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Salt Water Hot Tubs Banned

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Why Should You Try Saltwater Hot Tubs

HOT TUB CHEMISTRY 101: How to Keep Your Water Balanced | Swim University

Increased water quality

Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that helps keep the water in your hot tub clean and free of bacteria.

Gentle on sensitive bodies

Saltwater is often gentler on the skin than other types of water, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.

No unpleasant odor

Since salt water does not require chlorine, no chlorine smell is present in the air around saltwater hot tubs.

Simplified maintenance

Although the initial investment in a saltwater hot tub may be higher, the maintenance is often simpler since you do not need to worry about chlorine levels.

Fewer chemicals

Saltwater hot tubs require fewer chemicals than traditional hot tubs, making them easier to maintain.

More environmentally friendly

For the same reason, saltwater hot tubs are also more environmentally friendly if used properly!

Compare Hot Tub Brands

  • Arctic Spas Energy-efficient insulation for year-round use. Smartphone app. Also produces all-weather swim spas. Many accessories are available.
  • Bullfrog Spas Uses full foam insulation. Excellent warranty. JetPak Systems allows for interchangeable and adjustable jets.
  • Cal Spas Offers many sizes, hydrotherapy jets, energy-efficient insulation, and also offers swim spas.
  • Caldera Spas Offers entertainment and lighting systems, plus saltwater systems. Large variety of prices and features.
  • Dimension One Spas Offers accent jets, therapy pillows, nonchlorine sanitation systems. Energy-efficient full foam insulation.
  • Hot Springs Spas Popular brand with multiple jet types, energy-efficient insulation, luxury features, and a saltwater system option.
  • Jacuzzi Hot Tubs Popular brand with hydromassage and ergonomic seating and headrests, and excellent customer service.
  • Quality manufacturing in the USA. Offers dozens of models in various shapes. Luxury options include a water management and filtration system, entertainment features, and microsilk cleaning system.
  • Soft Tub Spas Portable, plug and play, soft-sided tubs, that are energy efficient.
  • Sundance Spas High-end spas with patented jet technology. Energy-efficient full foam insulation. Smartphone app to adjust the temperature.
  • Swim Spas / Hydropool Swim and fitness spas extend up to 39′ long for training and exercise swimming against a current.
  • ThermoSpas Ability to custom design a hot tub. Energy-efficient insulation.

Saltwater Hot Tubs Require Cartridge Replacement

When you are buying a hot tub, you will likely expect to have to clean and/or replace a filter. A saltwater hot tub, though, also has a cartridge to create the chemical reaction. Depending on the manufacturer and model, a cartridge will need to be replaced every four months increasing how much it costs to own a hot tub.

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Test The Water Chemistry

Test your pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness and make sure theyre in range based on the recommendations in your chlorinator manual. If anything needs tweaking, adjust it now. And if you need more help with water chemistry, be sure to check out our Hot Tub Chemistry Guide.

Youll also want to add an initial small dose of chlorine or bromine to the water when starting it up for the first time. Salt system manufacturers recommend this to help your system maintain the proper chlorine or bromine levels. You may need to add an initial dose when you drain and refill your hot tub in the future.

History Of Chlorine And Why Its Used

Mua ControlOMatic MegaChlor

Chlorine has been used since the early 1900s as a way to disinfect water. It was the first chemical used for pool treatment. Brown University is known to be the first to attempt to sterilize a pool with chlorine in 1910. In addition to water treatment, its now widely used across industries such as food production, solar energy, and automotive.

Chlorine has been widely used to combat harmful bacteria in hot tubs and pools. Not only is it cost-effective, but it is the most-trusted method when it comes to hot tub and pool treatment.

Read Also: How To Remove Limescale From Swimming Pool Tiles

The Myth About Salt Water Pools

The growing popularity of salt water pools and hot tubs has brought along several myths. The most common misconception is that salt water pools and tubs are chlorine-free. This is not true, because salt water systems actually use chlorine generators. These generators fuel electricity through sodium chloride that produces chlorine as a disinfectant. Thus, there is no such thing as a completely chlorine-free pool.

