Everything you need to know about Salt Water System Hot Tubs

Everybody associates Chlorine with Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs. Mention the word Bromine and certainly most will know that it is an alternative too. Mention Salt Water and most will be none the wiser! If you have never heard of saltwater hot tubs, don’t worry, we’ll explain all!

Not only are these hot tubs extremely restorative and rejuvenating, but they are also a perfect option for people sensitive to pollutants found in traditional hot tubs.

They are therefore perfect for those who want to spend more time enjoying themselves and less time on maintenance. In this article, you will learn everything there is to know about saltwater system hot tubs.

What is a saltwater system hot tub?

Any hot tub can be a saltwater hot tub with a salt-chlorine generator. Instead of adding chemicals directly to your hot tub, you add salt (about two pounds per 100 gallons of water), which dissolves and produces the chlorine needed to keep your hot tub clean.

Since you must purchase the salt-chlorine generator, the cost of a saltwater hot tub may be higher, although its maintenance is generally less expensive than a traditional hot tub.

Convenient

Salt water is its own natural disinfectant because it is a natural killer of bacteria. This is because it requires less chemical impurities, such as the addition of chlorine and bromine.

Salt water is gentle to the eyes, nose and face, especially because salt is actually a common ingredient in facial products that softens the skin. Soaking in salty water can be even more pleasant without the skin discomfort or odors associated with chlorine.

As an environmental benefit to your reduced maintenance schedule, salt water hot tubs save water. This is by minimizing the need to drain and refill more than once a year, compared to regular hot tubs which need to be drained and refilled 3-4 times a year.

Cost

In general, a saltwater system would initially cost more than a chemical water system due to advances in technology, flexibility and improvement of the overall hot tub experience. In terms of routine maintenance, it will be easier and less expensive to have a saltwater hot tub than a chemically treated hot tub.

However, the exact size of the water system will depend on the brand and model of the hot tub you choose or build. The best way to determine the cost comparison between a saltwater system and a chemically treated system is to meet with your hot tub supplier and talk to them.

Clearer

With fewer additives and less chemicals, a salt water keeps the water clearer. The small amount of chlorine regularly supplied by the unit is enough to keep the water quality clean, safe and always ready for a relaxing bath.

As described above, you can get clear water with a salt water tub that requires much less maintenance than a chemically treated tub, not to mention that you only need to refill it once a year.

Health

If your family is inclined to use chemically treated tubs, a salt water hot tub is a safer choice for your you all. As mentioned earlier, some chemical-based water systems can be rough on the skin, smell more strongly and irritate the eyes.

On the other hand, saltwater tanks release so little chlorine that it cannot be smelled. Therefore, with fewer annoying chemicals, you can comfortably use your hot tub as often as you like.

Pros of Salt Water Hot Tubs

In recent years, saltwater hot tubs have regained popularity for good reason. Here are some of the Pros of using a saltwater hot tub.

Fewer Chemicals

Through a natural chemical reaction called electrolysis between salt and water, saltwater hot tubs provide a constant supply of chlorine to your hot tub. However, the amount of chlorine produced by saltwater systems is much less than if you were manually adding chlorine to the water.

Non-Irritating

If you have ever soaked a hot tub with too many added chemicals or if you have sensitive skin, you already know that chlorine and bromine can be unpleasant. On the other hand, people are much less sensitive to salt water than to chlorine and bromine, and most people find that salt water does not irritate their skin and eyes at all.

Better Buoyancy

Just as it is safer to swim in the ocean than in a lake, a warm saltwater hot tub offers much better buoyancy than one filled with chlorine or bromine. This is because salt increases the density of the water, making soaking much safer for objects (including the body). Why is this another advantage?

It is a question of strength: the lighter you float, the less pressure you feel on your muscles and joints. Soaking in a saltwater hot tub can be much more relaxing and calming than diving in a normal hot tub.

Low Maintenance

Saltwater hot tubs are effectively self-regulating, ensuring that owners perform fewer pH checks, leave the hot tub water unchanged at longer intervals and without changing its chemical composition. In other words, with salt water hot tubs, you can spend less time maintaining the hot tub and more time enjoying it.

Cons of Salt Water Hot Tubs

Although saltwater hot tubs have many more pros than cons, there are still some cons that are worth considering.

Higher Up-Front Cost

While salt water hot tubs cost less long-run maintenance than a regular water hot tub, a salt water system would cost more upfront than a bromine- or chlorine-based system.

Water must remain above 60 ° F

If the water temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit while the cell is running, the salt system may have problems producing chlorine. As soon as a low water temperature is detected, most salt systems shut down immediately, which can reduce the chlorine content and create a breeding ground for microorganisms.

Corrosion risk

Salt is corrosive. It has been reported that salt water systems are harmful to underwater heating, coatings and lighting due to excessive salt concentrations.

Conclusion

Overall, a saltwater hot tub has many benefits. Most people find a saltwater hot tubas the ideal choice for their hot tub needs, from the relaxing feeling of water to reduced maintenance time. Now that you have more knowledge about salt water system hot tubs, you can make a choice that will help support your lifestyle.

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Thanks - Andi

 

Hi, Andi here. I own Buildahottub.com and also write all of the articles and info pages on the site. Some years back now, I built my own hot tub but struggled to find the information I needed. So, once my tub was complete, I started this website to help others in their own pursuit of hot tub and plunge pools DIY building information.

Today, I've helped over 1000 DIY customers just like you all over the world build hot tubs and pools. Have a good look around the site, there are lots of resources here. Please do get in touch if I can help you. - Cheers, Andi