Is Epsom Salt in Hot Tub Dangerous? - Ultimate Advice From Experts

Who doesn't love a relaxing soak in a hot tub after a long day? Many people turn to Epsom salt as a way to enhance their hot tub experience, hoping to reap the benefits of this popular remedy. But is it safe to use Epsom salt in a hot tub?

In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of Epsom salt, explore its benefits, discuss the risks associated with its use in hot tubs, and suggest alternative solutions to help you achieve a soothing and enjoyable hot tub experience.

Short Summary

• Understanding Epsom salt and its potential benefits must be balanced with the risks of adding it to an average hot tub.
• Alternative solutions such as aromatherapy crystals, spa elixirs, and hot tub bombs provide similar benefits without the associated risks.
• Good maintenance practices should be followed in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when using Epsom salt alternatives for your hot tub.

What Is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a mineral compound composed of magnesium and sulfate. Its chemical composition is magnesium sulfate, and it's commonly used to treat various medical conditions such as magnesium deficiency, sports-related injuries, and premature births.

It's crucial to understand the potential risks associated with adding pure Epsom salts to hot tubs, as it could affect water chemistry, interfere with sanitizers, and potentially damage hot tub components.

There are viable alternatives to Epsom salt for hot tubs, such as aromatherapy crystals, spa elixirs, and hot tub bombs, which provide similar benefits without the potential risks. But before we dive into these alternatives, let's first explore the benefits of Epsom salt and why some people might want to add it to their hot tubs.

What Are The Main Benefits of Epsom Salt for Hot Tubs?

The main benefits of an Epson salt bath include providing relief from muscular discomfort, reducing inflammation, and aiding in magnesium deficiency. Soaking in Epsom salt-infused water can alleviate pain and soreness, making it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their hot tub experience. 

While there are benefits to using Epsom salts in hot tubs, it's important to consider the potential risks. Hot tubs are not designed to circulate and filter thick substances such as essential oils, making it difficult for hot tubs to handle substances like Epsom salt. 

It's also important to note that Epsom salt is not recommended for use in inflatable hot tubs, and its safety in jetted bathtubs should be verified by consulting the manufacturer's website or owner's manual. Let's take a closer look at the reasons behind this and the possible issues that could arise.

What Are The Risks of Adding Epsom Salt to Hot Tubs?

The alkaline chemical composition of Epsom salt may damage the hot tub equipment, interfere with sanitizers, and corrode metal parts. Combining Epsom salt with chlorinated or brominated water can cause flash burns, corrode the plumbing, and make it difficult to balance the pH, resulting in an ineffective sanitizer. Elevated salt concentrations in hot tubs can be damaging to the internal workings of the hot tub, leading to scale accumulation.

Epsom salt can adversely affect the hot tub water's total alkalinity and pH balance, potentially causing skin issues,  reducing the efficacy of sanitizers, and leading to corrosion. As such, we don’t recommend using Epsom salt in the hot tub unless you drain it after every use. Even so, it’s best if you avoid it altogether. Instead, consider alternatives that are specifically designed for hot tub use, ensuring that the water chemistry remains stable and safe.

With these risks in mind, let's explore the specific impacts of Epsom salt on hot tub water chemistry, sanitizers, and hot tub components.

1. Skin Issues 

If Epsom salt is used excessively or if an individual has a specific sensitivity or allergy, it could potentially lead to skin issues such as dryness, irritation, or rash. Also, if the hot tub isn't properly maintained and the water isn't regularly refreshed, excess minerals from the Epsom salt could build up over time and potentially cause skin irritation.

2. Interference with Sanitizers

Epsom salts can contribute to the water's total dissolved solids (TDS). High levels of TDS can reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers, making it harder to keep the water clean and potentially leading to issues like cloudy water or algae growth. Epsom salts can also cause scaling on the tub's components and plumbing, which can further reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers and cause damage over time.

3. Damage to Hot Tub Components

Corrosion in hot tubs is more commonly associated with imbalances in the water chemistry, particularly low pH levels, associated with Epsom salt use. When the pH of the water is too low (meaning it's acidic), it can corrode metal parts of the hot tub, such as the heater, pump, and other components.

To prevent damage to your hot tub and its components, it's essential to consider alternatives that are designed for spa use and do not pose the same risks. This will ensure that your hot tub remains in good working order and provides a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Alternatives to Epsom Salt for Hot Tubs

Since Epsom salt may not be the best choice for hot tub use, it's important to explore alternative solutions that provide similar benefits without the potential risks. Some of these alternatives include spa aromatherapy products, crystals, spa elixirs, and hot tub bombs. These alternatives are safe for use in hot tubs and do not cause the same issues as Epsom salt.

