Salt Water Spas and Hot Tubs

HOW DO SALT WATER SPAS WORK?

In order to make chlorine, you need to separate the various components of hydrogen, oxygen, and sodium. This step is done through electrolysis, where the water passes through a pair of platinum or titanium plates.

The electric current helps break the salt and water molecules apart, and then recombine them into NaOH and/or Hypochlorous acid. After a while, the chlorine begins to convert back to chloride and form more salt.

Simply add salt to the water and pass it through the generator. As the water passes through the machine, it produces a small amount of chlorine.

WHEN DO SALT WATER SPAS NOT WORK?

Sometimes, the technology can fail. For instance, if the water temperature drops below 60 degrees Celsius, the salt cell's chlorine production will stop. This is also when the power goes out.

If the salt cell gets clogged with minerals, which are attracted to the charged plates, chlorine output can be severely decreased. Also, too much salt can affect the water's pH and cell life.

If your water pressure is high enough that it gets into the hard water area, then your salt cell life may be shorter than normal. If your calcium hardness is over 150 ppm, then your system should be self-cleaning.

Your salt cell will eventually stop producing chlorine. It can take up to 1-5 years for this to happen.

ADVANTAGES TO SPA SALT SYSTEMS?

- Softer, silkier water - because of the salt added. And if you use Dead Sea salts, you also get potassium and magnesium, and sodium.

- No binders and fillers - bromine and chlorine tablets or granules contain additives that just junk-up the spa water.

- Fewer chemicals to store and handle. You may still need some tablets and/or MPS on hand, but will only need them rarely.

DIS-ADVANTAGES TO SPA SALT SYSTEMS?

- Salt is corrosive. Even at low levels of 2500 ppm, damage could occur to shiny chrome finishes, or soft rubber parts.

- Galvanic corrosion can make it easier for spa staining to occur, if your water has high levels of copper, iron or manganese.

- Draining a salt water hot tub can damage a lawn or landscaping, from high salt levels.

COST OF MAINTAINING A SALT HOT TUB?

The cost of a salt water hot tub system will be the same as using chlorine tablets or bromine tablets. It will require replacing it every time you use it. The salt cell will also need replacing in around 1-5 years.

TYPES OF SPA SALT SYSTEMS?

You can either install a traditional salt cell into the plumbing, or a cable or control panel is used to control the system. A different type is to place it over the side of the spa, and it rests on a foot or so below the water.

BROMINE OR CHLORINE SALT SYSTEMS?

If your hot tub uses chlorine or sodium bromide, then it will become bromine. However, if it uses regular salt, then it will still be bromine. The cost of using bromine will be higher though.

Hot tubs and salt water baths are both great for relaxing and maintaining a good water balance. However, to get the most out of these two, make sure to maintain a proper salt level and avoid overwork the cell.

Scale issues can be solved by using a scale control.

 If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!