Find Out Whats Best For You
We hope this quick rundown on the pros and cons of using a saltwater system will help you make the right decision for your new hot tub.
If youre having trouble deciding to use a saltwater system or a traditional chlorine system in your new spa, our team of friendly, experienced staff can help you navigate the best choice. With advantages and disadvantages to both, much of it depends on your specific situation.
Salt Water Hot Tubs Vs Chlorine Hot Tubs
So, youve decided to buy a hot tubcongratulations! Youre about to enter a whole new world of enjoyment with health benefits. Daily relaxation and rejuvenation, improved relationship connections, and a keener, more focused mind are just a few of the things you can look forward to. But knowing you want a new hot tub is still a few short steps from knowing which hot tub model is perfect for you. Is it a Salt Water hot tub? Is it a Chlorine hot tub? You have decisions to make, including choosing a water care system. If you need more assistance in your search for your perfect hot tub, download our 2018 Complete Hot Tub Buyers Guide
Spa water purification plays a vital role in your relationship with your new home spa, because whether you choose a salt water hot tub system or a chlorine system its an ongoing process that you sustain. To help you decide which system is best for you, heres an overview of the top two purification choices: salt water hot tubs vs chlorine hot tubsthe traditional purification system.
Are Salt Systems Covered Under Warranty
When it comes to aftermarket chlorine generators, and even those installed by the hot tub manufacturer, be sure to verify what isand is notcovered under the manufacturers warranty. Some hot tub manufacturers decline warranty coverage if an aftermarket salt sanitizer unit was installed instead of the manufacturer-installed unit. Plus, corroded heaters or heating elements may not be covered under warranty if the damage is attributable to chemical abuse. In other words, if a salt system over-chlorinates the water and damages internal components, it may be attributed to chemical abuse which is not typically covered under warranty.
As far as the saltwater system itself, a one year warranty is typical. By contrast, in-line sanitation systems have a longer warranty periodusually between two to five years.
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Salt Water Hot Tub Disadvantages
Corrosion
Because of the corrosive nature of salt, hot tub equipment may become damaged over time. And, salt chlorination cells need to be replaced every two or three years.
Cost
Salt water hot tubs cost more upfront because of the salt water generator. And, as stated above, you may need to replace parts more often due to the corrosive nature of salt. Daily maintenance, however, tends to be less expensive than chlorine hot tubs.
As you can see, the decision to purchase salt water or chlorine hot tubs really comes down to personal preference. Cost and maintenance may matter to you, while feel of the water and odor may not. Whether you choose a salt water or a chlorine hot tub, we know youll enjoy kicking back and relaxing in your new purchase.
Have a question regarding salt water vs. chlorine hot tubs? Wed love to help. Contact Zagers today and let us help you decide which hot tub is right for you!
How Chlorine Eliminates Harmful Bacteria
Typically, chlorine is added to spa water in liquid or dissolvable solid forms. An element that is naturally gaseousat room temperature, chlorine combines with oxygen and hydrogen in water to form hypochlorous acid. This compound is highlyeffective at killing bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, as well as the influenza virus. As commonsense would indicate, the best way to prevent the spread of bacteria is to keep anyone infected out of the hot tubuntil the infection has passed.
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Salt Water Hot Tub Vs Chlorine Hot Tub
Its important to keep the water in your hot tub clean at all times. This way, youll feel fresh, and youll help protect your hot tubs plumbing and other parts. Now, in most cases, hot tubs include chlorine purification systems. However, some also include salt water systems to keep the water clean. So, if youre wondering about salt water hot tub vs. chlorine, here are some pointers to keep in mind.
Drain And Clean Your Hot Tub
Before switching from one sanitizing method to another, you must remove all residual sanitizer and any contaminants. Use a spa line flush before you drain and clean the hot tub. This will help clear out biofilm. If you need more help using line flush, be sure to check out our guide on How to Drain and Clean a Hot Tub.
