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is there an alternative to chlorine in a hot tub

by Estell Stehr Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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One option is Bromine. Bromine is from the same 'family' as chlorine however it is slightly slower reacting, slighty softer on your skin and works better at higher temperatures so it has a lot of appeal for many hot tub users. Bromine comes in tablet form and is available as infused granules too.Aug 29, 2019

What is best chlorine for hot tub?

  • SpaGuard Chlorine Concentrate (14 oz)
  • Granular Stabilized Chlorine
  • Fast Acting
  • Quick Dissolving
  • No Pre-dissolving Needed

Which is better, chlorine or bromine for hottub?

  • If someone is allergic to chlorine, neither chemical will work as they are both chlorine based.
  • If someone has respiratory issues or sensitive skin, bromine is probably the better choice as it will emit a less offensive smell.
  • Bromine is more difficult to wash off because of its long lasting stability.

How much chlorine is too much in a hot tub?

Too much chlorine in a hot tub can cause problems to your skin, eyes, and respiration. Given this, never get in hot tubs with chlorine levels higher than 5ppm. Diluting water or draining and refilling the hot tub are some solutions to fix the over-chlorination issue.

How to sanitize a hot tub with chlorine?

  • Sanitize with hot tub chlorine or bromine on a weekly basis. This keeps the water clean.
  • Clean the filter monthly to remove trapped debris and grime. ...
  • Clean the hot tub shell every 3 to 4 months to prevent buildup.
  • Keep the hot tub lid free of dust and leaves by cleaning it monthly.
  • When not in use, keep the hot tub protected with a lid.

See more

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What is the best sanitizer for a tub?

Chlorine or bromine are still the top choices for tubs due to their low cost and effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, and harmful pathogens, but these chemicals can still be reduced using additional sanitizers in a one-two punch combo.

What kills bacteria in a hot tub?

Where chlorine kills bacteria and microorganisms, biguanide binds them. These clumped up contaminants are then removed by the hot tub’s filter.

Why Look For Alternatives?

There are a few reasons why you should entertain the idea of using alternative chemical sanitizers.

Why does my hot tub turn green?

High copper levels can turn your hot tub water green because copper turns green when it oxidizes (when mixed with chlorine or bromine).

How do enzymes work in a tub?

Enzymes are essentially proteins, and work by breaking down the molecules of organic pollutants to a very small size. This helps the tub’s sanitizer to easily kill them.

What minerals are used in ionizers?

Ionizers use minerals such as silver and copper to keep the tub clean.

Is ozone a corrosion resistant material?

Ozone is highly reactive, and can cause corrosion throughout the tub and equipment. Before installing an ozonator, ensure the tub and filtration system are corrosion-resistant.

What is the best chlorine alternative?

By far, the most common chlorine alternative is bromine. The chemical comes in the same form as chlorine and is used in a nearly identical way, making it an easy option with minimal fuss.

How to stop chlorine in pool?

If you want to stop using chlorine or bromine in your pool altogether, then you may consider an ozonator. Often the most expensive option, it’s the best choice for those that want to rid themselves of chlorine.

Why Choose an Alternative?

While there are many arguments for chlorine, there are also some reasons why people may choose to look for alternative options for their hot tub.

Why is chlorine used in water sanitizer?

Put simply, it is chlorine’s job to kill and prevent any algae – the green stuff – from growing in your water. For generations, people have used chlorine as the go-to water sanitiser. There are various reasons for this, but these are the main ones. - Cheap – Chlorine is and remains the cheapest sanitiser.

How does ozone work in a hot tub?

As the name suggests, ozonators work by releasing small doses of ozone – the same gas that protects the earth – into your hot tub. When in water, ozone is potently effective against bacteria, even more so than chlorine, leaving you with a sparklingly-clean tub!

Is a hot tub a chemical solution?

There are some other issues that people encounter, many to do with the fact that it is a chemical solution. Again, while these can be mitigated with proper hot tub maintenance, for some, it’s enough of a reason to look for alternatives.

Is ozonation more expensive than chlorine?

The only significant downside to ozonation is its cost. This method is significantly more expensive than using a traditional chlorine or bro mine solution. However, if you want a chemical-free tub, this is something to consider.

Why can't you use chlorine in a hot tub?

Let's get straight to the point, as there are several reasons why you might not want to use chlorine or bromine in your hot tub: Chemical odor. This is probably the most common reason you'd choose to go the alternative route with your hot tub sanitizer. Bromine isn’t too bad in the smell department, but chlorine does put off a strong chemical smell ...

What is the best sanitizer for a hot tub?

What Are The Best Alternative Hot Tub Sanitizers? Chlorine and bromine are definitely the most common sanitizers people use for hot tubs, but in case you’d like to find an alternative, we’ve got you covered. Let's get straight to the point, as there are several reasons why you might not want to use chlorine or bromine in your hot tub:

Why do hot tubs use ozonators?

