man relaxing in a hot tub

The Benefits of Salt Water.

Long for those lazy summer beach days floating buoyantly in the ocean as gentle waves carry you up and over their crests, slowly lulling you into a blissful state of relaxation? Well, now you can enjoy the same benefits at home, year round, without getting sand in your hair, toes, or car.

Why save an experience so beneficial to your mind and body for just a few days of the year? With a salt water hot tub, all you have to do is step out your back door to enjoy that same level of peace and happiness—and the wellness benefits that go along with hydrotherapy.

What is a salt water hot tub?

In short, a salt water hot tub uses a system with electricity to turn salt into much lower amounts of chlorine than a traditional tub, which then safely sanitizes it. Saltwater tubs have less maintenance, lower cost, and a gentler soaking experience. Any tub can be a salt water hot tub. You can convert an existing tub into a saltwater tub with a salt water hot tub system, or you can purchase one specifically designed for this purpose. 

How does a salt water hot tub work?

A drop-in electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) is placed in your tub to convert salt into chlorine. Instead of adding chlorine directly to your hot tub like you would a traditional one, you’ll add salt (two pounds for every 100 gallons of water). The automated filtering system provides a steady supply of chlorine at a much lower level than if you were to add it manually through a natural reaction between salt and water called electrolysis. The chlorine then circulates throughout the tub to disinfect it. You won’t even notice the salt, but the water in the tub will have a resulting softness and be much more enjoyable to use.

family enjoying a hot tub

Salt water hot tub benefits

Let’s consider all the pros of a salt water system.

  • Affordable: A salt water system might cost more than a chemical system initially but will pay for itself over time due to reduced maintenance costs. You can get a 40-pound bag of salt for as little as $10. 
  • Fewer chemicals: Salt water depends on fewer additives and chemicals like chlorine and bromine to keep the water clean. 
  • Less irritation: Salt water is gentler to the eyes, nose, face, and skin. You won’t get burning, bloodshot eyes, and less chlorine means your body can retain more essential oils and thus moisture. 
  • Easy maintenance: These tubs are essentially self-regulating, and you’ll only need to clean the hot tub salt cell, or chlorinator cell, every 2–3 months and replace it every 1–3 years (which will run about $100). To avoid corrosion, you should wipe down exposed metal parts regularly.
  • No strong chlorine smell: You won’t experience that unpleasant, sharp scent that you get from the water of a standard chlorinated model on your body, suit, and towel that lingers with you long after washing.
  • Conserves water: You’ll only have to drain and fill your tub once a year, compared to every 3–4 months for a chlorine or bromine system. 
  • Improved wellness: Salt increases the buoyancy of water, so you’ll feel less pressure on joints and muscles and greater relaxation. You’ll also experience the same health benefits* as a traditional tub, including improved circulation.

Which is better—salt water or chlorinated hot tubs?

Now that we’ve covered all the salt water hot tub basics, the choice should be clear. 

If you are looking for a more natural way to improve your health and wellness and lower maintenance time and costs, a salt water tub is the way to go. Salt water hot tubs are also the best choice for families: you won’t have to worry about irritation for little ones, and the water’s buoyancy will help them stay afloat. 

Spend more time relaxing in your tub with loved ones than cleaning it. 


family enjoying a hot tub at sunset

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