What is a Salt Water Hot Tub?
If you’re looking to take better control of your health in the coming year, now may be the perfect time to consider a salt water hot tub. Salt water hot tubs differ from their traditional counterparts in that they replace the chlorine chemicals added with that of salt. Typically, any hot tub can become a salt water hot tub as long as you invest in a salt chlorine generator.
Let’s take a look at the basics of salt water hot tubs, how they work, and their benefits to best determine if one is right for you.
How Does a Salt Water Hot Tub Work?
As their name suggests, salt water hot tubs work using salt rather than chlorine to provide sanitization. When you add two pounds of salt per 100 gallons of water, the salt dissolves in the water to produce natural chlorine, which offers a gentle and relaxing spa experience while keeping your hot tub clean.
Typically, these hot tubs have a cell or cartridge that creates an electrolysis reaction with the salt to produce chlorine. The cartridge will require replacement, maybe every two to five years, to ensure it operates efficiently.
While the initial investment for a salt cell is on the higher end, it’s overall cost is offset by the minimal maintenance needs and the multiple benefits the saltwater hot tub brings along. So what are those benefits?
Benefits of a Saltwater Hot Tub
Salt water hot tubs are increasing in popularity due to a number of reasons that hot tub users find appealing.
1. Gentle on Sensitive Skin
The moderate amounts of natural chlorine produced by salt reduce the build-up of chloramines that trigger irritation on sensitive skin and bodies. With a salt water hot tub, you can enjoy soaking and relaxing on the water without worrying about irritation issues caused by harsh chlorine chemicals added directly to the hot tub water.
2. Increased Water Buoyancy
Typically, salty water is denser than water without salt, making it easier for you to float. An increase in water buoyancy reduces the weight of the gravity on your muscles and joints, offering a more soothing soaking experience overall.
3. No Unpleasant Odor
Salt water hot tubs eliminate the unpleasant chlorine smell that can be dominant in some hot tubs. This smell is often caused by inconsistent manual chlorine dosing that leaves a lot of chemical residues, which change into chloramines that produce a strong odor. With salt water hot tubs, a consistent amount of chlorine is maintained in the tub, reducing chemical residues and the build-up of bad odor. The absence of a strong chlorine smell will enhance your soaking experience.
4. Less Expensive Maintenance
Although the upfront cost of acquiring a salt water hot tub may be high, you’ll enjoy lower maintenance costs in the long run. Salt water purification systems monitor the chlorine levels in the water, therefore producing only the required amount. These consistent chlorine levels also reduce chemical build-up, meaning you won’t be required to change your tub water often.
Besides, depending on the brand of cartridges you’re using, they can serve you well for years, reducing the need for regular replacements.
5. Conserves Water
Since the consistent chlorine levels in salt water hot tubs reduce the frequency of drains and refills, these hot tubs use less water compared to other tubs in the market. Salt water soaks give you the peace of mind that you’re deriving the wellness benefits of a spa while conserving a scarce resource.
Contact Your Local Hot Tub Experts
If you’re debating moving to a salt water hot tub, give your local hot tub experts a call or stop by their hot tub store. Relaxing in a hot tub is a wonderful experience, and it’s important to ensure you’re choosing the right model that best fits your needs.