Regulatory Decision For Sodium Bromide

Health Canada has completed the re-evaluation of sodium bromide. Under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, Health Canada has determined that continued registration of some uses of sodium bromide is acceptable. An evaluation of available scientific information found that some uses of sodium bromide products meet current standards for protection of human health and the environment when used according to the conditions of registration, which include required amendments to label directions. Certain uses of sodium bromide are cancelled as health risks have not been found to be acceptable. Label amendments, as summarized below and listed in Appendix III, are required for all remaining sodium bromide products as well as chlorine electrolysis devices. No additional data are required.

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Can You Convert A Swim Spa To Saltwater

Yes, you can convert a swim spa to saltwater. This can be done with the installation of a special salt system that is specifically designed for swim spas. The saltwater conversion process typically takes about 4-6 hours, depending on the size and model of swim spa.

The process includes installing the saltwater system components, connecting them to the plumbing of the swim spa, filling the swim spa with water, and then adding the correct amount of salt. Once the saltwater system is installed, the swim spa must be maintained and periodically tested to adjust the salt levels as needed.

It is important to follow the manufacturers instructions for proper installation, use, and maintenance of the salt system, as well as for how to properly balance the pH in the water. Additionally, you should check with your warranty provider to ensure that a salt system does not void the warranty of the swim spa.

After saltwater has been installed, it should be shock-treated with chlorine on a regular basis to help maintain the proper hygiene of the swim spa.

Can You Put Salt Water In An Inflatable Hot Tub

Should I Buy A Salt Water Hot Tub?

By: Author Olin Wade

No, you shouldnt put salt water in an inflatable hot tub. While some inflatable hot tubs are designed to accommodate saltwater, it is generally not recommended by manufacturers. This is because the high concentration of salt in the water can corrode the material of the inflatable hot tub, leading to potential tears and other damage.

Also, saltwater is more difficult to filter, leading to difficulties in maintaining the water quality in the hot tub. If you choose an inflatable hot tub that is not designed for saltwater, the saltwater would likely damage the motor and filter, leading to expensive repairs.

It is best to use fresh water in an inflatable hot tub to ensure that it lasts as long as possible and that proper filtering and water quality/chemistry is maintained.

Contents

Recommended Reading: How To Take Care Of Salt Water Pool

Can You Switch From Chlorine To Salt Water Hot Tub

Yes, you can switch from chlorine to salt water hot tubs. Salt water hot tubs use a water purification system known as electrolysis to keep the water clean. This system converts salt into chlorine, which cleans the water.

To switch to a salt water hot tub system, you typically need to drain your hot tub, scour the container with a disinfectant and install the salt chlorinator. You should then fill the hot tub with the recommended amount of salt.

After that, you can balance the pH and alkalinity levels, clean the filters and enjoy your salt water hot tub. Its important that you keep the salt levels balanced in your hot tub to ensure proper water chemistry.

Salt water hot tubs are generally easier to maintain than conventional chlorine-based hot tubs, as you dont need to worry about chemical levels in the water and the system does most of the work for you.

How Much Salt Do I Put In My Hot Tub

The amount of salt you need to put in your hot tub will depend on the size of your hot tub and the hardness of your local water. Generally, you should add between two and four pounds of salt for every hundred gallons of water.

It is important to ensure that your salt level is between 2,500 and 4,000 parts per million . If your salt level is too high, it can corrode the hot tub parts, and if its too low, you may have bacteria and algae problems.

Additionally, if youre using your hot tub for exercise or therapy, higher salt levels may reduce the effectiveness of the therapy. Its a good idea to test the salt levels of your water regularly, as readings can change over time.

