Can You Use Epsom Salt In A Hot Tub? How to Use It?

Many people are unsure if Epsom salts can be safely used in a hot tub and what the benefits are. Basically, the answer is yes – not only can you use Epsom salts, but doing so provides some great perks.

The magnesium in Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin, which is why it has become such a popular remedy for many conditions. It turns out hot tubs make the perfect soaking vessel to get the full effects of magnesium without having to fill up a whole bath tub!

Below, we’ll explore what exactly Epsom salt is, why it’s beneficial to use in hot tubs, how much you should use, and general safety tips so you can enjoy Epsom salt hot tub soaks safely.

Can You Use Epsom Salt In A Hot Tub?

Epsom salt can be added to hot tubs, but only in limited amounts. While it offers health benefits like soothing sore muscles, too much Epsom salt above 1500 ppm can corrode metal parts over time. The key is moderation – follow your hot tub’s guidelines for safe quantities. This allows taking advantage of the therapeutic properties without causing long-term equipment damage.

Benefits of Using Epsom Salt in Hot Tubs

Adding Epsom salt to your hot tub water provides a number of benefits that enhance relaxation and healing. Here are some of the top reasons to try it:

Relieves Muscle Soreness and Tension

One of the main reasons people enjoy soaking in a hot tub is the feeling of your muscles relaxing. The warm water helps increase blood flow to tense areas providing therapeutic relief. Epsom salt allows you to take this up a notch by boosting your magnesium levels which can further reduce muscle cramps, aches, and general tension in the body. The effect is similar to getting a massage except you don’t even have to move!

Exfoliates and Softens Skin

Not only does Epsom salt help muscles unwind, but it’s great for your skin too. The magnesium sulfate acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. It also draws out toxins and improves circulation. With regular use, your skin will look refreshed and have a healthy glow. Adding essential oils enhances moisturizing effects so your skin feels softer than ever too.

Reduces Inflammation

The magnesium absorbed from Epsom salt baths is a natural anti-inflammatory. For conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, injuries, and general joint or muscle swelling, magnesium sulfate can provide much needed relief. It reduces pain and swelling so movement becomes easier.

Improves Sleep Quality

One side effect of magnesium deficiency is disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia. When you soak your body in an Epsom salt spa, more magnesium gets absorbed which enables you to sleep more soundly. The relaxation promotes overall feelings of calmness so you fall asleep faster and get a better night’s rest.

Aids Recovery After Exercise

Athletes are discovering Epsom salt baths are the perfect way to recover faster after intense workouts. The combination of hot water and magnesium sulfate helps muscles heal by reducing soreness and inflammation. You’ll bounce back quicker and have less risk of injury.

As you can see, there are many excellent benefits to adding Epsom salts to water when soaking in a hot tub from relief of muscle aches and pains to softening of skin. It enhances the overall experience. But how much Epsom salt should you use?

How Much Epsom Salt Should You Use?

When it comes to Epsom salt, more does not necessarily mean better results. You want to use the optimal amount to gain the benefits without overdoing it. Here are some general guidelines on quantity:

Start With 1-2 Cups Per Tub

For a standard sized hot tub of approximately 300-400 gallons, adding 1-2 cups of Epsom salt is a good starting point. This amount will increase the magnesium concentration enough for you to start feeling positive effects. You can experiment to see if you prefer 1 cup versus 2 cups when first using it.

Gradually Increase Up To 2 Cups Per Person

As your body adjusts and you want to increase magnesium absorption, you can safely up the Epsom salt quantity to 2 cups per person soaking. Most manufacturers consider this an appropriate amount for hot tub use. So for example, a 4-person hot tub could have up to 8 cups total dissolved.

Follow Tub Size Instructions

Larger hot tubs over 400 gallons may allow for more Epsom salt since there is a greater volume of water. Check your hot tub manual for recommendations based on its overall capacity. As a general rule, about 2 cups per 100 gallons is safe.

When first using Epsom salt, start conservatively then increase to find your optimal therapeutic dose. Be sure to dissolve it fully so the granules don’t cause irritation. Now let’s go over how to add it to your hot tub properly.

How to Add Epsom Salt to Hot Tub?

Using Epsom salt in a hot tub takes a little technique to help it dissolve thoroughly in the water. Here are some application tips:

Directly Add to Tub Water

The easiest method is to simply pour the desired Epsom salt amount directly into your hot tub water. Disperse it throughout the tub then turn on the jets to help circulate and dissolve the salt. Give it 10-15 minutes before soaking to fully integrate.

Presoak in Warm Water

To help the Epsom salt dissolve faster, you can first presoak it in some warm water. Add the salt to a bucket and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Then add the slurry to your hot tub. The pre-dissolved solution will mix in easier.

After Draining and Cleaning

For optimal soaking benefits, add Epsom salt after you’ve drained, cleaned, and refilled your hot tub. This will allow the magnesium sulfate molecules to fully permeate the fresh water for maximum absorption.

Use a Small Bag or Sock

Some people recommend putting Epsom salt in a small sock or permeable bag before adding to the hot tub. This allows you to easily remove the pouch later. Just ensure water can still flow through the material.

The key is getting the salt fully dissolved before soaking. Take a few minutes to let the jets run and properly disperse it. Then you’re ready to enjoy the many benefits!

Now that you know how to use Epsom salt in a hot tub, let’s go over some important safety precautions.

FAQs

Summary:

In summary, the answer is absolutely yes. Adding Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, to your hot tub water provides tremendous benefits without much risk when used appropriately. It enhances the therapeutic value by reducing muscle soreness, soothing aches and pains, exfoliating your skin, decreasing inflammation, and promoting sleep.

To reap these rewards, start by adding 1-2 cups per tub and increase the amount gradually as needed up to 2 cups per person. Always fully dissolve the Epsom salts before soaking to optimize absorption and avoid skin irritation. Stay hydrated, avoid ingesting the water, and shower after use.

Following the safety guidelines, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy Epsom salt hot tub soaks. The magnesium sulfate will make each dip even more relaxing and rejuvenating. Though it may sound counterintuitive to add something called “salt” to a hot tub, this mineral compound gives your soak some serious health perks. It’s an easy and affordable way to enhance your spa experience.

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