. Delivery

    The tub ships by freight in a crate, estimated within 14 business days of payment. Inspect it before the driver leaves.

  4. Installation

    A licensed plumber and electrician install it from Ella's manuals, with video help from Ella's tech support. Ella can suggest installers in its network.

  5. Register the warranty

    Record the serial and model number for warranty activation. Coverage is for the original owner at the install address.

Ella's Bubbles legitimacy and licensing

Yes. Ella’s Bubbles is a manufacturer founded in 2005 and based at 2101 S Carpenter St in Chicago. The BBB has accredited it since March 2015 and rates it A+, with 2 complaints in the last three years and 179 customer reviews. Its website says tub shells are made at partner factories in Asia and then assembled, jetted and tested in Chicago.

One caution: the live site blocked our automated checks on October 12, 2026, so the details here come from the BBB and from copies of the site archived in January and July 2026. We found nothing showing the company has closed or stopped selling, but confirm prices and terms by phone before paying.

How buying from Ella's Bubbles works

Ella’s Bubbles is not an in-home sales company. You choose a model from its catalog or on a live video call, get a quote, pay, and the tub ships to you by freight in a wooden crate, estimated within 14 business days of the paid invoice.

Installation is your job. The company says it never charges for installation and recommends licensed, experienced contractors who know local codes. It can point you to installers in its network or through Angi. Its tech support will walk your installer through the job by video. Check the spec sheet and installation manual on each product page before you buy, and have a plumber test your house drain first.

Ella's Bubbles cost

Ella’s Bubbles does not publish prices. It quotes after you pick a style, size and therapy options. Add-ons such as hydro jets, air massage, microbubbles, in-line heaters and foot massage raise the price, and its FAQ lists an aromatherapy kit at $200.

Your real total also includes freight, removal of the old tub, plumbing and electrical work, and any wall or tile repair. Get at least two installer quotes before you order. Ella offers senior and military discounts on request, discounted clearance tubs, and financing through PayPal and Klarna. Medicare generally does not pay for walk-in tubs, and Ella says it does not work with insurers or the VA.

What customers say about Ella′s Bubbles

Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.

Common praise

  • Wide range of sizes and door styles, including two-seat and wheelchair transfer tubs
  • Helpful sales and technical support by phone and video
  • Careful crating and on-time freight delivery
  • Lower total cost than in-home sales companies when buyers use their own installer

Common complaints

  • Seats that feel hard or cold
  • Leaks or problems traced to installation
  • Extra time and cost to find and manage your own contractor

Ella walk-in tub models

  • Stainless steel inward door: Petite, Elite, Royal, Deluxe and Ultimate, 28 to 32 inches wide and 52 to 60 inches long.
  • U-shape outward swing: Capri, Monaco, Lounger, Big4One, ShaK, Front Entry and Mobile.
  • Wheelchair transfer (L-shape outswing): Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60 and an extra-wide model.
  • Two-seat: Companion, Tub4Two, Escape and Big4Two, up to 36 by 80 inches.
  • Lay-down: 30 by 60 and 32 by 72 inch models.

Most models have a 17-inch seat height, fast-fill faucets of 16 or 18 gallons a minute and Ella’s dual drain. Outward swing doors suit people who use a wheelchair or walker; inward doors fit smaller bathrooms.

Warranty, returns and what can go wrong

Ella’s Bubbles offers a limited lifetime warranty on parts for the original customer at the installation address, plus lifetime technical support. It does not cover installation labor, and the company says your choice of installer affects the depth of the warranty. Read the warranty PDF on the product page before ordering.

The complaints we found center on hard or cold seats and leaks tied to installation. To protect yourself: use a licensed plumber and electrician, get the install in writing, inspect the crate on delivery, and keep the serial number for warranty activation. Ask for the return policy in writing, since the site’s terms point to a separate policy we could not open.

Who should skip Ella's Bubbles

If you do not have a contractor you trust, or you want a single company to measure, remove the old tub, install and stand behind the labor, a full-service company such as Safe Step or Boca is simpler, though usually more expensive. If you mainly need help getting in and out of the tub, grab bars, a transfer bench and a handheld shower cost much less. Talk with your doctor or an occupational therapist about which setup is safest for you.

Alternatives to Ella′s Bubbles

  • Safe Step Better if you want one company to sell, install and warranty labor, and you want a published price range. Read review
  • Boca Walk-In Tubs Better if you want a factory-direct price but with the company's own crew doing the installation. Read review
  • Grab bars, a tub transfer bench and a handheld shower Costs far less and may be enough if you can still step over a standard tub wall with support; an occupational therapist can advise.
  • VA HISA grant Eligible veterans can get help paying for bathroom changes through the VA's Home Improvements and Structural Alterations benefit.

Ella′s Bubbles reviews

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Frequently asked questions

Is Ella's Bubbles a good company?

It is a long-running manufacturer, in business since 2005, with an A+ BBB rating, accreditation since 2015 and only 2 complaints in three years. Whether it is right for you depends on whether you can arrange your own installation.

How much does an Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub cost?

Ella's Bubbles does not publish prices; it quotes by phone or online form once you choose a model and options. Installation, freight and any remodeling are extra, so budget for contractor costs too.

Does Ella's Bubbles install walk-in tubs?

No. The company sells and ships the tub, and you hire licensed contractors to install it. It can suggest installers from its network and offers video support for your installer.

Where are Ella walk-in tubs made?

Ella says its tub shells are made at partner factories in Asia, then assembled, jetted and tested in Chicago, Illinois. Each tub is made to order.

What warranty does Ella's Bubbles offer?

A limited lifetime warranty on parts for the original customer living at the installation address, plus lifetime technical support. Labor is not included, and the installer you choose can affect coverage.

How long does delivery take?

Ella estimates delivery within 14 business days from a paid invoice. Tubs ship by freight in a branded crate.

Does Medicare pay for an Ella's Bubbles tub?

Medicare generally does not cover walk-in tubs, and Ella says it does not work with insurers or the VA. Veterans can ask the VA about the HISA home improvement benefit, and some Medicaid waiver programs help with home changes.

Does Ella's Bubbles offer financing?

Its FAQ lists financing through PayPal and Klarna. Read the rate and terms before you sign.

Does Ella's Bubbles have senior or veteran discounts?

Yes. Its FAQ says seniors and military members or veterans can get an additional discount by mentioning it to an agent; proof may be requested.

Is Ella's Bubbles still in business?

We found no sign it has closed: its BBB profile is active and accredited, and its site was live in archived copies from July 2026. The site blocked our automated checks in October 2026, so call 800-480-6850 to confirm details.

Sources (8)

Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards

  1. Ella's Bubbles: Home (archived July 28, 2026; live site blocked automated checks October 12, 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  2. Ella's Bubbles: About (archived January 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  3. Ella's Bubbles: Walk-in tub FAQ (archived January 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  4. Ella's Bubbles: Walk-in tub collection (archived March 2026) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  5. BBB: Ella's Bubbles Walk In Tubs (accessed October 12, 2026)
  6. Trustpilot: Ella's Bubbles (accessed October 12, 2026)
  7. Medicare.gov: Durable medical equipment coverage (accessed October 12, 2026)
  8. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) (accessed October 12, 2026)
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