People love hot tubs, or jacuzzi’s. They’re a staple at gyms and in many homes for their relaxation powers. But with that relaxation also comes the whiff of chemicals. To clean is the theory, but at what cost? That’s what has been on my mind recently – how can you run a more chemical free, health promoting hot tub?
I investigated and switched mine over a few weeks ago. I have been regularly having soaks first thing in the morning – what an incredible way to start the day! Instead of getting out reeking of chemicals, my skin was soft and smooth, and smelled of Geranium essential oil, as well as a few others thrown in for good measure (see below).
Based on the recommendation of a few toxin / chemical free friends in the USA, I used a combination of food-grade, 29% Hydrogen Peroxide and high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils (my preference is only Young Living Essential Oils for their high standard Seed to Seal quality guarantee).
Chlorination is the most commonly used chemical for water treatment. It’s theorized to be a safe method for removing microorganisms from water. But it’s now believed that the oxidation and disinfection process produces carcinogenic compounds. Those carcinogenic compounds have been found in chlorinated water. They can be absorbed through our skin as well as inhaled. Beyond its dangers to human health, it’s also bad for the environment.
On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide is not just used to bleach your hair that ultra platinum blonde. It is widely used as a bleaching agent for food and textiles. It is also a high-level disinfectant, and used as an antiseptic and an antimicrobial agent. It doesn’t pose the same risks to humans or the environment.
In addition, Hydrogen Peroxide has a host of other fantastic qualities.
These are the the top advantages for various industrial facilities:
- No contact tank is required because it works faster than chlorine.
- Kills iron bacteria and prevents bacterial slime from building.
- There’s no trace of chemical residues because peroxide decomposes fully into water.
- Because hydrogen peroxide integrates into water immediately, it’s also biodegradable.
- Improves main and secondary filtration, even under conditions with high organic-loads.
- Cleans organic deposits from irrigation systems.
- Removes any odours from the water caused by hydrogen sulphide gas.
Peroxide also removes hydrogen sulphide. This compound is corrosive to plumbing and other fixtures. Meaning that peroxide is lower maintenance. And beyond those benefits, hydrogen peroxide water treatment is also environmentally friendly. It doesn’t pollute water, contaminate soils or harm aquifers. In fact, it actually makes more oxygen for plans and soil to consume.
So what does this new and improved hot tub mix do for you?
- cheaper and way easier to maintain than using chemicals.
- keeps water clear and treated.
- no problems with itching and dry skin caused by chemicals.
- promotes clear, smooth, soft, and healthy skin.
- oils provide enhanced benefit for relaxation and stress relief.
- Geranium is the main oil you need but I also use a few drops of other essential oils that have natural anti-microbial properties.
Here’s My Method:
- Add 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide to a clean average sized hot tub filled with fresh water. [add 60ml a week for maintenance]
- Turn on the circulation pump to distribute evenly.
- Add 10 drops of therapeutic grade Geranium essential oil at water change.
- I also add 3-5 drops each of any 3 of these optional oils at water change: Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Lavender, Lemon, Thieves, Purification.
- For maintenance, add 2-3 drops of Geranium and any optional oils once a week OR each time of use.
- Change the water and clean the tub and filter on average every 3 months or every month if used frequently by children. Apparently, this method honestly keeps you tub so clean that it doesn’t even seem like you need to that often.
