To scientifically answer this question, all influences must be discussed. Basically, all ionic footbaths are based on the electrolysis of water. In this process there are five influences to consider: power level, type of water, metal plate alloy content, type of salt/additives and the epidermis of the foot. Here we will talk about some of them:
Power level:
Voltage is a very important part of the problem. First of all, we need to know that according to Bohr’s atomic physics model, at least 13.6 volts must be applied to the water to allow electrons to jump into the hydrogen atom (negative ions released). Also, it is important to maintain a voltage well above this minimum to create a level of ionization that allows saturation to occur. Low energy levels can cause ionization, but these released ions will recombine as fast as they are produced. Creating them faster than they can be recombined is essential; needs an adjustable and regulating power source. Conversely, providing too much power to the bath can create a tunneling effect where the flow exceeds the amount of alloy plate surface available and the overall electrolysis effect is diminished.
Water:
Most of the water that comes from a public tap has its own impurities that due to electrolysis are separated or recombined from their original state of soluble suspension in the water. Ordinary tap water may contain varying amounts of suspended solids such as sodium, lead, calcium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, copper, fluorine, iron, mercury, sulfates, and organic. debris. These impurities are found in very small and safe amounts in tap water. In the presence of electrolysis, these impurities clump together to such a size that they are visible. Highly filtered waters, such as reverse osmosis, distilled, and tap waters, often produce much less color and appear to have lower visual activity. They are also not very conductive to the electrical process and require more salt. These types of water are actually not the best option for producing ionization for the most efficient session.
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Sea salts/ additives:
Sea salt is an integral part of the process. First, it allows to control the conductivity of the water, more salt, more current; the user can control the rate of electrolysis with the level of salt in the bath. Second, its structure allows saturation of the bath with ionization. Without the salt, the bath will produce electrolysis but often will not become saturated with ionization. Some footbath manufacturers provide salts with added minerals or salts that are naturally high in minerals, creating many amazing-looking colors that go beyond naturally occurring colors. This addition of minerals makes the bath very conductive; unfortunately, this means very little sea salt is added. With less sea salt, there are fewer salt crystal structures in the bath, this can negatively affect the overall ionization. Always use a “no additive” sea salt and water type combination that allows for the greatest production and retention of ions in the bath. Having to add too much salt to a bath to get the electrolysis process going (low power units) can wear out the matrix plates/rings too quickly.
This overview is a very basic attempt to explain the complex, chemical, and atomic reactions that occur in an ionic foot bath. If you are more curious, here is a link and there is a lot of information on the internet and in your local library about these processes.