Hot tub owners like ozonators because the effects last longer than chlorine or bromine and it’s about 3,000 times more powerful. So, the water stays cleaner and clearer longer.

Why is my skin red after a chlorine soak?

Sanitizing chemicals can leave your skin, hair and eyes dry and damaged, and can cause itching and burning and redness. Who wants to deal with that after taking a relaxing soak?

How do ozonators work in a hot tub?

#3. Ozonators. Ozonators work by exposing oxygen to ultraviolet light to create a gas that destroys most bacteria in the water.

Why do people use biguanides in hot tubs?

Apparently, medical professionals used to use it in gauze dressing for wounds because it is good at pulling in all the bacteria and destroying it . There are some specific benefits of using biguanides in hot tubs. For one thing, it doesn’t break down with high temps like some other chemicals.

What bacteria can be in a hot tub?

Without sanitizer, your hot tub can harbor some pretty harmful bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginos, Mycobacterium avium, and Legionella.

What are the effects of chlorine in a pool?

The accumulation of these chloramine molecules is responsible for the most common adverse effects of a chlorine pool: skin and eye irritation and unpleasant “chlorine” odor.

What is the best chemical to kill germs in a pool?

Chlorine is a very popular and inexpensive chemical used all over the world to kill germs in pools. Its popularity is not surprising: it really does a great job. While chlorine is a really effective chemical, using it to keep your pool clean comes at a price.

What is the best sanitizer?

Basically, the most common sanitizers are chlorine and bromine. Although chlorine is more popular, bromine can often serve as a reliable alternative. Bromine, similarly to chlorine, is a highly reactive halogen element and a powerful sanitizer. Its natural state is a liquid that evaporates easily at room temperature.

Why do you need to add bromine to a pool?

Therefore, in the case of outdoor swimming pools, you have to add bromine frequently because of the increased degradation. Obviously, this means greater expenses. At the same time, if you use bromine you don’t have to add cyanuric acid to the water that’s used to stabilize chlorine from sunlight.

Why is salt water sanitizing good?

Salt water sanitizing systems are growing in popularity and for a good reason: they keep your pool really clean without any hassle. If you’re looking for pool chlorine alternatives to avoid red eyes, itchy skin and “chlorine smell” then you may want to consider this solution. However, if reducing or completely eliminating chlorine from your pool (and not just some of its most unpleasant effects) is your main goal, then salt water sanitizing systems are not for you because salt pools are basically chlorine pools.

How much does a chlorine generator cost?

A chlorine generator usually cost $1500-$2500 (with installation) and the cell unit needs to be replaced after 4-7 years. On the other hand, it’s much cheaper to maintain a salt water pool ($50-$80/year) than a traditional chlorine pool ($250-$300/year).

How does a salt water pool work?

How does a salt water pool work? In a brief, it uses dissolved salt to generate chlorine molecules that form hypochlorous acid after reacting the water molecules.

What is the best sanitizer for hot tubs?

Chlorine. Chlorine is the most popular product used in sanitizing toilets and hot tubs. It is sometimes used along with mineral sanitizers to prevent cloudy water. But chlorine is not good to use on its own and you will not find it in tablet form.

Why Use Chemical Free Hot Tub Sanitizers?

We all know that chemicals are bad for our health and the environment as well. While they might be really effective in keeping our bathtub cleaned and sanitized, the risks that come with using them are not really worth it.

What is the best sanitizer for sensitive skin?

Biguanides . Technically called the polyhexamethylene biguanide, the biguanides are known for being gentle on the skin and eyes. So, if you’re looking for a hot tub sanitizer for sensitive skin, this product is highly recommended. In fact, some of the contact lens solutions are made from this chemical.

What sanitizers are safe for a tub?

Mineral sanitizers use copper or silver ions in sanitizing the water in your tub. But unlike the chemical sanitizers, these mineral sanitizers are eco-friendly. They also don’t produce nasty odor and have almost no side effects, unlike bromide and chlorine.

How long does a hot tub conditioner last?

This product is effective at keeping your tub sanitized for up to 6 months! After you complete the initial cleansing of your tub, simply refill your tub and add a small amount of this serum.

What ions do ionizers release?

Ionizers will release silver and copper ions to water. The ions are powerful enough to kill all the algae and bacteria in the water in your tub.

What is the best way to clean a hot tub?

Bromide is another popular chemical used in cleaning hot tubs. This chemical ensures the continuous sanitation of your tub. It is usually inserted in a bromide feeder that floats in the tub and it comes in the form of tablets. Unfortunately, many users complain of irritated skin when using this chemical as a hot tub sanitizer.

What is the best chlorine for a hot tub?

