Now If Youre Wanting Your Hot Tub Water To Be Silky Smooth And Better Smelling That Is Totally Possible
In a recent article, I get into all the possible reasons your hot tub water might not be spa-like and gotten cloudy and smelly. I even get into some of the products you can add to your hot tub water to enhance the relaxation similarly to Epsom salts.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
In case you missed it, a new blog is out! . Know the benefits of epsom salt.
Dr. Kelenne Tuitt
Will Epsom Salt Damage Jacuzzi Tub Jets
In short, no. Epsom salt is often used in Jacuzzis and hot tubs to increase the magnesium levels in the water, which can be beneficial for the skin. However, its important to remember that too much Epsom salt can actually be damaging to the Jacuzzi jets.
Its important to follow the directions on the package and only use the recommended amount.
Epsom Salt Increases The Total Dissolved Solids
Epsom salt is commonly used in regular bathtubs. When being used in the bathtub, the standard recommendation is adding about 2 cups of Epsom salt to enjoy the full therapeutic effects.
On average, bathtubs hold approximately 80 gallons of water. Standard hot tubs, on the other hand, hold between 400 and 500 gallons of water. To reach the same concentration in the hot tub, you will need to add 10 to 12 cups of Epsom salt this is a lot of solids.
Bathtubs are extremely easy to drain and are usually drained regularly. Unfortunately, hot tubs are usually not drained as easily or as often as the bathtubs.
To prevent scale buildup in the hot tub surfaces and equipment, hot tub manufacturers recommend draining a hot tub when the level of the Total Dissolved Solids reaches 1,500 ppm. Failing to do so can easily void your warranty.
Using Epsom salt in a hot tub by adding 10 to 12 cups can quickly raise the Total Dissolved Solids, reaching far past the recommended maximum threshold of 1,500 ppm. Although the hot tub heaters usually sustain the most damage from the scale buildup, jets, pool pumps, tub surfaces, and water lines can also accumulate scale if you fail to maintain an ideal water balance.
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Can Epsom Salt Be Used In A Hot Tub
No, you cannot use Epsom salt in a hot tub! In addition to corroding your hot tubs plumbing, Epsom salts can also cause flash burns when you add them to brominated or chlorinated water present in a hot tub.
Epsom salt and hot tubs are popular for their easing of pain for both joints and muscles. For this reason, many people resort to using Epsom salt in their hot tubs.
Nonetheless, using this compound isnt recommended in a hot tub. In this primer, we shall learn why using Epsom salt in a hot tub isnt recommended. We shall also look at a scenario when using Epsom salt in a hot tub is safe.
Can You Put Epsom Salt In A Hot Tub
This content was previously featured on the Hot Tub Works website. Leslie’s is proud to partner with Hot Tub Works to bring you this helpful content on lesliespool.com.
Hot tubs and Epsom salts are synonymous with relaxation and pain relief for sore joints and muscles. Wouldnt it be great if you could combine the two? Of course! In fact, many people use pure Epsom salts in their bathtubs at home. But can you put Epsom salt in a hot tub? In most cases, the answer is NO. Heres why.
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The Truth About Salt Water Hot Tubs
6 truths & Myths about Salt Water Hot Tubs! Hot Spring& Caldera are currently the only hot tubs in the industry capable of converting to a salt water hot tub. These two manufacturers have successfully innovated the Freshwater Salt System to operate seamlessly with most of their hot tub models for over 10 years now.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About It
Some hot tub users worry that adding Epsom salt to their tub will cause it to lose its sanitizing properties. While its true that many tub sanitizers use salts and chemicals, your water will remain safe for bathing even after you add Epsom salt. When added to hot water, it simply dissolves into magnesium and sulfate ions, both of which are already found naturally in your water supply.
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Why Use It In A Hot Tub
The main draw of Epsom salt in a hot tub is its soothing qualities. When you have sore muscles from working out or sore from sitting at your desk all day, theres nothing quite as relaxing as adding some Epsom salt to your soak. It will penetrate deeply into your pores and help to alleviate any tightness that may be lingering. The high magnesium content also helps to relax you while being naturally detoxifying. In fact, it helps with so many things that we could devote an entire post just to exploring Epsom salts benefits alone!
Is Epsom Salt Safe For A Hot Tub
Epsom salts are an alkaline compound known as magnesium sulphate and are mildly acidic. Adding Epsom salt to your hot tub can quickly disrupt the alkalinity and pH balance of the water. Unbalanced water means your tub may no longer be sanitary which puts you at risk for skin infections and the salt could also cause a chemical burn reaction which would also irritate your skin. Salt also causes corrosion of your equipment which damages metal parts, plastic pieces, seals, gaskets, etc.
