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

You are looking for saltwater hot tub brands in the USA. Salt water hot tubs are hot tubs that use salt instead of chlorine or bromine to sanitize the water.

Saltwater hot tubs have some benefits, such as being softer on the eyes and skin, requiring less maintenance, and having a natural feel.

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 search, 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 Series 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 have 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.

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 they are owned by the same company. 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.

Salt Water Hot Tub Brands
Salt Water Hot Tub Brands

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.
NOTE: That the 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.

Types of Salt Systems for Hot Tubs

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.

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

Saltwater hot tubs with built-in systems using different brands

1. Titanium Cartridge Systems:

Titanium cartridge-based systems use replaceable titanium cartridges that generate chlorine from salt. The cartridges typically last up to a year with proper care and can be easily changed by the spa owner. Some brands that use this type of system are Hot Spring Spas and Caldera Spas.

2. Mineral Cartridge Systems:

Mineral cartridge-based systems use cartridges containing minerals like copper and zinc that help reduce chlorine use by up to 75%. The minerals create natural sanitizers from the salt, and the cartridges can last up to four months with proper maintenance. Master Spas is one brand that uses this mineral cartridge technology.

3. Electrolytic Cell Systems:

Electrolytic cell-based systems use an electrolytic cell to convert salt into chlorine for sanitization. The cell needs regular cleaning to prevent scaling and corrosion and may need replacement every few years. Intex is one brand that utilizes an electrolytic cell system.

Check products

Saltwater Generator BLH30 Chlorinator Compatible for 25K Gallon Pool with 2-Year Full  Warranty USA
Saltwater Generator BLH30 Chlorinator Compatible for 25K Gallon Pool with 2-Year Full Warranty the USA

Why you should take care when using a salt bath or spa

Your need for salt will depend on the kind of hot tub you have and your physical needs. The amount and type of salt needed are dependent on how often you use your hot tub. If you’re considering adding to your bath, it’s important to keep these things in mind:

  • Be sure you mix the salt into the water thoroughly before getting in
  • Avoid using more than 1 pound of salt per 500 gallons of water
  • Be sure to rinse off well after getting out to dry off or take a shower.

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?
Salt Water Sanitizing Systems
Water Sanitizing Systems and Chlorine Generators

Pros and Cons of a Saltwater Hot Tub

Pros of a Salt Water Hot Tub:

  • 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 of a Salt Water Hot Tub:

  • 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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right salt water 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 salt water hot tub from Hot Tub Patio!

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