These products are specifically designed for hot tub use, ensuring that your hot tub water chemistry and equipment remain unaffected while still providing the relaxation and therapeutic benefits you seek.

Let's take a closer look at each of these alternatives and how they can enhance your hot tub experience.

Spa Aromatherapy Crystals

Spa aromatherapy crystals are infused with essential oils and provide a soothing and tranquil atmosphere in hot tubs, offering numerous health benefits such as relaxation and stress reduction. They are designed to interact safely with the water care system, ensuring that water chemistry and spa equipment remain unaffected.

Using aromatherapy crystals in your hot tub allows you to enjoy the same therapeutic benefits as Epsom salt without the potential risks to your hot tub's water chemistry or equipment. This makes aromatherapy crystals an ideal alternative for those seeking a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience.

The similarities between Epsom salts and aromatherapy crystals for hot tub use include:

• Purpose: Both products aim to promote relaxation and enhance the overall bathing experience.
• Scent: Both Epsom salts and aromatherapy crystals can be scented to promote relaxation and stress relief further. Common scents include lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile, among others.
• Use in Water: Both are used by dissolving in warm bath water.

Spa Elixirs

Spa elixirs are specially formulated blends of essential oils extracted from natural herbs and minerals designed for use in hot tubs. They provide a soothing and tranquil experience, similar to that of Epsom salt, without the potential risks associated with using Epsom salt in a hot tub.

Epsom salts and spa elixirs designed for hot tub use share some similarities, but they're formulated differently and used for different purposes. Here are some of the similarities:

• Enhanced Bathing Experience: Both products are intended to enhance the experience of soaking in a hot tub or bath, aiming to promote relaxation and potentially providing therapeutic benefits.
• Skin Contact: Both are added to a bath or hot tub water, where they come into contact with the skin. They may help to soothe the skin and muscles, although the specific benefits can vary depending on the product and its ingredients.
• Variety of Scents: Epsom salts and spa elixirs can both come in various scents, often derived from essential oils, to further enhance the bathing experience.
• Potential Therapeutic Benefits: Both Epsom salts and spa elixirs are often marketed with claims of therapeutic benefits, such as promoting relaxation, relieving muscle soreness, or providing aromatherapy.

Hot Tub Bombs

Epsom salts and hot tub bombs (similar to bath bombs but specifically formulated for hot tubs) are both used to enhance the bathing experience, and they share some similarities:

• Relaxation: Both Epsom salts and hot tub bombs aim to promote relaxation and a sense of well-being.
• Therapeutic Claims: Both are often marketed with claims of therapeutic benefits such as soothing sore muscles, promoting better sleep, and providing stress relief.
• Scented: Epsom salts and hot tub bombs can both be scented to provide a pleasant aroma that can add to the overall relaxing experience.
• Skin Contact: Both are added to a bath or hot tub water and can have beneficial effects on the skin. For example, Epsom salts are believed to help soothe skin, while hot tub bombs often contain moisturizing ingredients.

Hot tub bombs are similar to bath bombs but are specially formulated to avoid issues such as foaming, residue, and imbalances in water chemistry that can occur when using regular bath bombs in a hot tub. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any product in your hot tub.

‍

The following table compares the alternatives to Epsom salts for hot tub use.

‍

Maintenance Tips for Hot Tubs with Epsom Salt Alternatives

To ensure proper maintenance of your spa when using hot tub aromatherapy products, regularly drain and clean the hot tub, monitor water chemistry, and maintain proper sanitizer levels. By adhering to these practices, you can help ensure that your hot tub remains in optimal condition and continues to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.

Let's take a closer look at each of these maintenance tips and how they can help you keep your hot tub running smoothly and efficiently when using Epsom salt alternatives.

Tip 1: Drain and clean the hot tub water regularly.

Spa manufacturers recommend draining and cleaning your hot tub regularly is essential for removing any dirt, debris, and bacteria that could accumulate in the water. This helps preserve water quality and ensure its safety for use. When using Epsom salt alternatives in your hot tub, it's especially important to adhere to this practice to prevent corrosion and maintain the pH balance of the water.

Tip 2: Frequently monitor the hot tub water chemistry.

Monitoring the water chemistry of your hot tub is essential to ensure that the water is suitable for use. It's important to assess chlorine or bromine levels, pH/Alkalinity levels, and other water parameters to guarantee that the water is safe for use. Failure to adequately monitor water chemistry can result in cloudy water, skin irritation, and damage to the hot tub and its components.

