Hot Tub Jets Making You Itchy? Here's Why
By Jennifer Rhodes · Updated
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Hot tub jets are meant to be relaxing, right? Well, for the most part, they are. However, it isn't uncommon for people to complain that their hot tub jets make them itchy. Why is this?
There are several reasons why hot tub jets could make you itchy. In some cases, it may be because the jet pressure is set too high. In others, it may be the water itself—either texture or temperature. Finally, you could just be spending a little too long in the spa, which can irritate your skin after a while.
I'm not talking about itching after you get out of the spa here, as this has its own set of causes. I'm talking about that itching you feel right as the jets are working on your sore, tired muscles.
Let's go into this in a bit more depth, and offer some solutions to this common problem. You'll finally be able to get to the bottom of why your hot tub jets are not the relaxing experience you were hoping for.
The jets are too strong
The most common cause of itchy skin in a hot tub is the pressure of the water jets. If the jets are too strong, they can irritate the skin, causing an itchy sensation. This is especially common in more powerful, high-end spas.
The best way to alleviate this problem is to lower the pressure of the jets or to move to a different seat in the tub. Some people find that certain seats are more susceptible to jet-induced itchiness than others.
By experimenting with different positions, you should be able to find a spot that doesn't make your skin itch. And once you've found that perfect spot, you can sit back and enjoy your spa experience without any annoying itchiness.
Water can have a drying effect
It may sound counterintuitive, but water can actually have a drying effect on the skin, stripping away natural oils and leaving the skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.
One way to combat this problem in your spa is to add a borate-based water softener to the tub, like ProTeam Spa Gentle Spa or SpaPure Simply Soft:
This type of softener helps to make the water feel silky smooth, and can even have a moisturizing effect. As a result, your skin will retain more moisture, helping to alleviate the itchiness and dryness.
Maintaining ~50 ppm borates in your spa will stabilize your pH and also make your water feel softer.
Borate-based water softeners can work with any sanitizing system and also act as a pH buffer, keeping your hot tub easier to balance. What's not to like?
The temperature is set too high
Another reason hot tubs can cause itchiness is because the water temperature is set too high. When the water is too hot, it strips away the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated.
The solution is to lower the temperature of the water. Most hot tubs have a maximum temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, but lowering it to around 100 degrees will make a world of difference for your skin. So if you're looking to avoid that itchiness, just turn down the heat.
You're taking long spa sessions
Finally—and no one likes to hear this one—the itchiness could be due to simply spending too much time in the spa.
When you soak in a hot tub, your skin pores open up and expose your body to jet pressure, heat, and chemicals from the water. This can lead to skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The good news is that it's easy to avoid this problem by simply limiting your time in the hot tub. Try shorter sessions (15 minutes is a good guideline), and make sure to take a shower afterwards to wash off any residue. With a little care, you can enjoy all the benefits of your hot tub without any itchiness!
The bottom line
If you're experiencing itchy skin while being pummeled by those wonderful jets in your hot tub, one of the above reasons is likely to blame. By troubleshooting the issue, you can hopefully get relief from that pesky itching and be able to enjoy your spa experience fully!
