What Is A Saltwater System
Saltwater systems are found on many high end hot tubs and are widely regarded as the pinnacle of water care systems due to their ease of use and low maintenance. With just a little salt added to your spas water, the system will automatically generate chlorine when needed to keep your spa water clean and clear for up to a full year until you have to drain and refill.
Some of the benefits of Saltwater systems include:
- More natural-feeling water with no itchy, dry skin or eyes
- Fewer chemicals added and no harsh odors
- Simple water care means more time enjoying your spa
- Conserve water by reducing spa drain and refills to once a year*
The Problem With Salt Water Hot Tub Conversion Kits
Converting your chlorine hot tub to a salt water hot tub can be done in one of two easy ways: drop-in chlorinators or in-line chlorinators. Drop-in chlorinators are just that: chlorinators that hot tub owners can drop in and forget about, at least for a little. Other than possibly having to deal with the sight of a cord hanging out of the side of your tub, they dont require any alterations to your current tub just a nearby outlet. In-line chlorinators require professional help and must be spliced directly into the internal plumbing system of your current tub. Both types of chlorinators use low levels of electricity to remove the chloride from the sodium chloride, or salt the only difference is your preference.
However, before deciding to convert your hot tub to a salt water tub, be sure to verify what isand what is notcovered under the tub manufacturers warranty. Many hot tub manufacturers will decline warranty coverage if conversion kits are used or if any damage to the hot tubs internal components result from the use of salt water. Fortunately, theres a great alternative that will keep your warranty intact and provide all the same benefits of a salt water system
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Salt Water Hot Tub
- Hefty Upfront Investment Salt water hot tubs cost more than regular hot tubs, but since theyre easier to maintain, eventually it may be a wash.
- You Still Need to Maintain the Hot Tub Many people think salt water hot tubs are maintenance-free, but you still have to measure the chlorine levels, balance the water, and clean the filter. Even though you spend less time, theres still maintenance.
- Salt Water May Corrode the Hot Tub Parts All parts wear down with use and salt water may cause corroding which may require more frequent replacement of parts such as your heater and hot tub filters/filtration system
- You Must Replace Cartridges Salt water hot tubs have cartridges that you must replace every few months, adding to the hot tubs cost
- You Can Void the Warranty Read your manufacturers warranty to make sure you arent voiding it by using salt rather than traditional chlorine. Some warranties dont allow it.
- The Water Must Remain Above 60 Degrees Fahrenheit Salt water hot tubs shut down if they are colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit because the chlorinator cant turn salt into chlorine in the colder temperatures, rendering the hottub unsafe.
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Temperature Levels Are Key
As the temperature levels drop, the actual effectiveness of your saltwater system to produce chlorine goes right down. Under 60 degrees Fahrenheit will create problems for the system, as most shut down at these temperatures or below, which can create a breeding ground for micro-organisms as the chlorine levels plummet.
Where To Find Salt Water Sanitation Systems
Now that you’re equipped with some knowledge about the differences between salt water systems and traditional water care systems, the next step is finding hot tub in your area. It’s important to note that salt water systems are not available for use with every brand or model of a hot tub. At Hot Spring® Spas, our Highlife® Collection and Limelight® Collection spas are all capable of using the exclusive FreshWater® salt water system.Your local Hot Spring dealer can help you decide if a salt water sanitation system is right for you.
Hot Spring Spas is committed to bringing you the highest quality hot tubs available anywhere. We have a full range of options available, including both salt water and traditional water systems. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from providing valuable information via our website to helping you find a great local dealer, to making sure your hot tub is still making you happy years after your purchase.
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Saltwater Hot Tub Reviews
1.Not much effort required
The use of salt water system does not require much effort. You only need to balance pH and alkalinity, which is really simple. According to an Amazon review , the headache of balancing chemicals is very low as compared to when you are using a chlorine or bromine hot tub. No mess or fuss.
2.No special maintenance required
One of the most significant points that people highlighted is that a salt water system does not require a lot of tiring maintenance. However, a review pointed out not to let anything accumulate and you are good to go accumulation happens when there is a lack of cleaning.
3.Easier to install
Salt water hot tubs have been reviewed as an easy-to-install product. As far as chlorine and bromine water tubs are concerned, they are not only trickier to install but there are other things to keep in mind like the pH level, balancing, and adding chlorine for every use.
4.Less hassle of draining
Reviewers have mentioned a lot of good things about salt water systems. A review declared that even in the duration of seven months, it required the water to be changed just once.
5.Comfortable to use
The product is highly preferable, it has no bad odor and does not lead to itchy eyes. It gives an extra softening effect to the skin. The level of salt is not high, rather it is like a teardrop .
