Nothing beats a relaxing soak in a hot tub, but let’s be honest, do you sometimes wish the chlorine smell wasn’t so. . . smelly? There IS something you can do about that. Switch to saltwater! Before you run right out to buy a saltwater chlorinator, let us bust a couple of saltwater myths for you. Here are some pros and cons so you can decide if a saltwater hot tub is right for you!

Saltwater Hot Tub Myths

• When you hear saltwater, you might think that means chlorine-free. Actually, a saltwater hot tub uses salt to make chlorine. Instead of pouring chlorine directly into your water, you add salt and an electrolysis process uses it to produce chlorine. Overall though, the chlorine smell tends to be much less with a saltwater spa than a traditional one. 
• The 2nd common saltwater hot tub myth: they’re chemical-free. The salt makes chlorine, but you’ll need to add other chemical balancers, like pH-adjusters, from time to time. 

Saltwater Hot Tub PROS

• Your nose will thank you. As we mentioned, even though a saltwater chlorinator converts salt to chlorine, that chlorine odor tends to be much less aggressive. The process of salt producing chlorine is more natural, thus fewer chloramines (which are the smelly components responsible for that classic hot tub/swimming pool scent) in the water.
• It’s more gentle for your skin and hair. From the first moment you slip into a saltwater spa, you’ll notice that the water feels softer and silkier than what you’re used to. Saltwater also tends to be less irritating for those with sensitive skin, too. 
• Easier on the eyes. Just as saltwater is more gentle for your skin, it’s less irritating for your eyes, as well. 
• Easier maintenance. Saltwater hot tubs have a reputation for being easier to maintain because saltwater sanitation tends to stay steady for a longer time than traditional chlorine. Even though you’ll need to add other chemical balances sometimes, you should need to them less frequently. 
• Less expensive maintenance. The bulk salt you purchase for your hot tub is less expensive than chemical chlorine. Plus, you’ll save money when purchasing other balancers less often. 

Saltwater Hot Tub CONS

• More expensive initial investment. You can expect to spend more money upfront on a saltwater system for your hot tub. 
• The salt cell needs replaced periodically. Every 2-5 years the salt cell in your saltwater system will need to be replaced. 
• Salt is corrosive. The salt in your hot tub should only be 2,000-3,000 ppm, and at that level, corrosion shouldn’t be a problem. That being said, it’s important to realize that there is a small risk of corrosion, especially if salt isn’t added correctly and the levels are off.
• Not all hot tubs are equal when it comes to saltwater. Because salt is corrosive, some spas are better equipped to handle a saltwater system than others. In fact, some hot tub warranties are void if a saltwater system is added. We advise you to check your warranty and speak to one of our expert sales technicians if you have questions about using saltwater in your hot tub. 

 

Now that you’re in the know about saltwater spas, what will you decide? If soaking in silky, fresh-smelling water that’s gentle for your skin and hair sounds like heaven, contact us so we can set you up with a saltwater system!