Why Bath Bombs and Hot Tubs Should Not Be Used Together

I am shocked by how many times I have seen people recommending that a bath bomb can be used in a hot tub if certain steps are taken first. It is not a good idea to ever combine a hot tub worth thousands of dollars with a scented and colored product designed for the bath tub.

Can you use bath bombs in hot tubs or jacuzzis?

Using a bath bomb in a hot tub or jacuzzi can be catastrophic. You have essential oils, colorings, not to mention other things like glitter to consider that can stain the tub, block the filters and cost thousands in repairs. The advice is to keep bath bombs for the bath, and champagne for the Jacuzzi!

Using bath bombs creates a soothing, spa-like experience for many. It’s no surprise that their popularity has increased wildly in recent years, as self-care has become a mainstream focus. But what about people who live in homes with hot tubs or jetted jacuzzi tubs. Can they use bath bombs too?

But what if I really want to try a bath bomb in the Jacuzzi?

If you are super careful could take caution when selecting the type of bath bomb to use and the frequency at which you use bath bombs in your jetted tub. You should also clean the tub thoroughly after using bath bombs.

The advice remains No, though. Is it really worth the risk?

What kinds of bath bombs are not safe for hot tubs and jacuzzis?

When selecting bath bombs to use in a hot tub or jacuzzi tub, you’ll want to steer clear of bath bombs that contain anything that may clog the jets. Problematic bath bombs include, but are not limited to, confetti bombs, glitter bombs, bath bombs containing flower petals or oils, and fizzing bath bombs. [That’s pretty much all of them]

Some find success with using these problematic types of bath bombs but sealing them inside cloth bags to contain any ingredients that could harm the hot tub or jacuzzi jets. However, this method is not recommended, and you should only use it at your own personal discretion.

What can happen if I use the wrong type of bath bomb in my jetted tub?

While it may be tempting to toss that unicorn bomb into your jacuzzi tub, or the one with the pretty rose petals embedded, we urge you to pause and think twice.

Bath bomb ingredients like glitter, confetti, and flower petals can cause plumbing issues by sticking to the insides of the jets. Also, the oils in many bath bombs on the market can resolidify once they’ve reached room temperature and clog drains and jets.

How can I use bath bombs safely in my hot tub or jacuzzi?

While we don’t recommend using any of the problematic bath bombs sealed in a cloth bag, we do love the cloth bag idea—just with a safe bath bomb.

Even safe bath bombs that don’t contain any of the problematic ingredients outlined above still have a formulation comprised of baking soda, Epsom salt, and citric acid. While these ingredients typically dissolve in warm water, they do not all dissolve completely, especially the Epsom salt.

Salt deposits can settle in the plumbing and solidify there upon drying, clogging your plumbing. This is avoidable by inserting your bath bomb in a sealed cloth bag before placing it into the tub. The cloth bag will release everything that dissolves into the water but contain any solid pieces that do not dissolve, preventing them from settling into the plumbing.

A final, extra safety precaution is not to use the jets while the bath bomb is in the hot tub or jacuzzi. Jetted tubs work by sucking water in to push it back out of the jets. By not turning the jets on, you reduce the possibility of any clogging contaminants entering the jet system.

How often can I use bath bombs in my hot tub or jacuzzi?

There is no standard frequency at which it’s safe to use bath bombs in jetted tubs. However, considering its potential dangers, this should be a sometimes treat, not a daily beauty routine.

Also, the process of cleaning a jetted tub afterward is time-consuming and may prevent you from using bath bombs very frequently anyway.

How do I clean out my hot tub or jacuzzi after using a bath bomb?

This is a very involved process.

For a hot tub, you’ll need to flush the jets for twenty minutes using a flushing solution, and then drain the hot tub. After draining the tub completely, you’ll need to use a hot tub cleaning solution to scrub the tub spotless before rinsing it with clean water.

If you discover that your jets are clogged, you’ll need to take some time with a toothbrush and dislodge any visible debris before filling the hot tub and using it again.

For jacuzzi tubs, a great way to clean them out after a bath bomb is to fill the tub and add a cleanser like a dishwasher detergent. Run the jets with the detergent for fifteen to twenty minutes, then fill the tub with plain, cool water and run the jets again for fifteen to twenty minutes. The jets should be clear after this process.

Here is a complete guide to cleaning a hot tub, with the most thorough processes for a range of problems your hot tub may have.

Final Thoughts

There are safe ways to use bath bombs in hot tubs and jacuzzi tubs, but you must take the time to select the right bath bombs, use them with care, and take the time to thoroughly clean your jetted tub after you’ve used bath bombs. Fail to take these precautions, and there will be an expensive call to the plumber in your future.