After using the line flush, drain the hot tub with the hose or sump pump. Clean the shell with hot tub cleaner or diluted vinegar and a non-abrasive scrub sponge. Then rinse thoroughly and wash or replace the filter.
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Salt Is More Corrosive Than Chlorine
Salt is more corrosive than chlorine but saltwater pools will not damage your tub as chlorine does. The cons of saltwater treatment include the higher cost of initial purchase or replacements, maintenance requirement that increases bacteria growth due to low levels of available chlorine salt is corrosive so it can cause rusting, corrosion which damages your hot tubs/pools over time.
Saltwater Hot Tub Benefits
Many people are looking for healthier ways to use their hot tub. Modern saltwater hot tubs are designed to generate their own soothing and healing properties with clean water without the potential effects of chlorine. Here are common benefits of saltwater hot tubs that ensure a relaxing and healthy soak:
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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.
Advantages Of Chlorine Hot Tubs
Simple to maintain
There is no complicated equipment found in a chlorine hot tub like there is in a saltwater hot tub. While chlorine hot tubs do not use saltwater generators, saltwater hot tubs do have specialized equipment to electrolyze the water.
Wont damage fixtures
Chlorinated hot tubs are less likely to damage the hot tubs components than saltwater hot tubs. To make sure that your hot tub accessories are safe, you should use chlorinated water.
Minimized bacteria
As a result of its high toxicity, chlorine is highly effective in killing bacteria and germs that cause disease in the water.
You should choose a chlorine-based sanitizer if you intend to have an ideal spa.
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Saltwater Inflatable Hot Tubs
Inflatable hot tubs are a new product in the market and according to The Guardian , they have already grabbed the attention of people. The significant feature of this type of tub is that they can be set upat almost any place. An additional factor towards its popularity is its low price. The main features of these tubs involve portability, durability, and ease of maintenance.
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Advantages Of Saltwater Hot Tubs
Safe for sensitive skin and eyes
In saltwater hot tubs, chlorine is naturally generated, which means chloramines arent likely to build up.
Maintenance is cheaper
The salt system will continuously sanitize water. Advanced saltwater tubs can adjust the salt content themselves with heavy use.
Eco-friendly
When used regularly, it keeps water fresh and clean for a year. Then you have to drain and refill it.
No unpleasant odor
The salt system stops the chlorine from changing into chloramines that give off an unpleasant odor.
Improved water resilience and softness
A saltwater system can keep your water soft for a long time since it produces a moderate amount of chlorine. Afterwards, you need to drain and refill.
Waters ability to buffer
You become more resistant to water chemistry changes when you add the right amount of salt to the water. Minerals in saltwater help to stabilize pH, alkalinity fluctuations, and calcium hardness.
Forget the sanitizer
Unlike chlorinated water systems that need to be constantly added to, saltwater systems produce naturally-occurring chlorine.
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First And Foremost There Is Safety:
- If you like going to hot tubs or pools, you might be worried about how youre supposed to keep them healthy and safe.
- Perhaps its more of a concern regarding protection from illnesses? It may also be apparent to you that water-borne diseases are easily contracted in improperly chlorinated swimming environments. As a result, its essential to rid your pool and hot tub of harmful bacteria and viruses.
- As is the case with every water source, using chlorine in your hot tub or pool is an effective way of preventing illness and other problems. Furthermore, you must use a quality brand of these chemicals to ensure they will be most effective. For example, we recommend Chemsol Chlorine because it has been highly trusted in the pool and spa industry for over 25 years.
- Hot water is a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, primarily if it isnt maintained correctly. Therefore, keeping a chlorine level of 1-4 ppm is vital to keep your hot tub or pool water clean and safe for extended periods remaining consistent with chemical levels also provides better protection against illness.
