If you’re in the market for a new hot tub, you’ve no doubt heard all the claims. Saltwater spas are “chemical-free” and “a breeze to maintain”. They’ll save you “a ton of money” and are “way better” for you and the environment.
The question remains though—is there any truth to these claims? While popular in recent years, are saltwater hot tubs better than chlorine or bromine-based spas?
While saltwater hot tubs might seem better at first glance, there are many reasons why you should reconsider purchasing one.
Saltwater hot tub myth busters
Saltwater hot tubs, praised for their ability to sanitize hot tub water using only salt and no chemicals, are a popular option for hot tub buyers to consider. But there are a lot of misconceptions about this kind of hot tub. Let’s break down all the facts, including saltwater hot tub pros and cons, so you can make a more informed, confident decision when purchasing your next hot tub.
Myth #1: Saltwater hot tubs are chlorine-free
While it’s true that water and salt are about as natural as it gets, when the two are combined inside a specialized electric cell, a chemical reaction known as electrolysis occurs. This reaction creates—you guessed it—chlorine. So, the next time someone tells you their saltwater spa is chemical-free, you can politely correct them. The argument is less about saltwater hot tubs vs chlorine hot tubs and more about the systems that each hot tub uses.
Now, they may claim that their saltwater system produces significantly less chlorine than what is traditionally added to a hot tub. This claim, again, is untrue as they produce roughly the same amount of chlorine – around 3 to 5 parts per million. That said, when it comes to sanitizing sweat, skin oil, and bacteria, do you want your tub to have less chlorine than the CDC-recommended amount that has been proven effective for decades?
Myth #2: Saltwater hot tubs are cheaper
The thinking here is that a 5lb container of chlorine granules used in traditional hot tubs will cost you anywhere from $30–50, whereas a 40lb bag of salt used in saltwater tubs will only set you back half that. But the cost to install the saltwater system can be anywhere from $500-5,000, depending on the quality of the system. It could take you years—or even decades—to make up for the initial investment of these costly systems, making the difference between chlorine granules and salt bags much less cost-effective.
That doesn’t even take into consideration the additional hot tub salt cell (also known as a chlorinator cartridge) required to turn salt into chlorine. The chlorinator needs to be replaced roughly every 3 years, depending on your frequency of use and the quality of the cell. These replacement cartridges will typically cost you upwards of $800.
Traditional hot tubs don’t have a cartridge or system that requires replacing, so traditional hot tubs again are the more cost-effective tubs in this situation.
Myth #3: Saltwater hot tub maintenance is simple
Sellers of saltwater spas will often tout their products as being self-regulating, meaning owners won’t be required to perform regular pH tests and chemical level adjustments. However, due to the reaction between the salt and the ions, a saltwater spa may contain higher concentrations of calcium than a traditional hot tub. This means owners will have to add calcium remover to balance the water or deal with the occasional calcium residue buildup on the edges of their tub.
Of course, other routine maintenance—such as rinsing filters—will still need to be carried out. The saltwater cartridge we mentioned earlier will also need to be regularly cleaned as well. So saltwater hot tub maintenance might seem minimal at first glance, but there are plenty of steps spa owners will have to take to keep their saltwater tub fully functional and clean.
Myth #4: Saltwater is better for your hot tub
Unfortunately, the process of electrolysis is not an immediate one. Why is this a problem? Just ask anyone who lives near the ocean or in an area where icy roads are regularly salted, and they’ll tell you just how corrosive salt can be. Salt attacks metals in particular, breaking them down and causing corrosion and rust.
While this isn’t much of an issue for pools that are typically made from concrete, plaster, or tile, your hot tub has many more components that are susceptible to damage. You will need to regularly wipe down your heaters, jet bearings, pump seals, and any other exposed metal parts and accents (yes, even stainless steel) to avoid costly repairs.
Oh, and do you have young children that love to splash? Saltwater can damage plants and bleach deck boards over time, so you’ll want to hose off those areas after use as well.
A saltwater alternative: ozone vs saltwater hot tub
If you’re stuck on deciding between a saltwater or a traditional hot tub, let us introduce one more option into the mix: a spa ozone generator.
This water-purifying device increases the quality of the water in a natural way, removing impurities by converging oxygen with another molecule. Ozone generators are cost-effective, require fewer water changes, and are a natural purifying solution for your hot tub. It’s a great option to consider if you want to move away from a traditional spa with chemicals but don’t want the corrosive salt and expensive cell replacements that come with a saltwater system.
Discover the Cal Spas difference
At Cal Spas of Minnesota, we don’t say whatever it takes to make a sale—we say it like it is. If we don’t truly believe our hot tub or swim spa is the best option for your family, we won’t sell it to you. It’s that simple.
For over 35 years, we’ve been offering Minnesotans a complete lineup of home resort and wellness products designed to turn their backyards and patios into their own private retreats. So whether you’re in the market for a pre-owned spa or want to check out the latest hot tubs, we’ve got something in store for you. Contact us today for a free spa consultation.