Salt Water Hot Tub vs Regular Hot Tub
If you have decided to invest in a hot tub, one question you may want to answer is whether to choose a model with saltwater or traditional chlorine-based installation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and no one system is really better than the other. A lot depends on personal taste.
At Aqua Design and Leisure, we take a look at the differences between saltwater hot tubs vs regular water systems to help you make up your mind.
Traditional Chlorinated Hot Tubs
Chlorine has long been an effective way to keep the pool and hot tub water clean. When added to your water (in higher concentrations than you find in drinking water), it combines with the hydrogen and oxygen to form hypochlorous acid which can kill any bacteria that might develop in your tub. That includes nasty bugs such as salmonella and E. Coli.
The downside is that your water can smell of chlorine, particularly if you overdo it. That’s because when it attacks contaminants like bacteria, the chemical produces chloramines. In addition, while it is perfectly safe to take a dip in, chlorinated water can irritate the eyes and sensitive areas of the body. That’s why some people avoid swimming pools and prefer to take a dip in the sea.
Looking after a hot tub that uses chlorine is relatively easy, the biggest challenge is making sure that you maintain the right concentration. You can usually check this using strips of pH paper and topping up if the reading is too low or adding more water if it’s too high.
Much will depend on the size of your hot tub but the installation will come with full instructions on what to do. Once you get used to it and understand what to look for, it becomes second nature.
Salt Water Hot Tubs
There are several reasons for switching from a tub that uses chlorine to one which uses salt. The first is because chlorine can be irritating for some people and saltwater is less of a problem and doesn’t cause itchy eyes or skin if they are sensitive. You have less in the way of chemicals that produce that distinctive smell and water care is a little simpler.
We’re not talking about creating a little bit of the sea in your tub here. The salt concentration is much less than you find in open water. You’ll probably hardly notice it.
Instead of adding chlorine every day or every week, the salt is administered using a cartridge that you need to change about three times a year. That means you spend less of your time maintaining your hot tub and more time enjoying it.
You still get chlorine with a saltwater hot tub, by the way. The chlorine is created naturally, however, and you don’t have to worry about topping it up.
If you prefer less maintenance and a softer feel on the skin, then you might want to explore the possibility of getting a saltwater hot tub installed. Although it’s cheaper to run and maintain a saltwater hot tub, they are a little more expensive to install in the first instance but you may conclude that the benefits outweigh the initial cost.
It’s important to discuss with your installer, the pros and cons of saltwater hot tubs vs traditional designs that use chlorine. Get in touch with our team if you need some advice and explore our range of hot tubs at Aqua Design and Leisure today.
