If you are gun-shy about getting in a tub of chlorine (we can’t blame you), we don’t feel bad for you. The whole premise of a hot tub is relaxation and comfort, and you can be damned sure you’ll want to know what chemicals you’re soaking in while utilizing it.
We’re all ears! This hot tub is supposed to be for you to unwind and escape from the world, not science class. But, the bottom line is that getting away from chemicals doesn’t just end there. The focus becomes how to keep your water safe and clean without chemical intervention; and yet, keep your hot tub from becoming a petri dish.
We’re good to go—there’s a way for you to significantly, if not completely, reduce the use of traditional chemicals for your hot tub use; and, if you’re asking, yes—your water will still be clean and yes—it tested positively safe.
(See our selections for 2-8 person Beachcomber hot tubs.)
Why Go Chemical Free Hot Tubbing?
Traditional hot tub chemicals such as chlorine and bromine do their job yes, but they can be irritating to skin prone to sensitivity and old suits will get bleached, not too mention smelling like a public pool. Not your inner peace experience you were going for!
A recent industry study stated skin reactions from chemical sanitizers affect about 30% of hot tub owners—that’s nearly 1 in 3 that could experience a better approach—especially if you have children or relatives that are sensitive, have allergies, or respiratory issues. A reduction in chemical exposure can help reduced health reactions…that, would kind of be worth it. We have worked with several hundred customers over the years who made the switch to using more natural systems, and you can guess the feedback has been very positive. Less irritation, softer feeling water, and peace of mind about the fact that you are not soaking in a chemical soup.
Your Natural Hot Tub Options
UV Systems: Light-Based Sanitization
UV systems could be the most high-tech solution on this list but don’t let that intimidate you. These systems simply use high-intensity germicidal light, to kill bacteria, viruses, algae, etc. by disrupting their DNA structure. Simply put, it makes them unable to reproduce – which is precisely what you want.
The UV light gets attached right into the plumbing of your filtration system, so water is sanitized as it passes through. It is completely safe (the UV light is contained in the system), and also works instantly. No need to wait for chemicals to dissolve or activate.
Last year we installed one of these systems to a family in Burlington – who has a 6-person Beachcomber spa – and they are very happy to report even dissolved that “chemical smell.” Maintenance is also really minimal. You will need to replace the UV bulb every year – basically that’s it.
One thing to remember: UV systems are generally more effective when they are used with another form of sanitization. They are great at killing what is in the water but there is really no residual protection once the water leaves the UV chamber.
Salt-based systems: The Milder Chlorine
Now before you say “but that’s still chlorine” – hear me out. Salt-based systems do make chlorine, but it’s a very different situation than dumping in liquid chlorine or tablets into the tub.
The system electrolyzes salt (Yes, regular table salt) to produce chlorine on-demand. The salt concentration is so diluted — about as much salinity as human tears — that you will never notice it. Also, you will never have to measure, never touch a harsh chemical, and the water always feels super soft and silky.
We have a client who switched to a salt system on their 4-person, and they said that it felt like a whole new hot tub. Water quality improved dramatically, and their tight, dry skin from soaking was gone.
Installation is easy, and once installed, the system runs automatically. Just add salt as needed (say once a month) and let the system do its thing.
Ozonators: Nature’s Sanitizer
Ozone sounds scary, but basically Ozone is oxygen with one extra oxygen atom. Ozone is one of the most powerful natural sanitizers — more powerful than chlorine in fact — and is broken down back to ordinary oxygen after it does its thing.
An ozonator creates ozone using electrical energy and injects it into your hot tub water. Ozone oxidizes organic material (body oils, sweat, bacteria) and completely destroys them. The whole process is fast, efficient, and chemical-free.
We have noticed that customers with ozone mention how smooth and soft their water feels. There is no chemical odor, no itching, and no bleach on bathing suits. This is about as organic as you can get while still being sanitary.
The downside? Similar to UV systems, ozone doesn’t provide residual protection, meaning you will probably want a small amount of another sanitizer to help maintain water quality during the time between uses.
Enzymes: Naturally Breaking It Down
Enzymes are basically Mother Nature’s cleaning crew! Enzymes are proteins that break down organic compounds such as oils, sweat, and body lotions into smaller particles for your filter to weed out. Enzymes can be viewed as little Pac-Man’s potentially eating up the particles responsible for cloudy water.