So What Is It With Chlorine That Causes These Issues
Some folks just dont check the chlorine levels in their hot tubs or pools on a much needed and consistent basis. When chlorine combines with ammonia, sweat, oils, and urine, you get an abundance of chloramines in your hot tub. These chloramines are an irritant to anyone who uses the hot tub, they will provide a burning sensation to the skin and eyes.
Chlorine is also very dehydrating to skin, which is why many suffer from dryness after using a pool and hot tub treated with chlorine. Chlorine actually binds to the hair and the skin it then strips them of their natural oils. So immediately afterward youre going to notice brittle hair and dry skin. This is also why many with color-treated hair notice green hues appearing.
Dr. Ana Duarte, the director of dermatology at Nicklaus Childrens Hospital in Miami, told Live Science in an interview last summer that, Excess chlorine in the pool can sometimes also cause small amounts of vapor to come out of the water, which can trigger asthma. To best reduce the effects of chlorine its best to shower and moisturize immediately after Duarte goes on to advise.
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What Is A Salt Water Hot Tub
The difference between a simple hot tub and a salt water hot tub is the addition of the salt cell chlorinator. The chlorinator releases the chlorine in salt water hot tubs you do not need to add chemical chlorine directly into the hot tub. The chlorine released by the chlorinator dissolves to generate natural chlorine. This chlorine helps in keeping the hot tub clean, safe, and hygienic.
There are hot tubs with a built-in saltwater system, such as the Intex PureSpa Deluxe.
Decide How To Convert To A Saltwater Tub Chlorine Vs Bromine
There are two ways to get a saltwater hot tub chlorine generators and bromine generators. Chlorinators are more popular as they are at least half the price of brominators . There are also saltwater systems that can produce both chlorine or bromine depending on the type of salt you use .
| Chlorinator |
Note: Only bromine generators should be usedin wooden hot tubs because chlorine has a bad effect on wood.
Verdict:
I cant give a simple answer to which is better, bromine or chlorine? This age-old dilemma also applies to saltwater systems. hoose what is more suitable for you based on the characteristics.
Chlorinator is my personal choice for saltwater hot tubs since it has significant advantages: the cost and the availability of the device and the cost of salt.
Tip: If you are still hesitant, buy a salt system in which you can use both salts and try it by yourself you can use theControlOMatic SmarterSpa.
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How Does Our Unique System Help Keep Your Hot Tub Clean And Healthy For Longer
One of the primary concerns about owning a spa is water care. The FreshWater Salt System lets you spend more time relaxing in your hot tub and almost no time maintaining it.
The exclusive FreshWater Salt System is an option for all Highlife® Collection and Limelight® Collection spa models. Available only in the U.S.
Benefits Of Saltwater Hot Tubs
Before we walk you through the process of converting your hot tub to salt water, lets look at a few of the benefits of saltwater hot tubs to leave you better informed.
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How Does Hot Tub Salt Become Chlorine
Salt water chlorinators, chlorine generators, or bromine generators contain a chlorinator cell composed of titanium plates and electrodes. When placed into properly salinated water, the chlorinator cell uses a minuscule, safe amount of electricity to transform your waters salt solution into chlorine via a process called electrolysis. Heres what a typical salt water system looks like:
For the generator to work, youll need to add pool salt or hot tub salt. If you see it labeled as pool salt, thats perfectly fine to use in your hot tub. This salt is chemically the same thing as table salt, but its a coarser grind to work better in a chlorine or bromine generator. So only add pool-grade or spa-grade salt to your water. If you want bromine in your water, youll want to add sodium bromide salts.
You May Still Need To Shock
While the maintenance of a salt water hot tub is far less than whats required with a bromine or chlorine system, it doesnt mean you can neglect your hot tub entirely. Its essential to consistently monitor the water quality, and understand that if things do get out of balance, a shock may be required to get the water clean again.
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Discover The Cal Spas Difference
At Cal Spas of Minnesota, we dont say whatever it takes to make a salewe say it like it is. If we dont truly believe our hot tub or swim spa is the best option for your family, we wont sell it to you. Its that simple.
For over 35 years, weve been offering Minnesotans a complete lineup of home resort and wellness products designed to turn their backyards and patios into their own private retreats. Contact us today for a free spa consultation.
Advantages Of Saltwater Spas
Saltwater spas are a great choice for a relaxing spa pool experience with many advantages to look forward to compared to the more chemically reliant chlorine spa pool system. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a saltwater spa:
- Better buoyancy and water softness
- More gentle for sensitive eyes and skin
- Low maintenance: automatic natural chlorine production
- Less chemical smell
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The Benefits Of Salt Water
Saying goodbye to harsh chemicals and additives has never been easier. Advanced technology converts salt into chlorine, by way of a swimming pool or hot tub generator. The resulting salt water concentration, or salinity, is less than a human tear drop. Most pool, hot tub and spa owners do not smell or taste the salt. In turn, the swimmers and bathers reap the benefits of salt water.
