Pertinent Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Your Ionic Foot Spa:
What is the ideal amperage I should look for?
answer: We suggest that you search for units that have at least 2.5 Amps....preferably 3.0 Amps. Be aware that some go as high as 5.5 Amps for the "Pro" units! Oftentimes you will not be using your footbath at the high end on the amperage scale but as you progress with your detoxification process, the extra amperage will beneficial.
What is the ideal wattage to look for?
answer: Preferably 150+ watts is what is often suggested.
Can I manually adjust the amperage by the current flow or does the unit get only controlled by adding salt to the footbath water?
answer: Amperage is best controlled by current and not the salt but this is also dependent upon the individual taking the treatment and the quality of the water supply.
What is the frequency/Hertz the power unit is running at?Â
answer: You do not want 60 Hz...........this can potentially be harmful to the body
Is the power unit running at single polarity or dual?Â
answer: Single polarity (for the most part) is preferred based upon the ionization process, since we're looking to eliminate positive ions (these are the toxins).
What protection mechanisms does the power footbath unit offer?Â
answer: You should purchase a unit that has an auto shut off, is electrically "certified" and properly grounded. Note: some, not all, of the mass produced units overseas do not have as many safety features as those made in the USA. Also, some overseas units have lead and other toxic chemicals built into their machines. Something's wrong with this picture!
Is the power unit built into the footbath tub or is it separate?
answer: For more flexibility and portability, a separate tub is preferred so you can use it in any type of location .. even in your bath tub.
Is the footbath tub made of plastic or a conductive material?Â
answer: Conductive material such as copper is best for your experience since plastic is inert and has no conductive properties. If you go copper, it's an added expense but it may be worth it in the long run.
If the water module is using a copper plate, is it 100% pure copper or does it have beryllium or any other toxic substance in it?
answer: A unit that has 100% pure copper is preferred because beryllium is a carcinogen. Again, we're looking to improve health by ridding the body of toxins and do NOT want to add any additional exposure---especially during the detox process!
Is the water module/array disposable, or do I have to replace the plates manually?
answer: It's definitely quicker and easier to replace a whole unit as opposed to individual plates.
Both methods are fine and won't hinder the effectiveness of the unit. It just takes longer to switch plates as opposed to a whole unit.
How many baths do you get out of the water module/array?
answer: Obviously, the more the better. Some units may get up to 80 uses/water module/array...but this also depends on the user.
What is the cost per usage of the unit?Â
answer: Most units try to keep the cost /use under $2.00. Some units run as low as $.50/use....you still have to weigh cost/use vs. quality and features of the footbath.
Is the water module built in to the footbath tub or is it separate?
answer: Separate/portable water modules/arrays are preferred because it can be used in any type of tub .. even a bath tub!
How is the water module cleaned and how do I disinfect it?
answer: You want to have direct access to the plates to remove the mineral and toxin build up.
Some manufacturers state that "hospital grade" disinfectant is recommended....and I agree! Some companies have their own "solution" for disinfecting, while one manufacturer even recommended using apple cider vinegar as part of their "disinfectant" process.
What salt should I use.... high quality, special grade, sea salt, salt with trace minerals or basic processed salt?
answer: A high quality salt is always recommended..but the amperage can also be a booster to the effectiveness of the salt. Some companies have their own "grade" and specialty salt. A lot also depends on the type of water that is used for the footbath.
What is the total price of the unit...are there any "add ons" necessary for functionality?
answer: Some units require the purchase of "extras" that really have no added benefit. Unless you have an open wallet, the add ons will not have much more of a cleansing/detoxing benefit.
What is the warranty/return policy?
answer: Some manufacturers offer 5 year warranties, others 3 years or less. Some manufacturers offer a 30 day full refund return policy. Others will offer this return policy but charge a restocking fee.These are specific to brands and models, so this must be discussed on an individual basis.
New Questions and Answers Regarding Ionic Foot Spas
Q: What are the things I should be looking for when buying an ionic foot spa?
A: There are many factors to take into consideration. First of all, what kind of warranty does it have? Most companies will only have a 1 year warranty. After that, if there are any problems, you have to pay the whole amount again. Beware of companies that offer no warranty, or short warranties. Afterall, an electrical device will probably not break the first year. Even if the company has a 5 year warranty, that is better, but if the company that has a warranty that lasts a lifetime, even if there is a small deductible is better in the long run.
Q: Why do some foot spas have belts with them?
A: The waist belt is a far-infrared heating belt. Tests have shown far infrared heat to be of extreme benefit to the human body. In addition, the belt has a warming component, which increases circulation and has been shown to get 30% more toxins out than a unit wihtout the belt. If you are looking for a strong detox, then look for a unit with the far infrared heating belt.
Q: I have seen some units that are able to treat 2 people at the same time. What can you tell me about those?
A: The good thing about those units, is they are usually around the same price as a single unit which can only treat one person. The dual unit, as they are called, saves time for couples, families, and can double the profit potential in clinic settings. If the price is basically the same, I would recommend the dual unit.
Q: I see a lot of companies taking about the amperage of their units. What can you tell me aobut that?
A: A lot of companies will tell you they have high amperage. However, you don’t necessarily want the highest amperage. What you want is the correct and proper amount of amperage for your body. The foot spa which adjusts for each individual human body is the best. And, it has been found that the human body detoxes the safest somewhere between 1.2 and 2.2 amps. Â
Q: Why do some foot spas have wrist bands and some do not?
A: There are many different schools of thought about this. However, the benefit of having a wrist band is that there is a complete circuit being made between the foot spa and your body. Also, the upper body will be more stimulated, and thus release more toxins. So, to make sure you are getting as strong and safe a detox as possible, it is recommended to get a unit with the wristband.
Q: I see some foot spa companies that have a copper tub. Does this really help?
A: It may help some. But the benefit does not warrant the extreme price difference. The other problem with using that tub, is it must be cleaned by someone after each use. Before you buy one, picture yourself scrubbing a large copper tub full of nasty toxins while your next client/family member is watching and waiting for you. I don’t think so.
Q: Some companies claim they only use Himalayan salt or sea salt. What about that?
A: It’s true that Himalayan salt or sea salt is better to use than regular table salt. However, some companies will charge you a lot just to send some sea salt with the unit, where as you can actually go to any health food store and buy that same salt for about one tenth of the price. To be honest, and many companies won’t like me saying this, you can still get a decent detox with regular old table salt. True, you won’t be soaking your feet in the “purest� and “finest� salt, but the small amount that is actually in the water, and the 30 minutes or less that you’re getting the treatment, doesn’t really matter that much.
Is there any proof ionic footbaths actually detoxify the body?
While there have been no published clinical studies there have been small independent non published studies done at detoxification clinics that have shown good results. There has also been years of field consensus amongst practitioners and individuals that they do have an effect, however there is also just as much feedback from people reporting no benefits. No doubt the latter is because 95% of the footbath brands out there are cheap products with poor quality components and not nearly enough amperage power to pull toxins effectively.
Over many years of a lot of accrued feedback from practitioners, what was found is a common agreement on different color changes in the footbath water being related to the detoxification of certain parts of a person’s body or related to certain health conditions. Color changes will occur naturally without feet being put in the water due to oxidation of the array and interaction with any particulate in the water being used. But the addition of feet will change it to other colors so clearly something from the person’s body is being released into the bath.
Who should be wary of using a footath?
•People who have low blood pressure should eat before use.
•People who have battery operated implants(e.g. pace makers) should not use.
•People who suffer from severe heart disease that are on medication all the time should CONTACT THEIR CARE GIVER.