There are different types of chlorine you can add to a hot tub, but the safest and most effective form is concentrated granules specifically designed for spas, like this Chlorinating Concentrate from SpaGuard:

What are some alternatives to chlorine?

If you want to avoid using chlorine altogether, there are other alternatives like bromine, biguanide, and even salt water that can be used instead. Let's take a brief look at each of these options.

How much chlorine do you put in a hot tub?

It's important to know how much chlorine to add and how often because adding too much could make your tub unsafe or irritate sensitive skin. The right amount will depend on the size of your tub and the potency of the specific chlorine you add.

Why does my hot tub use so much chlorine?

There are a number of things that can cause a hot tub to use a lot of chlorine. These include: the size of your hot tub, how often you use it, whether you have kids or parties in your hot tub , and even the age of the water. Let's take a closer look at each of these things.

How to shock a hot tub?

To shock your hot tub, the easiest thing to do is usually to just add a "shock" dose of the same chlorine granules you use to sanitize your spa ( the SpaGuard ones I linked above are a sanitizer and an oxidizer in one).

What is the best way to clean a hot tub?

Chlorine is a chemical that helps kill bacteria and other contaminants in your hot tub. When you add chlorine to the water, it has a sanitizing effect that can last for days—but it will eventually dissipate, and then you'll need to add more to keep the hot tub clean and safe.

Why does my spa water get cloudy?

Whenever you use your spa, you introduce new contaminants into the water in the form of oil s, make- up, lotions, or sweat. These need to be neutralized by chlorine so that they can't grow into mold or algae and cause the water to get cloudy. If you use your spa frequently, it's going to need more chlorine to keep these contaminants in check than if you only used it on occasion.

Gene

Reading through this forum is pretty discouraging. Everyone seems to have a different opinion. I, as it seems many others, am looking for alternatives to chlorine/bromine, due to smell and skin irritation. I've been using The Natural for years with a shock, but now I'm hearing I also have to use chorine/bromine as a sanitizer.

Hillbilly Hot Tub

Interests:Hot Tubs & Sauna sales and service, water chemstry, camping, my children and grandson.

Gene

Reading through this forum is pretty discouraging. Everyone seems to have a different opinion. I, as it seems many others, am looking for alternatives to chlorine/bromine, due to smell and skin irritation. I've been using The Natural for years with a shock, but now I'm hearing I also have to use chorine/bromine as a sanitizer.

Hillbilly Hot Tub

Interests:Hot Tubs & Sauna sales and service, water chemstry, camping, my children and grandson.

Gene

renew is not a sanitizer, you are right. It is MPS which is an oxidizer.

Private Shrink

renew is not a sanitizer, you are right. It is MPS which is an oxidizer.

Whoneedsavacation

Interests:Hot tubs! Dressage, Eventing, Wine, Creating Food, Writing, Cats. Rocket Scientist by trade.

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Why Hot Tubs Use Chlorine

  • As mentioned above, chlorine is the most prominent sanitiser for both hot tubs and swimming pools. Put simply, it is chlorine’s job to kill and prevent any algae – the green stuff – from growing in your water. For generations, people have used chlorine as the go-to water sanitiser. There are various reasons for this, but these are the main ones. 1. - Cheap – Chlorine is and remains the c…
See more on 1stdirectpools.com

Why Choose An Alternative?

  • While there are many arguments for chlorine, there are also some reasons why people may choose to look for alternative options for their hot tub. One of the biggest drawbacks of chlorine is that it can cause skin and eye irritation. Often, this issue can be managed by maintaining the right chlorine levels in your hot tub. However, those with sensitive eyes and skin may require an altern…
See more on 1stdirectpools.com

Bromine

  • By far, the most common chlorine alternative is bromine. The chemical comes in the same form as chlorine and is used in a nearly identical way, making it an easy option with minimal fuss. For those with sensitive skin, bromine is the go-to solution, performing the same job as chlorine but with notably reduced harshness on the skin. Bromine is also known to work at higher temperatur…
See more on 1stdirectpools.com

Ultra-Violet

  • Ultra-violet (UV) rays, like those from the sun, are a natural killer of bacteria in your pool. UV sanitisers take some setting up but can help reduce the number of chemicals you need to keep your hot tub looking healthy. If you’re looking for a more natural sanitiser, UV is a good option. Often installed into the hot tub’s pipework, UV bulbs will work to kill bacteria as it passes throug…
See more on 1stdirectpools.com

Ozonators

  • If you want to stop using chlorine or bromine in your pool altogether, then you may consider an ozonator. Often the most expensive option, it’s the best choice for those that want to rid themselves of chlorine. As the name suggests, ozonators work by releasing small doses of ozone – the same gas that protects the earth – into your hot tub. When in ...
See more on 1stdirectpools.com

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