I had my first Ionic foot bath today. Mainly out of curiosity. It cost 25.00 for 25 minutes. The water turned the same color as all the others I have read about or seen photos of. I was grossed out at having my feet in such nasty tap water. My theory is: In the busy society we live in, taking 25 minutes of a quiet, hot foot bath is so relaxing that we feel better. In doing so...we have slowed down from the busy rat race of life; we have enjoyed doing something nice for ourself; we have bought a service where someone tends to us kindly and possibly have a mind set that it is healing to us. What better way to have a 'mind over matter' personal treatment? Does the ionic footbath work? yes, because it slows you down from your busy lifestyle. I have personally done the day spa treatment, had massages and the results are all the same. TAKING time for yourself is a good thing! I will probably not return to the ionic foot bath, I would much rather go and have a pedicure. For the same amount of money, a common pedicure gives you a whirlpool footbath, a sea salt scrub, a toe and leg massage and you also have your toenails cleaned, clipped and /or painted pretty. The results of the 'clean feeling' and relaxation gives you more bang for your buck. The massage chair that you also receive with a pedicure is well worth the 25.00. I'll do a pedicure over a ionic footbath in the future. It smells better, is cleaner feeling and I'd rather take vitamins and eat my veggies for a healthy lifestyle. Using Epsom salts in a long, hot, soaking bath at home is alot cheaper also or I'll let Calgon TAKE ME AWAY. The important thing is to pamper yourself, however you chose to do it.