What is the difference between Ella's Bubbles and Spirit?
Ella’s Bubbles and Spirit both offer walk-in tub options that provide homeowners with a more accessible experience. The most notable difference between the two is that Ella’s Bubbles is a large company whose tubs are available through dealers across the country, while Spirit is a small, locally owned business that exclusively serves the St. Louis area.
Ella’s Bubbles is best for homeowners who want a more luxurious bath and crave a spa-like experience in their walk-in tub. All of Ella’s Bubbles tubs are designed with comfort, accessibility and style in mind. The company is also more widely available.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs is best for St. Louis residents and those in the surrounding area who want a more personalized experience. Since Spirit is a small business, it can give customers more direct focus than many larger companies offer.
Ella’s Bubbles helps to make your walk-in tub a more luxurious space. The company uses acrylic coating rather than gel and includes a 360-degree rotating tray with its tubs. There are more than 25 tub options, with eight models in multiple sizes. Options include two-seater, lay-down, bariatric and hoist-transfer models. Ella’s Bubbles doesn’t provide financing options. Instead, it can direct you on how to apply for coverage from different medical programs.
A glance at a few of Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub models:
Elite: This model is the most popular for the standard size. It has a stainless steel door with frosted tempered glass. Optional features include a full shower kit, several jet and therapy combinations, foot massage, heated seat and backrest, headrest and more.
Lounger: This model is designed to accommodate taller bathers. It has extra legroom and hamstring support. It also has the option of hydro, air and microbubble jets, chromotherapy or a combination. Other optional features include heated seat and backrest, a headrest and more.
Companion: This two-seated tub has center-facing seats and an outward-swinging door. It includes the same optional features as other Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub models.
What Ella's Bubbles customers say
Most reviewers of Ella's Bubbles tubs were happy with the customer service, jets, pricing and the ease of DIY installation. A few negative reviews on ConsumerAffairs expressed problems with installation delivery, draining or the tub's inward-swinging door.
The tub that I got is amazing. The little door opens up and there’s a seat on each side. There are bath bubbles that come up quickly. We can make the water look like cool water, as if we're in a swimming pool, and we can also make it blue, green or red.”
Spirit Walk-In Tubs is a locally owned and operated company that serves St. Louis and the surrounding area. There isn’t much information on its website, so the company encourages you to contact it directly for the best service. Spirit has lots of experience, with over 800 sales and installations under its belt. There’s no mention of financing on Spirit’s website.
Spirit has multiple walk-in tub sizes. Its tubs are either 36 or 40 inches high, with 26-inch, 30-inch and 32-inch width options. Homeowners can choose a soaker tub or other hydrotherapy features; these add-ons include air jets, water jets, heaters and more.
What Spirit customers say
Customers of Spirit Walk-In Tubs consistently have good things to say about their experiences with the company. Reviewers commonly point out how courteous and knowledgeable Spirit representatives were, how easy the whole process was and how satisfied they were with their final product. Many customers also enjoy thoughtful features like the secure locking mechanism and the low step-in.
The workmanship is very, very good. When they came, they didn't take too long and they cleaned up everything that they took apart. When they left, it was ready to be used and we've been using it ever since. I've been more than satisfied so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.”
Bottom line: Ella's Bubbles or Spirit Walk-In Tubs?
Ella’s Bubbles and Spirit Walk-In Tubs both have a history of manufacturing walk-in tubs that customers are pleased with. The companies differ in that Ella’s Bubbles is a large company that’s more luxury-focused. It sells across the country through multiple dealers, while Spirit is a small, locally owned business that serves only certain areas around St. Louis, Missouri. Your choice will depend primarily on location and the features that are most important to you in a walk-in tub.