Dissecting the Salt Water Hot Tub
Most people enjoy splashing around in the ocean and smelling the refreshing smell of salt in the air. Now, you can bring your own ocean delight right into your own backyard with a hot tub with a salt water-based hot tub sanitation system.
By using a salt water sanitation system with your hot tub, you have access to soft, clean water with a simple, low-maintenance upkeep. Yet, as with most things, there are a few drawbacks. While the advantages often outweigh them, we present them for you here.
In this article, we’re dissecting the salt water hot tub and looking at the pros and cons.
What is a Salt Water System?
Your salt water hot tub isn’t filled with sea water, and you can’t make your hot tub a salt water system by dumping salt into it!
The 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.
You’ll find the small amount of chlorine produced is more than enough to keep your water fresh and contaminant free. Plus, because the amount is minimal, you don’t have the chlorine smell or irritation to eyes or skin. It’s the best of both worlds! You have clean water without the side effects of chlorine.
Salt Water Hot Tub Benefits
Irritant-free water.
Salt water hot tubs are free from chloramines. This is a potentially irritating byproduct produced in hot tubs when chlorine interacts with ammonia or other substances.
A salt water hot tub system is a perfect solution for chloramine-sensitive individuals. It keeps the water clean and free from any harmful microorganisms while limiting exposure to chloramines.
A soft, buoyant soaking experience.
Salt water increases buoyancy, and this is one of the benefits of the hot tub soak. Plus, the salt water sanitation system produces water that feels soft and gentle against the skin.
Simplified maintenance.
Traditional hot tub water care systems involve regular testing and monitoring to make sure pH levels are correct and the chemicals are properly balanced.
While most hot tub owners can easily follow a consistent schedule for water care and maintenance, salt water sanitation systems make the process even simpler.
After the initial setup, the system practically takes care of itself. It constantly produces clean, pure water on its own for months of continuous use.
Longer-lasting water.
With traditional hot tub water care systems, owners generally drain and refill their hot tubs every three or four months.This can be time-consuming and tedious, but it’s usually quite simple.
Salt water sanitation systems can keep spa water clean for up to twelve months before owners need to drain and refill.
Salt Water Hot Tub Drawbacks
While the benefits of a salt water sanitation system are many, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
Initial cost.
Salt water hot tub sanitation systems cost more to purchase and install than traditional water care systems.
You’ll find this cost is offset, though, because you don’t have to conduct ongoing water care supplies and test kits.
Corrosion.
While salt is corrosive, corrosion isn’t a serious concern with salt water hot tub systems. The level of salt in a salt water hot tub is far lower than that found in the ocean, and most high-end hot tubs are made primarily of non-corrosive materials, like molded acrylic.
However, there’s a slightly increased risk of damage to certain parts, like rubber seals or metal fixtures, from constant exposure to salt water.
Salt water cell replacement.
You’ll need to replace the salt water cell that powers the purification process in a couple of years.
Choose Your Saltwater Spa
Salt water systems are not available for use with every brand or model of hot tub. You’ll find salt water systems in our Hot SpringⓇ Spas HighlifeⓇ Collection, Highlife Collection NXT, and LimelightⓇ Collection. They all use the exclusive ACE® salt water system, which creates an oxidizer called Active Oxygen by using a patented diamond electrode to break apart water molecules.
Ready to explore the salt water hot tub? Contact us today!