Are Saltwater Spas Better Than Freshwater Spas
Do yourself a favor and invest in a hot tub. Research has shown that it is worth it. Gone are the days when mineral or spring water used to attract people to use spas saltwater hot tubs are now dominating the market.
There are a number of benefits that make this particular spa-type a preferred option, but there are also some disadvantages. Lets look at the benefits and some drawbacks in detail.
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Saving Water With The Freshwater Salt System
Preserving and reusing our natural resources is more important today than ever before. The FreshWater Salt System was imagined, designed, and manufactured with water conservation as a top priority.
Since spa water purified by the FreshWater Salt System lasts longer, it cuts down on water use. Depending on local regulations, used hot tub water may be reused as grey water. If gray water use is permitted in your area, let the spa water sit for a few days without generating chlorine to allow the sanitizer to completely dissipate. When ready, you can use the gray water in several ways:
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Washing a car, recreation vehicle, or house Using a submersible pump, garden hose, and a nozzle, hot tub owners can use their spa water to wash their cars, recreational vehicles, or their homes. A submersible pump is the simplest way to generate enough pressure for washing. If the hot tub is at a higher elevation than the house or vehicle, gravity itself can be used to provide pressure as well.
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Watering a lawn or garden. Using a garden hose and sprinkler, hot tub owners can water shrubs, trees, vegetables, and even their lawns
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Wetting a homes foundation. Gray water can help prevent home foundations in drier parts of the United States from cracking when dry soil or rock shifts beneath them.
Using our best salt water system helps hot tub owners feel great every day.
Who Should Buy A Saltwater Hot Tub
Saltwater hot tubs are ideal for homeowners who want to enjoy a gentle hot tub experience. The added cost of a salt cell can be offset by easier maintenance and more enjoyable use.
When it comes to deciding which hot tub to buy, choose the one that has the features you want and will be easiest for you to maintain.
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The Top 11 Salt Water Hot Tub Benefits
To keep water clean, salt water hot tub systems generate chlorine automatically from trace amounts of salt dissolved in the water. This method is far more efficient than adding chlorine by hand every week. But the advantages dont stop there. Heres a look at the top 11 benefits of salt water hot tubs, from experience to ownership, and why new innovations mean systems are more user-friendly than ever before.
Salt water hot tubs are gaining popularity as people look for more natural ways to improve their health and wellness. Compared to the chemicals found in traditional chlorine systems, salt water hot tubs offer a gentler, more relaxing spa experience. Not only that, but theyre also easier to maintain.
Myth #: Saltwater Hot Tubs Are Chlorine
While its true that water and salt are about as natural as it gets, when the two are combined inside a specialized electric cell, a chemical reaction known as electrolysis occurs. This reaction createsyou guessed itchlorine. So, the next time someone tells you their saltwater spa is chemical-free, you can politely correct them.
Now, they may claim that their saltwater system produces significantly less chlorine than what is traditionally added to a hot tub. This claim, again, is untrue as they produce roughly the same amount. That said, when it comes to sanitizing sweat, skin oil, and bacteria, do you really want less chlorine or the carefully calculated amount that has been proven effective for decades?
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Pros And Cons Of Chlorine Water Treatment
A spa pool is a big investment so you want to make sure you are putting your money where it holds the most value and enjoyment for you or your business. A chlorine spa pool is a great option, but everything has its pros and cons. So, before settling on a final decision, lets go over some of the main pros and cons you should consider when buying a chlorine spa pool system.
Salt Water Care System
The Onzen Salt Water system is Arctic Spas® proprietary salt water system that produces sanitizer from Dead Sea salts through the process of electrolysis. Salt-water sanitizer generation has several advantages over traditional sanitizer methods.
Firstly, sanitizer is created, rather than added to the system and so there is very little on-going cost related to this system. The resulting spa water is much more gentle to skin and eyes, and has a similar salinity to a human tear.
Onzen has many unique features that have overcome previous challenges tied to salt water systems for spas. The first is that Onzen has a user-replaceable electrode cartridge. Electrolysis is a sacrificial process the electrodes will eventually deteriorate and require replacement.
The replacement of the Onzen titanium electrode cartridge is a simple and inexpensive maintenance item that does not require the tub to be drained. The second key feature of Onzen is the ability to control the system either from the topside control, or via the Arctic Spas® smartphone App.
This user adjustment can be used to match the sanitizer output of the Onzen system to the current, or anticipated bather load. The use of the Onzen Salt Water system can significantly reduce the effort required to maintain clear and safe spa water, but we do suggest adding Peak Ozone to maximize the benefit of the Onzen Salt Water system.
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