Salt Water Hot Tub Brands: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Searching for the perfect saltwater hot tub can feel overwhelming, especially with so many brands and systems out there. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, worried about long-term costs, or concerned about keeping your skin healthy, you’re not alone.

Many hot tub enthusiasts face the same challenges when trying to find the right saltwater system. In this guide, we’ll break down the leading saltwater hot tub brands and their unique technologies.

We’ll help you understand the differences, weigh the pros and cons, and provide tips on maintaining your tub so you can enjoy a relaxing soak without the stress.

Navigating Saltwater Hot Tub Brands

Making the Right Choice for Your Relaxation

When you’re in the market for a saltwater hot tub, it’s not just about picking the first brand you come across. You’re likely looking for a reliable brand that aligns with your lifestyle and needs.

The journey can be full of questions and concerns—like which brand offers the most value, or how to navigate the different types of saltwater systems available.

Choosing the Right Brand: With so many options, it’s easy to feel uncertain about which brand to trust. You might be wondering whether Hot Spring Spas, Caldera Spas, Master Spas, or Intex offers the best balance of quality, features, and price. It’s important to compare these brands based on customer satisfaction, durability, and specific features that align with your needs.

Understanding System Types: The variety of saltwater systems—like Titanium Cartridges, Mineral Cartridges, and Electrolytic Cells—can be confusing. Which one requires the least maintenance? Which offers the most natural experience? Understanding these differences is key to making a decision that suits your lifestyle.

Maintenance Concerns: Maintenance is a major concern for many. You might worry about how often you’ll need to replace cartridges or cells, or how to prevent common issues like scaling or corrosion. It’s essential to know what each system demands in terms of upkeep and longevity.

Health and Safety Considerations: If you have sensitive skin or health concerns, you’re likely cautious about how saltwater might affect you. Ensuring your hot tub experience is safe and comfortable is a priority, and finding the right information is crucial.

Long-Term Costs: The upfront investment is just the beginning. You might be evaluating the ongoing costs, such as replacing cartridges or cells, and the potential savings on chemicals. Understanding the financial implications of each system will help you choose a solution that’s both relaxing and cost-effective.

Why Choose a Salt Water Hot Tub?

Before jumping into the top brands, let’s quickly go over the benefits of salt water hot tubs:

• Gentler on Skin & Eyes: The salt water is much less harsh than chemicals, leaving your skin feeling smooth and your eyes not irritated.
• Natural Sanitation: The naturally generates chlorine-rally to sanitize the water wadding add as many chemicals as possible.
• Low Maintenance: Saltwater systems are more accessible to take care of than traditional chlorine-based tubs.
• Cost Savings: You’ll save on chemicals in the long run.

Best Salt Water Hot Tub Brands Must Know Before Buying

According to our research, some of the top brands that offer salt water hot tubs in the USA are:

1. – Hot Spring Spas: This brand is one of the most popular and reputable in the industry. They offer a salt water system called FreshWater Salt System, available on their Highlife and Limelight Collection models.

The FreshWater Salt System uses titanium cartridges that generate chlorine from salt and can last up to a year with proper care. Hot Spring Spas also have other features, such as energy efficiency, hydrotherapy jets, and wireless controls.

2. – Caldera Spas: This brand is known for its comfort, design, and performance. Their Utopia and Paradise Series models offer a FROG @ease In-Line System salt water system. The FROG @ease In-Line System uses mineral cartridges that reduce chlorine use by up to 75% and can last up to four months with proper care. Caldera Spas has other features, such as ergonomic seats, LED lighting, and Bluetooth audio.

3. – Master Spas: This brand is known for its innovation, quality, and customer service. They offer a salt water system called EcoPur Charge Filtration System on their Twilight Series, Healthy Living Hot Tubs, Clarity Spas, and Michael Phelps Legend Series models.

The EcoPur Charge Filtration System uses copper and zinc cartridges that create natural sanitizers from salt and can last up to six months with proper care. Master Spas has other features like noise reduction, therapy jets, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

4. – Jacuzzi: This brand is one of the most well-known and trusted in the industry. They offer a salt water system called ClearRay UV-C Technology, which is available on their J-500, J-400, J-300, and J-200 Collections. The ClearRay UV-C Technology uses ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of waterborne pathogens and can last up to a year with proper care. Jacuzzi has other features, such as hydrotherapy jets, ergonomic seats, and the SmartTub app.

Check out Jacuzzi J-16 POWERPRO Swim Spa Built-In Hot Tubs.

5. – Sundance Spas: This brand is known for its innovation, quality, and reliability. They offer a salt water system called ClearRay UV-C Technology, which is the same as Jacuzzi’s system since the same company owns them. The ClearRay UV-C Technology is available on their 980, 880, 780, and 680 Series. Sundance Spas also have other features, such as Fluidix jets, MicroClean filtration, and SunSmart Wi-Fi.