When using a regular bathtub which holds around 80 gallons of water, the standard recommendation is to add 2 cups of Epsom salt for full therapeutic effects. The average hot tub holds 400-500 gallons so to reach the same concentration level would require 10-12 cups of salt. Bathtubs also drain quickly so those solids dont build up but hot tubs arent meant to be drained after each use.
To avoid scale buildup manufacturers recommend draining and refilling a hot tub when the level of total dissolved solids reaches 1500+ ppm. Failure to do so could void your warranty. Adding 10-12 cups of Epsom salt to your tub would quickly raise the TDS reading past the 1500 ppm maximum threshold. Heaters sustain the most damage from scale buildup, but water lines, jets, pool pumps and tub surfaces can also accumulate if proper water balance isnt maintained.
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How Epsom Salt Can Ruin Your Hot Tub
The truth is that Epsom salt which is magnesium sulfate is an alkaline compound. This means that it has acidic properties that will swiftly disrupt the pH balance and alkalinity of the water in the hot tub. With this reaction, the hot tub will have unbalanced water in it. This will lead to so many issues which include damages to your hot tub equipment like the seals, gaskets, metal parts, and plastic pieces. Another problem will be reduced sanitizer performance since the pH level of the hot tub isnt stable.
Do You Have To Rinse Off After An Epsom Salt Bath
Well, if you decide to take an Epsom salt bath when you are out of the hot tub, dont rinse it off to make the solution more effective.. You just dry off yourself with a towel and go to bed. But this is not advisable for those with circulatory problems, high blood pressure, heart, or kidney condition.
The side effects of Epsom salts baths
The side effects of Epsom bath include:
- Allergic reactions like rash and hives
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How Long Can You Leave Water In A Jacuzzi
You can actually leave water in a Jacuzzi for quite a while. Weve done it for weeks at a time without any issues. The key is to make sure that you properly care for the water. This means shocking it on a regular basis and making sure that the pH levels are where they need to be.
If you do that, you can easily leave the water in your Jacuzzi for extended periods of time without any issues.
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:
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How Do They Work
In water, they break down into magnesium and sulfate. The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salts bath, these get into your body through your skin. That hasn’t been proven, but just soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and loosen stiff joints.
People use Epsom salts baths as a home treatment for:
- Arthritis pain and swelling
While there are plenty of folk remedy claims, there aren’t a lot of studies to back them up. Taking this type of bath probably won’t hurt you, but if you have health concerns, check with your doctor first.
How Much Should I Use
The general recommendation for dissolving Epsom salts into your hot tub water is 1 lb. per 10 gallons of water. This can be adjusted based on personal preference. The higher you go with a concentration of salt, though, the more likely you are to experience scaling and other issues caused by high mineral content.
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How Do You Ruin A Hot Tub
If you want to ruin a hot tub, there are a few things you can do. For one, you can forget to properly maintain the water, which can lead to dirty, cloudy water that is full of bacteria. Additionally, you can neglect to clean the filters, which can cause the pump to overheat and break down.
Finally, if you dont properly winterize the hot tub, the pipes can freeze and burst.
Finding Bath Salts For Your Hot Tub
What can be more relaxing than a hot tub? A fragranced hot tub, maybe? Exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin with Epsom salt? That sounds divine. However, we have some bad news for you. Dont dash to your laptop to order bath salts, because you must not use them in a hot tub.
Here is what you need to know about the dangers of using bath salts and essential oils in a hot tub:
Magnesium and Chlorine Dont Mix
Epsom salt contains magnesium and hot tub water is treated with chlorine. When these two chemicals are combined, they create a reaction that will give you flash burns on the skin.
Bath Salts Can Corrode Your Hot Tub
The water in the hot tub has a carefully balanced pH to protect your skin and the tub itself from corrosion. Adding bath salts to your hot tub will destroy this balance. Thus, the water will become corrosive for the hot tub and it will become severely damaged in a short time.
Essential Oils Clog the Water Filters
The filters of the hot tub were not designed for anything denser than the oils your body exudes through the skin pores. Thus, if you add essential oils, you will definitely need to replace the water filters.
What Can You Use Instead?
Hot tub contractors like Wind River Spas of Denver can recommend special bath crystals that are safe to use in a hot tub. They are available in a large variety of scents to suit your preferences.
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How Can I Make My Spa Water Smell Nice
There are a few things you can do to make your spa water smell nice:
Add a few drops of essential oils to the water. This will help to mask any unpleasant smells and will also make the spa feel more relaxing.
