Salt Water Spas
A topic of much debate in the pool and spa industry is chlorine generation via salt water systems. In a nutshell advocates claim reduced skin irritation and dryness, less red eyes and chemical smell while reducing time spent on maintenance and amount of chemicals needed to maintain the spa water.Those opposing the systems typically object to moderately high purchase price and increased rate of wear and failure rates for integral components such as heating elements. The decision to use a salt water sanitization system will depend on your priorities in a spa and the information you take in during your research of these systems.
Salt Water Increases User Comfort
I personally endorse salt water systems. I find the benefits far outweigh any perceived negatives with these systems. Swim in a salt water pool or bathe in a salt water hot tub and then decide if you like the systems. Be sure to try the salt water in an environment where the water is well balanced to get the full exposure to its benefits.
How Does Salt Sanitize Spa Water
By adding sodium to the water in the form of sodium chloride for chlorine or sodium bromide for bromine you can generate sanitizer automatically. An electrolysis process combines with the sodium in the water and creates a chlorine molecule. The chlorine then actively seeks out bacteria, attaches to it, and part of it becomes a chloromine while the other part reverts back into sodium.Essentially it is a self contained sanitizer generation and recycling station. This automation decreases the time you will spend manually adjusting sanitizer levels and provides a well conditioned water environment. The softness of the water on your skin is very noticeable and there is no need to shower or chemical residue on your skin when you get out of the tub.
Does Salt Water Damage Anything In The Spa?
The potential for advanced component wear exists under two conditions. One condition is that the components of the pool or spa must be suitable for use with a salt water system. Stainless steel is not suitable for use in salt water systems as the oxidization on the metal will be impacted. Heating elements should be made from titanium or premature failure should be expected. All of this however depends on water chemistry.If the water in a salt water spa is not maintained, just like a regular spa, advanced wear will occur on integral components and early failure is a possibility. The better that you are able to balance your water, the longer all parts of the tub will last.
Proceed to the Spa Water Chemistry section