Can You Use Bath Salts and Bath Bombs in a Jetted Tub?

Last updated on October 11, 2023

The short answer is you can use some bath salts ad bath bombs in a jetted tub. But as usual, the devil is in the details. So here they are.

You can use some salts or bath bombs, but not all. What makes them different are the additives. Here’s an easy way to understand this. Any small particles that can get into the jet system will damage them (if not immediately, then in the long run). Such products should be avoided.

If unsure, as a rule of thumb, always use only those bath products that are approved for jetted tub use. This should be indicated in the product description.

Now, let’s see how this all debate of jetted baths vs. bath salts and bombs pans out. First of all, let’s start by explaining the difference between the types of jets.

Air Jet vs. Water Jet vs. Portable Jets

Jetted tubs are used in two ways to create bubbles. The definition of “air-jetted tubs” is exactly what it says — using air to bubble it up. A vacuum is used to draw the air from the outside of the bath. This hot air is then pumped through a tube into the water in the bathtub. Although soothing, these bubbles do not have too much force or kneading as the water bubbles.

Meanwhile, the water jet uses a pump to draw in water from the bathtub and heat it, and then force it back into the tub using force. Water-jetted tubs include a feeling of delight like real hydrotherapy. Even so, water-jet tubs need more thorough cleaning than air-jet spas because they pull dirty bathwater to form their jet streams.

Understanding how your jetted tub is crucial when deciding what bath products you can use. In this regard, air jets are more favorable. Their mechanism is less likely to get clogged with various debris. On the other hand, water jets are easily clogged, so you should avoid using bath salts, oils, and bath bombs with additives in them.

In both cases, using special jetted tub products is always the best idea.

Finally, the portable jet bath spa gadgets that turn a regular bath into a Jacuzzi are similar to air jets because their function is very much the same. But as they are cheaper, portable, and easier to clean, they aren’t as susceptible to misuse of bath products.

Can You Use Bath Salts in a Jetted Tub?

Basic raw bath salts appear as naturally occurring minerals. Meanwhile, many sensual bath salts include ingredients such as Epsom salts, magnesium chloride, and essential oils. Each bath salt blend is designed to soothe uncomfortable muscles or skin conditions. It’s important to understand the difference between the two when using them in jetted tubs. Raw salts dissolve much easier and are less likely to clog the jets.

The simplest types of soaps and bath salts, free of chemicals or fragrances, are ideal for use in whirlpool tubs. Test the package before purchasing to ensure there is no distilled white salt and no additives. The best approach is to make sure the salt dissolves absolutely. Start with a small piece of salt and see how quickly the salt dissolves in hot water. Powdered salt dissolves faster than coarse salt. To prevent damage to the pump or other parts of the mechanism in the whirlpool, avoid using any salts with additives.

Special jetted bath additives are fine for this. These usually contain an antifoaming agent that reduces the amount of foam created by the jets.

Oils

Avoid any products that contain oils, including salts, bath bombs, shampoos, and so on. Salts containing fragrances or essences can harm the pump, clog the whirlpool system, and damage the tub itself. Acrylic tubs are susceptible to discoloration and polymerization from contact with essential oils. Chemical additives or grease may also produce bacteria or mold inside the whirlpool plumbing. Items that contain oil or lanolin should be avoided because they generally leave a film within the pipes, and it collects dirt and grime.

Bubble Bath

You may use jets for a bubble bath, but you should do this correctly. Modern bubble bath additives produce lots of bubbles in still water. When water is agitated in a jetted tub, it produces a never-ending stream of bubbles that overflows.

You can prevent this problem using a tiny amount of bubble bath additive, but each regular bubble bath is different, and you can still get into trouble. To ensure your jetted tub stays fine, use only water-soluble, low-foaming bubble bath creams formulated especially for this occasion. These formulas will help you to minimize the number of bubbles in your jet system.

Can You Use Bath Bombs in a Jetted Tub?

In a nutshell, you can use some bath bombs in a jetted bathtub, but not all. During and after use, you can take various precautions to help avoid damage to your bathtub. Choose bath bombs that feature clear variations of scents and colors — avoid anything with confetti, dyes, glitters, bits of florals. You can also keep bath bomb fragments from being clogged with a special mesh bag.

How Can Bath Products Damage a Jetted Tub?

The potential harm to your tub comes from the oils, dyes, glitter, florals, and confetti that is often applied to bath bombs. However, when you use jetted bathtubs, the chances of contaminating the jets are significantly increased. If you plan to buy bath bombs from big-name cosmetics companies or a positive seller on Etsy, this should not be an issue. However, always note their ingredients and any warnings against the use in whirlpool tubs.

You may also fill mesh bags with the good stuff before filling up the rest of the tub. Simply put the bath bomb in a bag before using it. If you don’t have any mesh bags lying around, you can pick up some tiny bags on Amazon.

If you regularly clean your tub, it will help your jets last a long time. One popular way to clean a jetted tub is to use dishwasher detergent for 15 to 20 minutes. Just before the bath, fill the bathtub with cold water. This allows the system to rinse the cleaning agent more thoroughly.