Hot Tub | Spa Aromatherapy

To safely enjoy aromatherapy in your Wave hot tub, always use Wave-approved, hot tub-specific products, never pure essential oils or regular bath products. Choose water-dispersible aromatherapy crystals, spa-safe essential oil blends, or fragrance dispensers designed for spa use, and ensure your water is chemically balanced first, as oils can affect sanitizer performance. Add 1–2 capfuls about 15 minutes before your soak for the best scent distribution, making sure the product is compatible with chlorine sanitizers. These spa-safe options protect your filters, seals, and pumps from damage, use no more than 2–3 times per week to avoid buildup and keep your system running smoothly.

Pure essential oils, massage oils, and household oils like coconut or olive oil should never be used in your hot tub, they can damage seals, clog filters, disrupt water chemistry, and even void your warranty. Instead, choose hot tub-safe options such as water-dispersible spa crystals (lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, vanilla), fragrance beads, or liquid aromatherapy blends designed for spa use. These dissolve or disperse completely, protect your system, and maintain sanitizer effectiveness.

For therapeutic benefits, lavender aids relaxation and sleep, eucalyptus supports respiratory clarity, peppermint boosts energy and muscle recovery, and chamomile soothes skin and anxiety. Add aromatherapy only after heating and chemical balancing, starting with half the recommended dose, and store products in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and spa chemicals.

Aromatherapy can slightly influence your hot tub’s chemical balance, but quality spa-specific products are designed to work with chlorine sanitizers without causing major issues. Some scents may nudge pH levels, so test and adjust your water within two hours of adding them. Avoid oil-based products, as they bind with sanitizer molecules and increase chlorine demand.

Spa-safe crystals dissolve cleanly, won’t clog filters, and maintain water clarity, but you should still perform weekly shock treatments to remove organic residues and follow your usual monthly cleaning schedule. If you notice persistent chemical imbalances, reduce aromatherapy use and refer to your chemical troubleshooting guide.

For the best aromatherapy experience, heat your hot tub to 98–104°F, check that your water chemistry is balanced, then add your chosen spa-safe product to the center with jets running. Use about 1 capful or 1 packet of crystals for a 4-person spa, and 1.5 for a 6-person spa. Let the scent circulate for 10–15 minutes before soaking, or add it 30 minutes ahead for full aroma development.

You can add products manually or use an automatic dispenser for steady fragrance release. For variety and stronger effects in colder weather, try blending complementary scents like lavender and chamomile, or rotate fragrances weekly to keep the experience fresh.

Hot tub aromatherapy offers a range of health and wellness benefits by combining warm water therapy with targeted scents. Physically, it can ease muscle tension, support post-workout recovery, improve circulation, and, with scents like eucalyptus or peppermint, aid respiratory clarity. Mentally, lavender and chamomile help reduce stress, promote better sleep, and naturally manage anxiety, while citrus and peppermint can boost mood, energy, and alertness.

Aromatherapy also enhances mindfulness practices, enriches social spa experiences, and can create romantic or calming atmospheres, whether you’re enjoying solo relaxation, couple’s time, or family bonding.