Tip 3: Ensure proper sanitizer levels.

Maintaining adequate sanitizer levels in your hot tub is essential to avoid skin irritation and protect the hot tub from corrosion. Adding sanitizer after each use is recommended to maintain water cleanliness and balance. By ensuring proper sanitizer levels, you can help prevent bacteria and other pollutants from accumulating in the water, making it safe and enjoyable for use.

Use O-Care for Better Hot Tub Maintenance

O-Care is a natural spa water solution designed to reduce the requirement for harsh chemicals in hot tubs. It maintains water balance with minimal chemical usage while preventing sediment and biofilm buildup in the hot tub's components. By using O-Care for hot tub maintenance, you can minimize the need for harsh chemicals, balance the water, and avoid sediment and biofilm accumulation in the hot tub's components.

To use O-Care for hot tub maintenance, follow the instructions provided on the product label, ensuring an even distribution of the product by running the jets for a few minutes after adding the recommended amount of O-Care to the hot tub water.

Incorporating O-Care into your hot tub maintenance routine can help keep your hot tub running smoothly and efficiently, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your guests. Take note that O-Care is not an alternative to Epsom salts but is compatible with most alternatives and enriches and enhances your bathing experience. Still, make sure to check the label beforehand to check for interactions.

O-Care Spa Care Advantages

1. Easy and Safe: Our solution must be added only once a week, making spa water maintenance hassle-free. It's safe for children and reduces dependence on harsh chemicals.
2. Health and Wellness: O-Care provides soft and odorless spa water, a pleasant experience for all users. It's especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
3. Eco-friendly: Made from high-quality mineral salts, O-Care is a natural and ecological choice for spa water care.
4. Cost-Effective: By preventing sediment build-up and reducing chemical usage, O-Care prolongs the life of spa components, providing potential cost savings over time.

Conclusion

While Epsom salt has numerous benefits, it's important to weigh the potential risks when using it in a hot tub. Fortunately, there are safe alternatives like aromatherapy crystals, spa elixirs, and hot tub bombs that provide similar benefits without the potential harm to your hot tub and its components. Following proper maintenance tips and considering alternatives to Epsom salt can ensure a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable hot tub experience for you and your guests. 

Here are some links to follow if you want to enhance your hot tub experience:

1. Download the O-Care app for weekly maintenance and step-by-step problem-solving.
2. Use our online water assistant to diagnose your water quality issues.
3. This article covers more situations if the app didn't help solve your problem.
4. I need to solve an underlying contamination issue in my hot tub; maybe it's biofilm?
5. How to avoid future problems and keep your hot tub clean?
6. What kind of sanitizers can I choose from?
7. What is the best way to maintain my hot tub water?
8.  How to test the water in my hot tub?

FAQs

What salts can I add to my hot tub water?

There are several types of salts that are designed to be used in a hot tub, primarily to provide relaxation and potential therapeutic benefits, including dead sea salts and Himalayan pink salt. Still, we advise you to use spa-grade salt in your hot tub, as it is chemically similar to table salt but a coarser grind that works better in chlorine or bromine generators.

Can you put magnesium in a hot tub?

No, it is not recommended to put magnesium in a hot tub. Magnesium sulfate or Epsom salts can increase the salt content of the water, which can cause damage to the pumps and heating elements if the levels become too high. High salt levels can also cause skin irritation and can be difficult to remove from the hot tub immediately after. It is best to avoid adding magnesium to a hot tub.

Can I add Epsom salts to my regular bath, and how is that different from a hot tub?

Yes, you can put Epsom salt in a regular bath. Epsom salts are often added to bathwater for their potential therapeutic benefits, such as soothing sore muscles, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. A typical recommendation is to add 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt to a full bath and soak for at least 15 minutes.

This differs from using Epsom salt in a hot tub because hot tubs use a recirculating water system. They require a delicate balance of chemicals to maintain clean, clear, and safe water over an extended period. Epsom salts can disrupt this balance and potentially cause issues such as scaling on the hot tub's components. Conversely, bathwater is generally drained immediately after use, so the water chemistry doesn't need to be maintained in the same way.

Who should I consult if I have questions about my specific hot tub and water type?

If you have questions or concerns about your specific hot tub and water type, it's recommended to consult with a hot tub professional. This could be a local hot tub retailer, a licensed pool and spa professional, or the customer service department of your hot tub's manufacturer. These experts should have the knowledge and experience to guide you in maintaining your hot tub properly and safely, including advice on the appropriate additives for your particular hot tub and water type.

‍