If you’re lucky enough to have a jetted tub, it’s no doubt one of your favorite places in your home to spend time. Enjoying the therapeutic sensation of multiple jets of water pulsating against your skin is the ultimate indulgence. But can you use Epsom salts in a jetted bathtub?
You can use pure Epsom salts in a plain-water jetted bathtub but be sure they don’t contain carrier oils. In jetted tubs that have chemicals in the water, only use specially formulated Epsom salt products. Using regular Epsom salts in jetted tubs with chemicals in the water can corrode pipes, alter the water chemistry, and irritate skin.
Before you add anything to a jetted tub, always check the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
Know Your Jetted Tub Type
Whatever you call your fabulous jetted oasis of relaxation, the most important thing is that you know what type of jetted tub you’ve got.
Water Jets vs. Air Jets
The massaging sensation that you receive from the powerful jets may be from streams of water or air. Tubs that shoot out water from jets are called Jacuzzis, spas, or hot tubs. Air tubs, on the other hand, have jets that shoot out air.
While a tub with water jets provides a targeted, vigorous massage, a tub with air jets gives an all-over fizzing sensation.
And some tubs, called “combo tubs” have both air and water jets.
Plain Water vs Chemicals in Water
The other thing that is important when checking out safe bath additives for your jetted bath is to consider the type of water used by the unit. Generally, the indoor style of jetted bathtubs use regular tap water.
But many jetted baths, especially the outside types, require you to regulate the water with chemicals like chlorine. (If you do have one of these tubs, make sure you know the 6 Must-Have Chemicals for Your Hot Tub.)
Can You Use Epsom Salts in Chlorinated Water?
You should generally NOT mix the chemicals in water with additives like Epsom salts. The reason is the salts can alter the water chemistry and cause a burning sensation on the skin. Also, the salts can corrode the system.
However, you CAN use Epsom salts that are specially formulated for this sort of jetted tubs. These products won’t alter the water chemistry and won’t contain carrier oils that can clog the jets.
An example of a safe spa product is these all natural Epsom salts from Relax. The salts come in varieties like Comforting Warm French Vanilla or Stimulating Eucalyptus Mint and are specifically designed not to alter the PH or water chemistry in a hot tub or Jacuzzi with chemicals in the water.
Can You Use Epsom Salts in Jetted Bathtubs with Plain Water?
Epsom salts can be an almost magical substance that can be used safely in a plain-water jetted bathtub. If it is used correctly, and if you routinely flush the plumbing, it shouldn’t damage your bathtub’s mechanism.
That does not mean you should put any amount of Epsom salts into your Jacuzzi bathtub. If you use a lot or use it every time you bathe without cleaning the system, it may form a residue that can harden inside the jet system.
However, the substance will dissolve readily in plain water and shouldn’t cause any blockages in the system’s function. But beware. Many Epsom salts are infused with fragrances and oils that will damage the plumbing.
Routinely Flush the System
For this reason, we recommend using only either pure Epsom salts or products formulated only for a jetted bathtub.
And it’s a good idea to run a tub of clean water every couple of weeks if you use a lot of Epsom salts.
While it is a safe compound that you can use in your bath regularly, it is recommended to run a jetted tub without any additives routinely. This will dissolve any build-up of material inside the pipes.
For details on how to clean a jetted, plain-water bathtub read How to Keep a Jetted Tub Clean.
Why Is Epsom Salt a Good Jetted Bathtub Additive?
Even though it has the word ‘salt,’ Epsom salts are nothing like regular table salt. It is a common term for a compound called magnesium sulfate. This substance is commonly used in bath salts and skin exfoliants.
When you dissolve Epsom salts in water, the compound breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. These elements can, in a tub of warm water, create an environment for healing. Anecdotal evidence supports that Epsom salts are helpful for easing the following conditions:
- Bruises
- Stiff joints
- Fibromyalgia
- Insomnia
- Arthritis
- Sunburn
- Psoriasis
Do Epsom Salts Expire?
If you have an old box of pure Epsom salts in the cupboard that has been there for years, the good news is that you can still use it.
Epsom salt is a natural compound that does not have an expiration date. You may find that over time an old box of Epsom salts becomes clumpy or hard. But in its pure form without added fragrances or oils, the product is still safe to use.
However, if other ingredients have been mixed with Epsom salts to create a bath salt formulation, it will likely expire. On store-bought products, check the expiration date. Homemade products should usually be used within a few months.
Read Do Bath Salts Expire? to find out how long you can expect essential oils, carrier oils and other common bath product ingredients to last.
4 Things You Shouldn’t Put in Any Type of Jetted Tub
Knowing what is safe to use in a jetted tub–whether it uses plain or chemically altered water—can be the difference between a regular relaxing jetted bath experience and an avoidable bill.
There are fourthings that you must never put into any kind of jetted tub. These include:
1. Carrier Oils
These include substances like almond oil, castor oil, and lanolin oil that are often mixed with essential oils to aid in dispersing essential oils in water.
The problem is that they leave an oily residue that will film up the inside of your pipes. You may not notice the clogging effect immediately, but the film of carrier oils will get thicker with repeated uses.
The flow of water will be impacted, and it may reduce the effectiveness of the jets of water, or the pipes may eventually become completely blocked.
2. Rose Petals (or Other Large Bits)
Avoid anything that can get into the motor or block the filters of your jetted tub. While things like rose petals, citrus peels, mint, or rosemary are excellent additions to still baths, try not to use anything that won’t dissolve completely.
3. Bubble Bath
Bubble bath adds another dimension when added to a regular bath. However, the movement of water in a jetted bath might whip up a sudsy bath frenzy that won’t be enjoyable – especially when you have to clean up later.
Bubble bath can get into your system and leave a residue that is difficult to get rid of. While it may seem like a good idea to add a drop of bubble bath when you are cleaning your Jacuzzi, don’t do it!
4. Colorants
Creating your own mixture of bath salts using Epsom salts can be fun. However, don’t add colorants to your Epsom salts or any other DIY bath products you want to use in your jetted tub.
The reason is that they can stain.
Always keep in mind that jetted tubs have more nooks and crannies than regular bathtubs. The last thing you want to end up doing is scrubbing around each jet nozzle with an old toothbrush because you used a colorant that’s tricky to remove.
Can You Use Bath Bombs in a Jacuzzi?
Bath bombs are lovely. But as exciting as it is to pop a bath bomb into the water and watch as it fizzles away, always check that its ingredients are safe to use in a jetted tub.
Some bath bombs have added surprises that can be delightful in an ordinary still tub but will wreak havoc in the motor of a jetted tub.
There is a lovely range of moisturizing bath bombs from InSPAration, created with Epsom Salt and enriched with Vitamins and Aloe Vera. This product is entirely safe for use in jetted tubs and will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
How Will You Add Epsom Salts to Your Jetted Tub?
Using pure Epsom salts (without any added oils or fragrances) in a plain-water jetted bathtub can enhance the soothing effect of the water massage by adding additional healing properties.
It is a safe, natural compound that will not damage your jetted tub’s pipes, as long as you routinely flush the tub. You can use it confidently each time you relax and enjoy a luxurious bathtime spa experience.
That said, if you want to use Epsom salts in a jetted tub that has chemicals in the water, then you need a special spa formulation. Otherwise, you can alter the tub chemistry, irritate your skin and damage the pipes and motor.
Tags: carrier oils, epsom salt, hot tub, jacuzzi, jets, jetted tub, spa