What is your favorite thing about owning a hot tub? Is it the warmth on those cold evenings? The ability to relax and forget about work for a while? Whatever it is, you can enjoy all of these benefits and more by installing one chemical-free.
Chemical-free hot tubs are fast becoming the most popular type because they offer everything that traditional models do, but without any of the chemicals that can be harmful to your health. In this article, we will discuss how to build this one.
More than one alternative to chlorine in the hot tub
Chlorine is the most common chemical used to sanitize hot tubs and pools. However, when chlorine evaporates into the air it can cause skin irritation for some people. Additionally, when chlorine is added to water containing high levels of bromine (which has burnt off) or cyanuric acid it forms chloramines which are particularly irritating to the eyes and the respiratory system.
There are a number of chemical-free options available for sanitizing your hot tub that is healthier and more environmentally friendly.
Ultraviolet (UV) system
A UV system can be used to destroy microorganisms in the water. It works by exposing them to ultra-violet light, which they cannot stand. The good news is that this method doesn’t add anything into the hot tub so it does not interfere with your bromine or chlorine levels and won’t cause any irritation for you.
A UV system is the best way to get rid of microorganisms in a hot tub, but it does require some maintenance. The bulb has a limited life and needs replacement every six months or so. Additionally, you also have to keep on top of cleaning out your filter since minerals from the water will clog up the light tube more quickly than with chlorine.
Salt-based systems
One of the most popular salt-based systems is a chlorine generator.
As water flows through this system, it passes over electrically charged plates that are submerged in salt solution rather than plain tap water. This causes an electrolytic reaction to occur between the metal plates and ionized salt molecules in the water, producing hypochlorous acid (HOCL).
This solution is so powerful that it can kill bacteria in the water by destroying its cell membranes. A chlorine generator system may be preferable to you because of your desire for a chemical-free environment.
Ozonizers
Ozonizers are devices that release ozone into the water, eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms. They can be installed onto hot tubs, and are used to sanitize the water.
Ozonizers for hot tubs function by injecting ozone into the system at a high enough concentration to kill bacteria and other microorganisms, including viruses in the water that may cause disease when ingested or contracted through the skin. It also helps eliminate any chemical smells from bromine or chlorine in the water, a common complaint from hot tub users.
Ozonizers are a chemical-free system for sanitizing water and do not require the use of bromine or chlorine as other systems may. They also eliminate the need to constantly monitor pH levels to maintain cleanliness in the water — ozone does this work for you.
Ionizers
Ionizers are the most popular method to keep hot tub water clean without chemicals. The ionizer will either release ozone or negative ions into your spa’s water, which destroys bacteria and viruses on contact. It is also very effective in killing algae spores.
An ionizer can handle high amounts of bather load and should never need maintenance or replacement parts if the unit was designed correctly. There are three main types of ionizers: zinc anode, titanium plates, and corona discharge.
- Zinc Anode Ionizers use an inert zinc metal that has no corrosion or electronic properties to generate negative ions into the water column. They are inexpensive to purchase but need to be replaced every two or three years.
- Titanium Plates use very durable titanium plates, but the process is less effective than corona discharge (see below). They can last up to 14 years if your spa water chemistry is balanced.
- Corona Discharge Ionizers are the most popular ionizer because they work better than zinc or titanium plates and last up to 18 years before needing maintenance. The corona discharge method uses an electrical charge that runs through a gas chamber filled with either argon, neon, helium, or xenon gases. The gas is ionized and creates a frequency that produces positive ions into the water.
Enzyme treatment
Enzyme treatment is a process that breaks down organic materials in the water, such as oils and lotions. This prevents soap scum from forming on surfaces inside your hot tub.
Enzyme treatment is a great option if you do not want to use chemicals or bromine to maintain your hot tub’s cleanliness because enzymes are naturally occurring substances found everywhere in nature.
Enzyme treatment is available in liquid, powder, and tablet form. Liquid enzymes are the most common type of enzyme used for hot tubs because they are easy to apply by simply pouring into your hot tub’s water circulation system when you refill it after draining it.
Practical tips for using the whirlpool tub without chemicals or reducing them
Keep a hot tub closed when not in use
Keeping the cover on your hot tub is a great way to help reduce evaporation, but even more important it prevents contaminants from entering the water. If you have lots of leaves or other debris where your hot tub is located, this may be all that’s needed for now. You can always remove the cover and clean your tub later.
Maintain balanced hot tub water
To maintain a chemical-free hot tub, you should aim for keeping pH as close as possible between the range of 7-8.
Drain more frequently
If you drain your hot tub more frequently, it will be easier to clean and disinfect. The chemicals can maintain their effectiveness longer if the water is changed out entirely every week.
If draining more frequently isn’t an option, get in touch with a professional service that has hot tub cleaning equipment that will allow them to clean your water without emptying it. When they do remove chemicals from the water for maintenance purposes, replace them as soon as possible.
Maintain your filter
Clean the filter every month by soaking it in a tub of hot water and a capful of bleach. Rinse well after cleaning, allow to dry for 24 hours before returning to your hot tub.
Always keep an extra set of replacement filters on hand for emergencies.
Let the pump run longer
If there is a lot of debris in the hot tub, let the pump run for an extra minute or two before shutting it off. This will help to clear out all of the debris so that you do not have any clogging up your filter and reducing flow. If this problem persists over several days, try adding more water at night time.
Summary
Chemical-free hot tubs rely on a more rigid and diligent maintenance plan than standard hot tubs.
You can use your hot tub without chemicals, but you will need to maintain the water yourself with purification systems such as ozone or UV that don’t require any sort of chlorine tablets.
While this may be more inconvenient for some people, it is also much more environmentally friendly and healthy. It can also be less expensive in the long run because you don’t need to buy chemicals for your spa treatment water every month or two, and it does not require electricity so running costs should be much lower than a standard hot tub with chlorine tablets.
FAQ:
❓ What is a chemical-free hot tub?
A chemical-free hot tub does not have any harsh chemicals added to the water like bromine or chlorine.
✔ What are the benefits of a chemical-free hot tub?
A chemical-free spa is healthier because it doesn’t have chlorine or bromine added to it, which can irritate your skin. It’s also friendlier for the environment without chemicals running off into lakes and streams. Lastly, you won’t be breathing in any harsh chemicals when you breathe in the steam.
🤓 How do I keep a chemical-free hot tub clean?
You still need to treat the water with some kind of sanitizer, but instead, you can use mineral purifiers or ionizers. The minerals in these products are safe for your skin and help balance out pH levels naturally. They don’t have any harsh chemicals, but they will still keep your water clean.
📍 Why should I use a chemical-free hot tub?
Chemical-free hot tubs are the green alternative to harsh chemicals. The water is safer for people and pets because there are no toxic chemicals in it, which makes them ideal if you have very young children or animals that like to drink from the pool or spa.
🧐 How often should I change my water?
Depending on the number of people using your spa, you may need to drain and refill it every few months. However, a chemical-free hot tub does not have many harsh chemicals that can build up in the water so there is no specific amount for how often this should be done.
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