Salt Water vs Chlorine Hot Tubs: Which One Is Better for Your Family?

The hot tub is the epitome of relaxation for a number of families. Hot tubs can offer true rejuvenation at home after a long day and allow for home spa days. Deciding to get a hot tub can be an exciting time but it begs so many questions. Is a Salt Water or Chlorine hot tub a better option to get for your family? The differences are vast when they are considered as maintenance can be completely different. Making an educated purchase is not something that you are going to regret. The following are the differences between salt water vs chlorine hot tubs. 

Salt Water Hot Tubs

Over the past 15 years, salt water hot tubs have become increasingly popular; however, they are not without their setbacks. Below are some things to consider if you’re interested in salt water for your hot tub.

• Salt water hot tubs require a special cell that converts the salt (NaCl) into a gentler form of chlorine (Cl). Producing chlorine this way leaves you feeling refreshed after getting out of the tub and does not dry out your skin like regular chlorinated water can. It also does not create a chlorine smell that could potentially linger on your skin afterwards.
• Water conservation is a big deal to consumers as it can help them save money. Reducing the amount of waste is important to eco-friendly individuals. Salt water tubs tend to evaporate slower which may mean less frequent filling.
• Easy to clean as debris floats to the top of the pool. With this being said, you should cover your hot tub when it is not in use. 
• While chlorine is generated as needed, alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness can still fluctuate and need to be maintained. In salt water, calcium hardness tends to increase faster than in chlorine and can lead to scaly buildup in your tub and on the salt cell.
• Since saltwater hot tubs require specialty parts, it may be harder to find a knowledgeable technician should any problems arise.
• Salt cells need to be replaced every 3-5 years on average and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the model.

Chlorine Hot Tubs

Hot tubs with chlorine are something that a majority of people have been in at one point or another. Chlorine is well-known for killing bacteria and has been trusted around the world to so do. The benefits of having a chlorine hot tub and some drawbacks are as follows:

• Finding a dealer who offers salt cell equipped hot tubs can be difficult, whereas any hot tub can accommodate chlorine.
• Chlorine is highly effective at quickly getting rid of bacteria, though it can be easy to over treat your water.
• A hot tub maintenance professional should be able to help you balance your chemical levels, especially if they come for weekly maintenance. 
• Using chlorine has a low start up cost as you do not need to have any specialty equipment. 
• Chlorine levels should be tested weekly to ensure proper balance. 
• Chlorinated water tends to evaporate quicker than salt water, but so long as you leave the tub covered when not in use, this should not be a problem.

Benefits Of Both Types

Whichever option you choose, a hot tub is the ultimate way to relax as it can be like sitting in a warm bath while being massaged. The jets in a hot tub are important especially if you are trying to use it for therapeutic reasons. Being able to hit the hot tub after a long day of sitting at a desk can provide relief to your back and neck.

Entertaining is another great aspect of owning a hot tub. People love to soak in the hot tub especially at night. You might have family visiting that love the hot tub so much they do not want to leave. 

The true benefit is that it gives you something to do that is relaxing or entertaining for a minimal cost per month. Hot tubs continue to become more efficient and easy to use. Technology like heating the tub from your phone also exists if you are a tech-savvy homeowner.

Contact Epic Hot Tubs by calling 888-884-3742, visiting our Raleigh or Durham showrooms, or filling out the form below if you’d like to know more about this versatile addition.

About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.