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What Are The Benefits Of Using A Salt Water Hot Tub

There are numerous health benefits of a hot tub which encourage anyone who can afford them to invest. Here are some of the top benefits of salt water hot tubs.

  • Fewer chemicals required

One of the most significant benefits of using the saltwater hot tub is that it does not require you to constantly buy chemicals for water sanitization. Me and my team put in extra effort during the production of the hot tub, so that your salt water hot tub requires less maintenance. Salt water hot tubs require approximately 1/4th of the chemical additives as compared to other hot tubs.

  • No drainage hassle

Saltwater hot tubs need to be drained once a year . Salt water hot tubs get less foamy and have fewer scum lines, so the water stays cleaner for longer. This means that you are not bound to clean the hot tubafter every usage the tub would be ready to use each time.

  • Passive heating

Research has backed health benefits resulting from passive heating and hot tubs are, beyond a doubt, one of the best ways of getting passive heating. The study also shows that soaking yourself in hot water can help you burn calories that are equivalent to a brisk walk. Science explains that the reason is the ability of hot water to make your heart beat faster.

  • Best for sensitive eyes and skin
  • Stable quality of water
  • Improved hydrotherapy

History Of Pools And Hot Tubs

Mua ControlOMatic MegaChlor

Pools have been around for centuries. Throughout their existence, they have continuously evolved, using multiple treatment methods for maintenance and safety. For example, over the last 100 years, pools have been treated with the following:

  • Chlorine The first chemical invented for pool treatments in the early 1900s.
  • Ozone Originally used to disinfect drinking water, Ozone was eventually used by Europe and the U.S. in the 60s and 70s to clean pool water.
  • UV UV rays destroy bacteria and viruses by attacking their genetic core DNA.
  • Saltwater With roots from Australia, this is a simple treatment method that entails using salt to produce chlorine.
  • Direct Hydroxyl Injection A recent and modern method that involves injecting hydroxyl radicals to sanitize water.

Hot tubs have also been around for centuries. It all began with the birth and popularity of hot springs and bathing chambers.

Providing hydrotherapy, soaking in hot springs was common among hunters and gatherers who often spent their days doing strenuous physical activities. Later in history, with Japans hot springs and the ancient Romans public and private baths , the concept of hot baths was widely favored activity across cultures.

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Disadvantages Of Using Salt Water Hot Tubs

Keeping other factors aside, one must not forget that the initial cost of installing a salt water hot tub is quite high. Not only is it expensive to purchase, but the replacement cost of cells can turn out to be an added economic burden. Cells last for roughly 18 months and cost somewhere between $200 to $400 for each replacement. However, you may want to bear the higher initial cost as you will end up spending less on buying chemicals later on.

Since the water temperature needs to be maintained in a salt water hot tub, electricity charges are going to increase inevitably. If the system has to maintain the chlorine levels by internal operation, then water temperature should not drop below 60 Fahrenheit.

Salt water hot tubs are designed with materials that resists corrosion. However, if you have converted an ordinary hot tub into a salt water one, you need to watch out for any equipment that can corrode because of the salt water.

How Do Salt Water Hot Tubs Actually Work

So now that we know salt water spas just use salt to create chlorine, we should know how they actually do that.

The chemical compound for salt is NaCl known as Sodium Chloride. The basic idea is if we can separate Sodium from Chloride we can produce chlorine. That chlorine then mixes with the water just like it would if you poured in liquid bleach into the hot tub. That chlorine will create a residual level in the water which can be used to sanitize and oxidize harmful contaminants.

So how does a salt chlorine generator separate the chloride from the sodium?

It uses a process called electrolysis.

Let us see the Wikipedia Explanation:

Saltwater chlorination is a process that uses dissolved salt as a store for the chlorination system. The chlorine generator uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt to produce chlorine gas or its dissolved forms -hypochlorous acid / sodium hypochlorite – which is the sanitizing agent already commonly used in swimming pools. Hydrogen is produced as a byproduct too.

