Not only are salt water hot tubs easier to maintain and gentler on your skin, but there's also no annoying chlorine smell, creating a more enjoyable spa experience. Fewer refills mean you can conserve more water, making salt water systems more eco-friendly.
While most hot tub owners find it easy enough to 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, constantly producing clean, pure water on its own for months of continuous use.
Spa salt cells usually last 2-5 years, depending on the model.
Salt systems using sodium bromide have been flagged as a health risk by Health Canada. Because of this, manufacturers will no longer offer parts or supplies to support these kinds of salt systems. The good news is you can keep your spa.
Chlorine is preferable over other treatment options for a variety of reasons: It is more affordable and cost effective. Chlorine hot tubs require less upkeep and last longer than salt water hot tubs. Chlorine achieves the cleanliness and oxidation levels that other chemicals and methods do not.
A salt water soak has all the benefits of a regular freshwater hot tub or spa session, with an added bonus: salt water helps extract extra fluid from the skin, which helps with swollen joints and inflammation. People who suffer from arthritis can experience greater relief in a salt water hot tub. Less chlorine use.
When it comes to cleaning your ACE saltwater hot tub, two of the most important things to clean are your ACE salt cell and your filters. For those with a saltwater hot tub, keeping your ACE salt cell clean plays a major role in the performance of your hot tub. We recommend cleaning your ACE salt cell every 60-90 days.
2. How often do I add salt? You typically only need to add salt when you fill the tub! You should only have to add it again every time you drain and refill the tub.
Change Your Spa Water Every 3-4 Months, Here's Why:
That water is saturated. The same thing starts to happen as the hot tub's water gets “older”. The water will start to get hazy and you might even experience grit on the shell.
You won't have to worry about showering off a chlorine smell after getting out of the salt water hot tub. Nor will you be left with irritated eyes or dry skin. You and your children will feel much better after getting out of the hot tub, and you'll enjoy using it more often.
Corrosion that does occur in a salt water tub is from producing too much chlorine. Often customers will set their use level too high and then not use the tub enough.
What you really need is hot tub salt. It's more often labeled as “pool salt,” which is perfectly fine to use in your hot tub. It's chemically the same thing as table salt, but it's a coarser grind to work better in a chlorine or bromine generator. And you can buy it in bulk, which will save you a lot of money.
Saltwater hot tubs have a salt cell chlorinator that functions in producing chlorine naturally through an electrolysis process. Therefore you do not need to add chemical chlorine directly into the hot tub to keep it clean and hygienic.
A salt water hot tub costs $6,500 to $18,000 on average. Adding a salt water system to an existing hot tub costs $500 to $1,700 and is mostly compatible with premium and luxury spas. A saltwater generator costs less than chlorine or bromine and removes the need to use chemicals.
There is no need to shock the tub after each use or add chlorine every week, you only need do is check your pH once a week and monthly reset your usage on the easy to use control panel.
Pros of Saltwater Pools
There's less chlorine and less of the heavy chemical scent and content. They're gentler on the skin, with less irritation to the eyes, hair and swimsuits. The water has a softer, silkier feel to it compared to chlorine water. They have lower maintenance costs than chlorine pools.
Can Any Hot Tub Use Saltwater? With a little patience and proper guidance, almost any hot tub can use saltwater sanitation instead of chlorine or bromine sanitation methods. You do need to consult with the manufacturer of your hot tub first to be sure.
Salt water-based systems make the water feel softer and are gentler on eyes and skin. And the benefits can be felt after you get out of the spa too as salt water is known to have gentle exfoliating and rejuvenating properties also.
Setting Hot Tub Water Temperature in the Summer
As a rule of thumb, many users keep their hot tub set at temperatures ranging between 97-99 degrees.
However, it's completely OK to use a hot tub every day. In fact, many of the benefits of a hot tub only become apparent when it's used on a regular basis. To make sure you get the most use out of your hot tub we've come up with a post on what you can do to ensure your hot tub use remains consistent.
While you could use a hot tub without chemicals, you could not soak safely. Water needs to be circulating and treated in order for it to be good for soaking. When you don't use chemicals in your hot tub or use too little, you are creating the perfect environment for algae, bacteria, and other contaminants to thrive.
Between each use or at least every other day you should remove the filter cartridge from its filter housing and clean them. Every few weeks depending on the intensity of your hot tub use, old filters should be replaced with new ones (especially when they become harder and discoloured).