By Benjamin Clarke | Published on 28th September 2021

What products can you use in a whirlpool bath?

Relaxing in your whirlpool bath is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether you're easing sore muscles or unwinding after a stressful day, a soak in your luxury spa bath offers mental and physical benefits in equal measure. But what if you want to take it up a notch with some added extras, like bubble bath, salts, or oils? It's a common and important question. Not every bath product is whirlpool-safe, and using the wrong thing could mean foamy chaos or even problems with your system over time.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what’s safe, what to avoid, and how to enhance your whirlpool experience without compromising the performance or hygiene of your bath.

Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Whirlpool Bath

Low-foam bubble bath - a safer soak
Bath salts - a jet-safe favourite
Anti-foam/Defoamer for a cleaner soak
Products to avoid in your whirlpool bath
Explore more from Luna Spas

Low-foam bubble bath - a safer soak

Pouring in a glug of traditional bubble bath might feel like a no-brainer. After all, it’s a staple of many people’s bath-time rituals. But with a whirlpool bath, it’s not quite that simple.

The powerful jets that make whirlpool baths so enjoyable can agitate regular bubble bath to the point where your bathroom starts to look like a foam party. While this won’t damage your system, it can turn your relaxing soak into a messy clean-up job.

The solution is to look for specially formulated low-foam bubble baths designed for whirlpool use. These still give you the fragrance and light bubbles you want, without overflowing or interfering with the jet performance.

Bath salts - a jet-safe favourite

Bath salts like Epsom or Dead Sea salts are a fantastic addition to any soak. They’re known for their muscle-soothing, skin-softening properties and they’re generally safe to use in a whirlpool bath as long as they don’t contain oils that are too thick. Thick, oily additives can cling to the inside of your bath’s pipework and filter, eventually causing build-up that affects water flow and cleanliness.

To stay on the safe side, don't choose anything that is too oily, avoid anything with glitter and always give your whirlpool bath a thorough rinsing after use. Please also note that, while plain bath salts are fine in regular whirlpool baths, they’re not advised in chlorinated hot tubs as they can disrupt pH balance.

For a range of products suitable for your bath, please visit our bath salts and oils accessories section.

Anti-foam/Defoamer for a cleaner soak

Even if you haven’t added any product to your bath, you might occasionally notice a line of foam or cloudy patches on the water’s surface. This is often caused by natural oils from your skin, or residue from lotions, deodorants, sun cream, or fake tan.

Adding a capful or two of anti-foam (also known as defoamer) can help to quickly clear up any unwanted bubbles and make your water look and feel fresher. This is particularly useful if you're sharing the bath or haven’t cleaned it in a while. It’s a quick way to restore the clarity of your soak.

For more comprehensive look at keeping your luxury bath clean, please read Are Whirlpool Tubs Sanitary? And How to Clean Them Properly.

Products to avoid in your whirlpool bath

Some products are best kept out of your whirlpool altogether. These include:

Bath bombs (especially glittery, fizzy or oily ones). The residue can clog your pipes and jets.
Essential oils. These might smell nice, but they can leave behind a sticky film inside the plumbing.
Soapy or highly fragranced shower gels and shampoos.These tend to produce excess foam and often contain ingredients that aren’t designed to be cycled through a water system.

If you want to add fragrance, look for bath products specifically labelled as “whirlpool-safe” or “low-foam.”

Further reading: How to Clean Whirlpool Baths

Ready to take your spa sessions to the next level?

Explore our curated range of whirlpool-safe products — from low-foam bubble baths and soothing salts to cleaning solutions — all designed to help you enjoy your bath safely and with complete peace of mind.

Shop Whirlpool Bath Accessories

Explore more from Luna Spas

At Luna Spas, we don’t just offer luxury whirlpool baths, we offer carefully crafted experiences designed to transform your bathroom into a personal wellness retreat. From our industry-leading 20-jet Quantum range to the pinnacle of hydrotherapy, the Tranquility Pools, every bath is made to order and tailored to your exact preferences. Whether you're looking for sleek, modern styles or something with a more classic feel, you'll find a bath that fits your vision perfectly.

And if you're looking for expert advice, inspiration, or guidance before you buy, our blog and knowledgebase are packed with practical, down-to-earth articles that help you understand every aspect of whirlpool ownership, from installation tips to water care, accessories, and more.