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 vs. Spirit cost and installation
Ella's Bubbles is very open with its pricing, and you can see the cost of each tub on its website. However, you are responsible for finding and hiring your own person to install the tub.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs is an all-in-one service company that only serves the St. Louis, Missouri area. It gives you a single price that includes both the tub and the complete installation, but you need an in-home visit to get that quote.
 |  | |
| Basic tub starting price | $3,800 | Only available with quote |
| Financing offered | Yes | Yes |
| Discounts offered | Yes | — |
| In-home quotes required | Yes | Yes |
| Labor warranty | Not included | Lifetime |
| Parts warranty | Limited (5-year) | Lifetime |
| Tub warranty | Limited lifetime | Lifetime |
| $3,800 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not included | Limited (5-year) | Limited lifetime |
| Only available with quote | Yes | — | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Ella's Bubbles vs. Spirit types of walk-in tubs
Ella's Bubbles has the largest selection of walk-in tubs in the industry, with over 28 different models. It has multiple options for almost any need, including tubs for wheelchair users, bariatric individuals and several different two-person tubs.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs offers 14 different tub designs that it customizes for each person, including wider models for those who need more space.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | Yes | No |
| Bariatric tub | True | No |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tub | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
Ella's Bubbles vs. Spirit features
Ella's Bubbles is known for its innovative technology, like a fast drain that works with gravity instead of a pump, and a unique independent foot massage feature.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs is all about safety. Its most important feature is a step-in height of just 2.5 inches, which makes it incredibly safe and easy to get into.
| | |
| Step-in height | 3.75 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | No |
| Quick filling | Yes | No |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 14 to 26 | Not specified |
| Number of air jets | 16 to 18 | Not specified |
| Chromotherapy offered | Yes | No |
| Heated seats option | Yes | No |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | No | No |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 3.75 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 14 to 26 | 16 to 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| 2.5 inches | No | No | Yes | Not specified | Not specified | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Ella's Bubbles vs. Spirit installation services
With Ella's Bubbles, no installation services are included; you are fully responsible for hiring your own team to put the tub in.
Spirit Walk-In Tubs is a full-service company. Its price includes a complete installation by its own licensed professionals, who will handle everything from removing your old tub to finishing the job.
| | |
| Bathroom door resizing | No | Yes |
| Old tub removal | No | Yes |
| Wall repair and repaint | No | Yes |
| Electrical wiring | No | Yes |
| Flooring touch-up | No | Yes |
| No | No | No | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ella's Bubbles vs. Spirit reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.4 | Not enough reviews |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.4 | Read reviews |
| Not enough reviews | Read reviews |
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.”
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.