The coolest thing about enzyme treatments is they eliminate problems before they start. They look to break down organic matter for bacteria to attach to instead of trying to sanitize the already contaminated water. No organic matter, no bacteria.
We suggest enzyme treatments for customers looking to minimize chemical usage with a minor change in system. You can also drop your traditional sanitizer requirement by up to 50% and keep your water looking clear. The results last about 4-weeks per treatment so maintenance is pretty small.
One family that we service uses enzymes in their 8-person spa and have cut their chemical costs by 50% with better water quality than they ever had.
Mineral Sanitizers: Old Technology, New Applications
Ionizers use copper and silver ions to combat bacteria and algae. The use of copper and silver isn’t new – it has been tried and trusted by mankind for jot decades, but thousands of years. The system uses electrolysis to release copper and silver ions into your water to act continuously against microbial reproduction. Silver ions target bacteria and viruses and copper ions prevent the build-up of algae. By using those aspects in conjunction, you can use up to 80% less chemical sanitzers (chlorine, bromine, etc.) and keep your water in great condition!
We installed an ionizer for a customer who uses a 2-person tub of water and has untold sensitive skin. She went from being unable to use her hot tub due to chemical reactions, to now soaking every day with zero irritation. The quantity of minerals is so low you can’t even test it, but ion collation is amazing!
This system is virtually maintenance free – you do have to clean the electrodes from time to time, and test every now and then your ion levels.
Non-Chlorine Shock: Clean-Up Crew
Non-Chlorine Shock does not actually sanitize your water; however, it plays an important supportive role. It’s a component that oxidizes (breaks down) organic compounds and contaminants, giving your primary sanitizer the ability to work better. Think of it as clearing the field of play.
Here is a simple shocking routine that works control well:
First, test and balance your pH between 7.2-7.4. Open your cover to ventilate, put your jets on low and administer the proper non-chlorine shock for the size of your tub. Let this fully circulate for about an hour, then turn up the air and enjoy circulation for an additional 20 minutes.
In the morning, you will have clear water that feels so fresh!
Basic Habits That Make A Big Difference
There are some daily habits, common practices that can greatly reduce your need for any sort of chemicals (natural or otherwise). These may seem like no-brainers, but you would be surprised how many people do not follow these fundamentals.
Use a cover every time. By far, this habit prevents more contamination than any sanitizer can remediate after the fact. Leaves, debris, bugs, rainwater are all carriers of bacteria and organic matter that your system is then challenged to mitigate. A good cover eliminates the problem before it even starts.
Rinse before you soak. I know it seems irritating, but if everyone else can rinse (or shower) beforehand, then they remove oils, lotions, makeup, and grime that would have ultimately gone in the water. And we recommend to our families with kids to have a swimming rinse bucket use nearby for quick fixes.
Drain and wash regularly. Even with the best sanitization system, you can only go so long before having to start fresh. For chemical-based tubs, draining happens every 3-4 months, whereas, for natural, you should drain every 2-3 months. And when you do, be sure to take the time to scrub all components thoroughly.
Maintain your filters. Dirty filters can’t do what they need to do, and that means your sanitizing system has to work overtime. Clean filter cartridges weekly with a filter cleaner, and change your cartridges on an annual basis (and even twice/year basis for heavily used tubs).
Run your pump longer. Stagnant water breeds bacteria, simply put. Most manufacturers recommend pumping at least 8 hours every day. Good circulation loads up your sanitizer less, and prevents most water quality problems before they happen.
Pretreat your water. When you fill your tub with fresh water, test it for pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. Many municipal water supplies have minerals that will affect, and ultimately, detract from the effectiveness of your sanitizing system. A little pre-treatment = a lot of headaches.
The Reality Check
Let’s face it; a reasonable level of water treatment is unavoidable. Contaminated hot tub water equals health hazards – skin infections, respiratory ailments, or in rare cases, worse illnesses. We don’t intend to keep you from water treatment entirely but find milder, more natural processes that keep you safe without the drawbacks.
We have seen too many customers want to eliminate chemicals entirely without the appropriate alternative systems and ended up with cloudy and unsafe water. The trick is creating the right combination of natural sanitizers and maintenance habits that fit your situation.
Most of our customers who switched to natural systems enjoy softer water, less troublesome skin, and overall a more pleasurable hot tub experience. The initial cost of UV systems or ionizers is offset by lower chemical costs and increased pleasure.