What Minerals are Used in Saltwater Hot Tubs

Saltwater hot tubs primarily use sodium chloride (NaCl) – regular table salt – to naturally sanitize the water. Here’s a quick overview:

• Sodium chloride (NaCl): The main mineral added to saltwater hot tub water. The saltwater passes through an electrolytic cell, which converts the salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the tub.
• Magnesium: Many salt systems also add a small amount of magnesium chloride to help balance the pH levels.
• Mineral cartridges: Some systems use mineral cartridges that release helpful minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium into the water. This provides added benefits for your skin.
• Bromide: Bromide may be added and work with the salt’s chloride to create hypobromous acid, an effective sanitizer.
• Trace minerals: Some salt systems add helpful trace minerals to the water, mimicking natural spring water. These can include zinc, silver, copper, and others that may have therapeutic benefits.

[wps_alert type=”primary”]NOTE: Sodium chloride is the primary component; other helpful minerals are often added to saltwater hot tubs to enhance the overall soaking experience. This makes the water gentler on the skin versus traditional chlorine-based hot tubs.[/wps_alert]

Types of Salt Systems for Hot Tubs

The choice depends on your priorities, like cost, maintenance, and chemical preferences. Most salt systems are low maintenance compared to manual chemical dosing.

Inline Chlorine Generator

• The most common type of saltwater system.
• An electrolytic cell converts salt into chlorine, fed into the tub water for sanitization.
• Requires periodic cell cleaning and salt replenishment.

Nature2 System

• Uses silver mineral cartridges instead of salt to sanitize the water.
• Silver ions inhibit bacteria growth.
• Cartridges must be replaced every 3-4 months.

Ozone System

• Ozone is injected into the water and oxidizes contaminants.
• Produces no chemical byproducts.
• Requires an ozone generator and check valves.

Mineral Sanitation

• Releases minerals like zinc and copper into the water from a cartridge.
• Minerals disrupt biofilms and bacteria for sanitization.
• Cartridges typically last 4-12 months.

UV Sanitation

• UV light destroys contaminants with no chemicals added.
• Requires a UV lamp, quartz sleeve, and ballast.
• UV bulbs must be replaced every 12-18 months.

Bromine Generator

• The electrolytic cell uses bromide salt to produce bromine for sanitization.
• Provides an alternative to chlorine with different benefits/drawbacks.
• Requires periodic salt replenishment.

Understanding Saltwater Hot Tubs and Their Systems

Saltwater hot tubs come with different systems to keep your water clean, each with unique benefits. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Titanium Cartridge Systems: These systems use replaceable titanium cartridges to generate chlorine from salt. Brands like Hot Spring Spas and Caldera Spas use these, and the cartridges can last up to a year with proper care.
2. Mineral Cartridge Systems: Using minerals like copper and zinc, these systems reduce chlorine use by up to 75%. Master Spas is a popular brand with this technology, and the cartridges usually last around four months.
3. Electrolytic Cell Systems: These systems convert salt into chlorine using an electrolytic cell. Brands like Intex feature this technology, though the cells need regular cleaning and may require replacement every few years.

Important Tips for Using Salt in Your Hot Tub

• Mix Well: Always mix the salt thoroughly into the water before getting in.
• Measure Carefully: Don’t use more than 1 pound of salt per 500 gallons of water.
• Rinse Off: Make sure to rinse off well after soaking to avoid any irritation.

Before you purchase these hot tubs, take into account the following factors:

• How often will you use it?
• Where will it be located?
• Is there enough room for it to sit comfortably in your backyard or inside your house?
• Will this be a high-maintenance model or a lower-maintenance one?
• What is the cost of it that’s needed for maintenance (it is relatively inexpensive, but can add up if you’re using it regularly)?
• What are the additional costs associated with having these hot tubs?
• How much does it cost to switch out the salt every so often?

Pros and Cons of a Saltwater Hot Tub

Pros:

• Gentler on skin & eyes – Salt water’s soft, silky feel is less irritating than traditional chlorine.
• Natural sanitation – Salt converts to chlorine to sanitize the water instead of adding straight, harsh chemicals.
• Lower maintenance – Salt water systems automate sanitation, reducing manual dosing.
• Health benefits – Salt and mineral-enriched water hydrates skin and may help respiratory issues.
• Cost savings – Salt is inexpensive compared to buying chlorine or bromine.
• Less chemicals – Salt reduces the need for handling and storing traditional sanitizing chemicals.

Cons:

• Higher initial cost – Salt water hot tub systems cost more upfront than basic models.
• Cleaning requirements – Salt cells and mineral cartridges need periodic rinsing/replacing.
• Potential corrosion – Salt can be corrosive to metals, so corrosion-resistant parts are required.
• Electrical requirements – Salt systems need an electrical hookup, which can add installation costs.
• No residual effect – Unlike chlorine, salt alone doesn’t have a lasting sanitizing impact when inactive.
• Limited availability – Fewer brands offer saltwater hot tub options than traditional chlorine tubs.

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the right saltwater hot tub for your backyard oasis can be a daunting task. By taking the time to consider your needs, budget, and available space, you can find the perfect hot tub that will provide you with years of relaxation and enjoyment.

So why wait? Visit Hot Tub Patio today and start exploring the possibilities! What are you waiting for? Shop now and soak in the benefits of a saltwater hot tub from Hot Tub Patio!