As such, a saltwater pool is not actually chlorine-free it simply utilizes added salt and a chlorine generator instead of the direct addition of chlorine.

In chemistry and manufacturing, electrolysis is a technique that uses a direct electric current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction.

Basically, it zaps the salt with electricity which causes the sodium and chloride molecules to separate.

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Benefits Of Salt Water Hot Tub Systems

A salt water hot tub system is not just a hot tub filled with seawater, nor can it be achieved by dumping a bunch of table salt in your tub and hoping for the best. A salt water sanitation system is carefully designed and engineered to create a constant supply of chlorine in your hot tub from the interaction of salt and water through a process known as electrolysis. The small amount of chlorine produced by this process is more than enough to keep the water constantly fresh and contaminant-free, while remaining too low to generate a smell or irritate the eyes or skin. It’s the best of both worldsclean water without the possible side effects of chlorine.

The primary benefits of salt water hot tub sanitation systems include the following:

While the benefits of a salt water sanitation system are many, there are a couple of drawbacks. Here’s a rundown of the possible sticking points that hot tub owners should know when considering a salt water system:

Can A Hot Tub Be Saltwater

Freshwater Salt System Water Care Class

Over the last decade, saltwater sanitized hot tubs have become more and more commonplace. A lot of folks dont realize that a hot tub can, in fact, be saltwater. Sanitizing a hot tub that uses chlorine or bromine is a lot of work. The process of sterilizing a hot tub with chlorine or bromine is called Shocking.

Shocking the water, will essentially:

  • Reduce the amount of organic matter in your hot tub
  • Disinfect the hot tub of bacteria
  • Get rid of bromine or chloramine contaminants from the hot tub
  • Keep the bromides active and aid in the cleanliness of your hot tub

The problem with using chlorine or bromine is that these chemicals are harsh. Sometimes after a shocking, if the pH levels arent adequate, youll have to wait 24 hours after to get into your hot tub. Additionally, many report a burning sensation in their eyes and nose from the chemicals in the hot tub water.

Chlorine levels in any hot tub should be in the 1.0 and 3.0ppm range according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Benefits Of Mineral Filtration

When you are buying a hot tub, you want a spa that offers easy maintenance, clean water, and few chemicals.

Master Spas uses a mineral filtration system, which helps hot tub owners maintain crystal clear water with fewer chemicals.

The EcoPur Charge hot tub filter replicates the way nature uses copper and zinc to purify water and remove dirt, bacteria, and algae. The innovative design features a nautilus cell and spring core that allow for maximum water flow. As the water flows through this master core, it is charged by low levels of copper and zinc oxides. These natural elements are safe for your hot tub and create a more efficient way to maintain clear, clean water.

What Does Canadas Decision On Sodium Bromide Even Mean

Spa owners across Canada have been contacting us to find out more about the reevaluation of sodium bromides safety. Sodium bromide is a registered pesticide in Canada, and for many years its been one of the preferred methods for controlling algae, slime-forming bacteria, and other microorganisms in hot tubs. However, the tides have turned. In its most recent reevaluation , the government deemed the risk to human health from the misuse of sodium bromide by consumers too dangerous to continue to have it available to individual Canadians. So what does that mean for spa enthusiasts?

The Canadian government released the following risk mitigation measures to protect the general population from residual exposure:

  • Manufacturers have been informed of the new changes, and parts and supplies are no longer available for the maintenance of sodium bromide systems.
  • Manufacturers have cancelled all bromine swimming pools, spa electrolysis devices, or sodium bromide products intended for use in swimming pools and spa electrolysis devices.
  • Sodium bromide spa products used in combination with potassium monopersulfate are also no longer permitted for use.

Further, all chlorine swimming pools and spa electrolysis devices will indicate they are not to be used with sodium bromide products. Any remaining sodium bromide swimming pools or spa products must not be used in combination with electrolysis, ozonation, or UV.

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