Everybody loves a little spa time in a hot tub, and many love adding a few ingredients for a relaxing experience. One such ingredient is “Epsom salt.” But the question arises - “Is it safe to use Epsom salt in a hot tub?” Some say Epsom salt can deteriorate the pH of the hot tub and can irritate the skin. Hence, it becomes quite confusing for people intending to use Epsom salt. In this blog, we discuss the benefits and risks of using Epsom salt in the bathtub. We have also mentioned some alternatives to Epsom salt so that you have a varied relaxing session in the hot tub.
Epsom Salt: What Are Its Benefits?
Epsom salt is a mineral compound made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Its chemical composition is magnesium sulfate. It was first discovered in the town of Epsom in Surrey, England.
Studies suggest that magnesium and sulfate are used to treat various ailments. Magnesium regulates over 325 enzymes in the body and helps reduce inflammation. It also helps in proper muscle functioning. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush out toxins, and ease migraines.
People with low magnesium content also use Epsom salt. Other names for Epsom salt are - bath flakes, magnesium bath flakes, bath salts, etc. Here are a few other benefits of Epsom salt -
Eases Stress and Relaxes the Body
When a body is under stress, it drains magnesium and increases adrenaline. When Epsom salt is dissolved in warm water, the salt is absorbed through the skin and increases the magnesium level in the body. This helps produce serotonin, a chemical responsible for creating calmness.
Relieves Pain and Twitches
Epsom salt relieves pain and inflammation, as well as muscle twitches, making it helpful for treating physical pain and migraines. It also helps with sore muscles and bronchial asthma. It is also known to heal cuts and minimize soreness from childbirth. It is also known to soften skin and reduce foot odor.
Eliminates Toxins From the Body
The sulfate in the salt helps flush out toxins and reduce metal contamination from cells in the body. Our skin is a highly porous membrane, and adding Epsom salt to the bath water can pull harmful toxins out. Use it twice a week to help relieve your body from toxic materials.
Can You Add Epsom Salt to a Hot Tub?
While Epsom salt works well with hot water, can you add it to the hot tub? The answer is NO! Most people use Epsom salt in their hot bathtub, which may sound like the perfect hydrotherapy hot tub, but it’s not.
Hot tubs cannot circulate and filter out Epsom salt. The salt's alkaline chemical composition may damage the bathtub's components and interfere with the sanitizers. Epsom salt can also raise the water's total dissolved solids (TDS) (more than 1500 ppm). A high level of TDS reduces the effectiveness of sanitizers. This makes the water slightly cloudy in color and leads to algae growth. Also, the increase in the salt concentration can damage internal workings, which leads to scale accumulation.
Epsom salt is slightly acidic. When mixed in a hot water tub, it adversely affects the pH balance and alkalinity, which can cause potential skin issues, such as dryness and rash. It can also corrode metal parts, including the plumbing system.
Hence, it is advisable to empty the hot tub after every use. Some manufacturers even advise draining or refilling the hot tub when the TDS reaches 1500 pp, depending on the size of the tub. However, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a large bucket filled with hot water to dip your feet into it or take a bath. It is feasible for some to use the hot tub that way without compromising its health.
Alternatives to Epsom Salts for Hot Tub
Pouring huge quantities of Epsom in hot tubs will do no good than harm in the long run. So, here are some alternatives to Epsom salt for hot tubs:
Spa Elixirs
Spa elixirs are essential oils extracted from natural herbs that can be used in hot tubs. They provide the same experience as Epsom salt, soothing skin and muscle, relieving stress, etc., without any potential risk of damaging the tub.
Spa Aromatherapy Crystals
Some spa crystals are infused with vitamins, moisturizing nutrients, minerals, and natural herbs. They can help detoxify, destress, and reduce pain and inflammation. Moreover, they can boost energy levels and promote better sleep.
Hot Tub Bombs
Hot tub bombs are similar to bath bombs. However, they are made to avoid foaming issues and do not disturb the water pH level. They are beneficial for the skin, provide a pleasant aroma, and relieve stress.
Conclusion
The information mentioned above suggests that mixing Epsom salt with hot tub water is not advisable because it disrupts the tub's performance. If you want a soothing spa-like experience, several alternatives are available that can provide the same effect as Epsom salt. Following a maintenance routine for the hot tub is also advisable to enhance its longevity.