Make sure to regularly clean the spa filter. A dirty filter can cause the water to smell bad.
Add a cup of baking soda to the water. This will help to neutralize any odors.
Try using a water conditioner. This can help to remove any impurities that may be causing the water to smell bad.
More About Epsom Salt
Epsom salts chemical name is magnesium sulfate. One story about magnesium sulfates takes place in the Epsom region of England. During a drought in 1618, a local cow herder named Henry Wicker bent down to drink from a pool of water in Epsom Common. He found the water acidic and bitter.
As the water evaporated, Wicker noticed white residue left behind and realized after drinking the water that it had a laxative effect. Epsoms salts became a sought-after cure for constipation for hundreds of years following this happenstance discovery.
In 1755, a British chemist and physicist named Joseph Black conducted experiments on the chemical properties of magnesium sulfate. He proposed that magnesium be classified as an element.
Magnesium is essential for every life form on the planet. In the human body, its necessary for muscle and nerve function and maintaining a healthy immune system. Its also needed to maintain a regular heartbeat, sufficient blood glucose, and strong bones.
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What About Saltwater Hot Tubs
Because saltwater hot tubs dont rely on the same chemical composition, you might be wondering if you can use Epsom salt in those but unfortunately, the answer is still no.
Epsom salt is no less damaging to a saltwater tubs system than the regular one. Youll still find yourself having to clean the jets and lines almost right away, as the Epsom salt will clog them up and they may not work properly.
Replacing hot tub equipment can be time-consuming and expensive since youll likely need to pay for labor too, so you dont want it to get to a point where you need to find a fix. Its best to avoid Epsom salt in any hot tub, saltwater or not.
Can You Use Epsom Salt In A Hot Tub A Common Question Answered
25th August 2021
Hot tubs are of course connected with relaxation and relief of muscle pain and tension. Epsom salts are too. It is no wonder then that so many people ask whether the two can be combined. But is it safe to put Epsom salt in a hot tub, or is it going to adversely affect the functioning of the tub? Lets explore this common question from hot tub users.
Epsom salts help to relax muscle and relieve pain in the neck, shoulders and back as well as the skull. By relaxing the muscles in the skull for example, the magnesium in the salts can potentially ease headaches and migraines. Some research would indicate that magnesium can also reduce inflammation in internal organs, and that Epsom salts are also effective in treating sore feet, muscles, sprains, stiff joints, stress and sunburn.
Many people use Epsom salts in their bathtubs. But if you are asking, can I put Epsom salt in my hot tub, then there are some important considerations to bear in mind.
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Does Epsom Salt React With Chlorine
It will be a bad idea to use Epsom salts with a sanitizer like chlorine. This is because the chemical from Epsom salts reacts badly when it is mixed with chlorine. If you do this, you would be creating flash burns. So, it is good to avoid using Epsom salts all together to prevent high levels of salt that would be corrosive to your hot tub.
Where Do I Get It From
If you want to add Epsom salt to your hot tub, youre probably wondering where you can get it from. The easiest thing to do is head down to your local spa or swim supply shop and just buy some Epsom salt. While they may have a slightly higher markup on their product, its better than not being able to find any at all.
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Alternatives To Epsom Salt In A Hot Tub
An effective alternative to Epsom salt in a tub is the use of elixirs. On top of helping you relax and moisturizing your skin, these are also efficient at softening water.
You can also use bath bombs specially tailored for hot tubs. Unlike the normal bath bombs, these do not clog your hot tubs filters. Additionally, they do not alter water chemistry.
Epsom Salt Can Damage Your Jacuzzi Tub Or Hot Tub
Epsom salt, otherwise known as magnesium sulfate, does several things to the water in your jacuzzi tub or hot tub. These changes to the water chemistry can damage the inner workings of your jacuzzi tub or hot tub. The extra dissolved solids in the water can increase the maintenance necessary to keep your jacuzzi tub or hot tub running efficiently.
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Risks And Side Effects Of Epsom Salt Baths
Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about an Epsom salt bath. The risks of side effects from an Epsom salt bath are low. Your body wont absorb that much magnesium through your skin.
An Epsom salt bath is also relatively safe for children, but you should take extra precautions to prevent your child or infant from drinking Epsom salt water.
Pregnant women, children, and people with impaired kidney function should avoid taking oral magnesium. If your kidneys are not working at their optimal levels, your body may not be able to get rid of excess magnesium, putting you at risk for serious health complications.
Side effects of magnesium overdose, usually from ingestion, include:
- increase or decrease in urination
- muscle weakness
Side effects are rare in people with normal kidney function. See a doctor if your symptoms continue or dont get better.
