Can You Use Epsom Salt in a Jetted Tub?

Wouldn’t it be great to combine the goodness of Epsom salt and the bubbly fun of a jetted tub? So the question is whether you can place Epsom salt in a jetted tub or if this will cause damage to you or to the jets.

Jet tubs are great if you have muscle pain and to relieve stress. While adding Epsom salt increases the benefit of the massaging jets to further relax your body, these salts also influence the jet bath motors if the wrong kind of Epsom salt is used. Only use fine grade salts for the best results.

Epsom salt in your jetted tub such as a Jet Master, Whirlpool tub, or Jacuzzi tub is a great way to relax your tired body.

But do you know how much Epsom salt to add and what kind is vital?

Learn all about which Epsom salt is best for your jetted tub and how to use it properly.

Are Epsom Salts Safe for Jetted Tubs?

Epsom salts can be used in jetted tubs, as long as a few conditions are met.

If the Epsom salt has been fully dissolved in warm water, it can be safely used in jetted tubs. However, if the crystals aren’t fully dissolved, the Epsom salt can corrode the jet motor parts.

American Standard and Kohler, both manufacturers of jetted tubs, recommend using Epsom salt in their jetted tubs. Their guide suggests fine grained Epsom bath salts added to hot, unchlorinated water to avoid any negative chemical reactions.

How to Use Epsom Salt in a Jetted Tub

Knowing how to use Epsom salt in your jetted tub helps you avoid costly damages and painful injuries.

Can You Use Any Epsom Salt in a Jetted Tub?

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Manufacturers of jetted tub salts have been producing their own special soaking salts to use in their tubs.

This salt, like the Jacuzzi brand Epsom salt, is specially formulated to dissolve completely.

While you can safely use a moderate amount of fine grained Epsom salt in your jetted tub, it is advisable to rinse the tub and motor more frequently if you do.

Fitting a water filter to dechlorinate your tap water is also a great idea.

Avoid using a coarse grade Epsom salt that may be cheap. This kind of coarse Epsom salt won’t dissolve fully or be as pure.

Step-by-Step Guide

To add Epsom salt to your jetted tub for your enjoyment, it is advised that filtered water is used and the Epsom salt should be fine quality and administered in small quantities.

Here’s how to enjoy a safe Epsom salt jetted tub soak.

Step 1. Fill the jetted tub with warm to hot water.

Step 2. For an 80-100 gallon tub, add 2 cups of fine grade Epsom salt to the area closest to the hot water inlet. This is the area in the jet tub where the temperature is warmest, so the Epsom salt will dissolve better.

Step 3. Do not activate the jets yet.

Step 4. Give the Epsom salt time to dissolve into the hot, running water.

Step 5. When you can’t see any Epsom salt grains on the bottom of the tub, the magnesium sulfate will have dissolved completely into the water.

Step 6. Activate the jets on the bath, letting the water circulate more to further dissolve any last mineral particles.

Step 7. Soak in the jetted tub for 20-30 minutes, letting the Epsom salt act on your muscles and skin.

Step 8. Switch off the jets and leave the jetted tub.

Step 9. Wrap a towel or robe around your body to ensure your warmed muscles don’t catch a chill.

Step 10. Take an optional warm water shower for 5-10 minutes, rinsing off any Epsom salt deposits.

Step 11. Apply an in-shower moisturizer or towel dry and apply a moisturizing lotion to prevent dry skin. Epsom salt can drain vital moisture from your skin, so moisturizing after your Epsom salt bath and shower is essential. 

How to Clean a Jetted Tub After an Epsom Salt Bath

Cleaning the jetted tub after the Epsom salt bath is important to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits that may become corrosive to the sides of the tub. Epsom salt deposits can also become corrosive to the mechanisms of the jets and the drain area.

While you can theoretically leave the hot water in your jetted tub for a few days and enjoy it again and again, this increases the risk of damage to the tub.

A far better option is to drain the tub once you have soaked in the Epsom salt water. When you want to soak again in a few days’ time, repeat the process from the start.

Here is how to drain and clean the jetted tub after an Epsom salt bath.

• Drain the tub fully.

• Use a plastic jug to rinse the sides of the tub, taking extra care with the area around the jets.

• Use a plastic spray bottle that produces a fairly strong stream of water and spray the jets, water intake, and drain areas with a mix of plain filtered water and a few drops of dish soap.

• After every 8-9 Epsom salt baths, take a normal bath using only regular tap water, allowing this water boost to rinse the jet motors and any other fittings in the tub.

Final Tip for Healthy Epsom Salt Jetted Tub Baths

When installing your jetted tub, keep in mind you will want to use Epsom salt and other bath salts to help increase the benefit of soaking in the tub. The chlorine and other chemicals in tap water can really damage your jetted tub.

By adding Epsom salt to the mix, your tub water will become unhealthy for your tub motors, jets, and drains. Be proactive and install a water filter between the jetted tub and the water inlets. Prevent hard water deposits and magnesium sulfate deposits from repeated Epsom salt use.