Salt Water Hot Tub: Pros Cons & Alternatives
The Cons. Salt water hot tub systems tend to be more expensive upfront than chlorine hot tubs. Salt is a catalyst for rust and corrosion, so salt water hot tubs can corrode certain uncoated elements and cause damage to the hot tub. Salt water tub owners must pay attention to their salinity levels and wipe down vulnerable elements as necessary …
Aquahottub.com
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Salt Water Hot Tub: Everything You Need To Know
What Is a Salt Water Hot Tub? As you probably guessed a salt water hot tub is a hot tub with salt, but theres more to it than that. The salt water eliminates the need for chlorine, making it a safer and more eco-friendly option for your hot tub water. A salt water chlorinator manually converts the salt to chlorine. Its not the same as …
Poolcareschool.com
S Of Turning Hot Tub Into Salt Water Hot Tub:
If you are aiming to convert your hot tub into a saltwater hot tub, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Draining and cleaning the hot tub
To switch from one to another, it is important to remove all contaminants and harmful residuals. You can use the line flush before the draining to clear the tub.
2. Refilling the hot tub
Next step involves the refilling of your tub, but only after you have thoroughly cleaned the hot tub. You need to link the hose filter with a garden hose. The tub should be refilled with filtered and clean water. Let the water reach the recommended level.
3. Testing, adding salt, and chemicals
Check the water for its salinity and alkalinity level, because even fresh tap water has tiny amounts of salt in it. The testing would help you in adding the appropriate amount of salt. Regular hot tub strips can be utilized to check the alkalinity and pH if they need to be balanced, do so. Add Hot Tub Salt to reach the desired salinity level .
4. Installing the control panel
Your salt water conversion kit must contain a control panel . Put the chlorinator control panel along with the hardware on any side, near the base of the hot tub. Make sure the power cable is reaching the ground-circuit outlet.
5. Attaching the cables
Link the chlorinator cell with the power supply however, the power cord must not be plugged into the outlet yet.
6. Placing a chlorinator into the hot tub
7. Time for you to start it
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What Is A Saltwater Hot Tub
Any hot tub can be a saltwater hot tub with the addition of a salt chlorine generator. Instead of adding chemicals directly to your hot tub, you add salt , which dissolves to produce natural chlorine that’s needed to keep your hot tub clean.
Because youll need to purchase the salt chlorine generator, saltwater hot tub prices may be higher initially, but the maintenance of saltwater tubs is generally cheaper than the maintenance of traditional hot tubs.
Hot tub prices range from $2,000 to $32,000, and saltwater systems typically cost between $500 and $5,000. So, you can expect to find a saltwater hot tub around $2,500, with higher-end saltwater tubs between $30,500 and $37,000.
Disadvantages Of Chlorine Hot Tubs
Irritations
The chlorine in the hot tub can be contaminated by your saliva, cosmetic products, even sweat while you take a bath.
It produces chloramines, which cause irritation to your skin and eyes. Experiencing chlorine repeatedly can result in a rash on the skin.
Strong odor
Chlorine is known for its strong, pungent odor. In most cases, the funky smell is not from chlorine, but it is due to all the chemicals that build up.
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Saltwater Hot Tub Vs Chlorine: What To Choose In 2022
So, you bought your first hot tub and now it remains you to decide what kind of water treatment system to use. Or are you still undecided about the purchase, but want to know all the nuances beforehand? Either way, youve come to the right place. No matter how well you know hot tubs, we will try to help you and explain everything about saltwater hot tubs in comparison with chlorine ones in simple words.
A salt hot tub and a chlorine hot tub seem completely different to us, but are they? They certainly have something in common, if you want to know. However, in the middle of our research, we realized that these types of hot tubs are suitable for different people, and if you are interested in these conclusions, just keep reading.
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
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How Do I Take Care Of The Water
If youre unsure of how to introduce chlorine into your hot tub or pool, there are many helpful guides online. However, the best way to ensure that youll have a properly sanitized hot tub or pool is by purchasing a salt water system.
Although it requires more work from the owner than using tablets or sticks to introduce chlorine, salt water systems automatically dose the amount of chlorine needed to keep the water safe and clean.
Lastly, unlike other chemicals such as bromine, it does not have a distinct odor which adds to the overall enjoyment of your hot tub or pool.
