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Is It Safe to Use Bath Oil in a Jacuzzi?

Nick Davis

It is safe to use bath oil in a Jacuzzi, but you need to clean the tub afterward to prevent the oil from clogging the tub’s plumbing and jets. Bath oils left in the Jacuzzi can also cause the acrylic shell to become slippery and attract debris. The cleaning process takes less than 30 minutes and requires chemicals you may already have at home.

Failure to Clean

After using bath oil in your Jacuzzi, use vinegar to clean your tub.

Bath oil is thick, and, over time, it will clog your Jacuzzi’s multiple jets, rubber and metal piping and the tub’s water pump. A clog will also stop your Jacuzzi’s water pump from dispensing water. If the water pump contains an automatic shutoff, the pump will power off before any damage is done to its inner components. If the pump doesn’t power off automatically, the part will overheat and possibly start an electrical fire.

Cleaning Process

Fill your Jacuzzi 2 inches above its highest jet with warm water, and then add 1 cup of white vinegar to the water. Turn on the tub and let its pump circulate water for five minutes. Turn off the tub and let the water stand for 15 minutes. Drain your Jacuzzi and refill it 2 inches above its highest jet with cold water. Turn on the tub and let it run for 10 minutes, and then drain it. If vinegar is not available, mix four drops of a low-sudsing detergent and 1 cup of warm water in a bowl and use it in place of the vinegar.

Cleaning the Acrylic

Spray a nonabrasive household cleaner on your Jacuzzi’s surfaces. Wipe the acrylic surfaces with a soft cloth or rag to remove any residue that may still be present after cleaning the tub. Turn on the tub’s water and rinse the surfaces thoroughly. Dry the acrylic with a soft, clean cloth or rag.

Cautions

Avoid using chlorine-based products, bleach and products containing bleach, along with other cleaning solutions. Mixing chlorine with other chemicals produces toxic fumes. Always rinse your Jacuzzi thoroughly after cleaning it to remove any cleaning solutions and residue.

Bath Salts

Use water-soluble bath salts instead of bath oils in your Jacuzzi. Bath salts dissolve in water and do not clog your tub’s components. The salts also do not make your tub’s surfaces slippery. Water-soluble bath salts are available at drug, grocery and retail stores, as well as bath specialty stores. You can also order bath salts online.