Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Cora5 on January 28, 2018, 01:29:19 pm
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I went to my local hot tub dealer yesterday and to my surprise they are using salt in their chlorine (@ ease) hot tubs. The dealer mentioned that he cleared this method of sanitation with the manufacture for the five brands that they carry. He showed me a cheatsheet that he gives to his customers when they purchase a spa from him. All of the spas on the floor had salt water in them.
I just wanted to know from the experts here if you have heard or know of this method? I did see the cheatsheet but didn't get a copy of it.
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I don't see any point in adding salt to a 'traditional' chlorine tub, doesn't make any sense. Now there are of course Salt Water Systems on the market that PRODUCE both Bromine or Chlorine but those are a part of a complete system where you would not use the @Ease system at that point, I'm not sure why he's "combining" both, doesn't make sense.
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I haven’t tried it yet. I think I mentioned once or twice I was going to try it at the end of this water change cycle.
The reason I was going to do it and I use dichlor and bleach method of sanitizing now, is my friend has a salt tub with the no frill aftermarket salt generator system that just makes chlorine and none of the supposed other things that ACE does. I have soaked in his water a couple times and I know all that’s in it is salt and chlorine and the water has a nicer feel to it when in it and also after getting out. So I suppose the dealer is going for the feel and the benefit to the skin of the salt in the water without the cost of the generator system that are built in.
My idea was to try it first just to see what would happen and if the feel to the water would be there. Salt is cheap compared to all these minerals and stuff I see people talking about to improve the feel of the water. This way we could soak in it and get a feel for salt without me dragging a lot of people over to my friends house. I was then going to add a salt generator to my tub as well at some point.
Cora5 if you could get your hands on that information and post it I would love to read thru it. I would also be interested in what manufactures said it was ok. My dealer told me oh if you do that you will rust out your pumps and void your warranty. I think it is baloney but what do I know.
I also wonder if salt by itself has any sanitizing effect. I always hear how a few ounces of minerals has some effect dissolving slowly over 6 months I would think 10 pounds of salt might do something as well. But I don’t know that as well.
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I haven’t tried it yet. I think I mentioned once or twice I was going to try it at the end of this water change cycle.
The reason I was going to do it and I use dichlor and bleach method of sanitizing now, is my friend has a salt tub with the no frill aftermarket salt generator system that just makes chlorine and none of the supposed other things that ACE does. I have soaked in his water a couple times and I know all that’s in it is salt and chlorine and the water has a nicer feel to it when in it and also after getting out. So I suppose the dealer is going for the feel and the benefit to the skin of the salt in the water without the cost of the generator system that are built in.
My idea was to try it first just to see what would happen and if the feel to the water would be there. Salt is cheap compared to all these minerals and stuff I see people talking about to improve the feel of the water. This way we could soak in it and get a feel for salt without me dragging a lot of people over to my friends house. I was then going to add a salt generator to my tub as well at some point.
Cora5 if you could get your hands on that information and post it I would love to read thru it. I would also be interested in what manufactures said it was ok. My dealer told me oh if you do that you will rust out your pumps and void your warranty. I think it is baloney but what do I know.
I also wonder if salt by itself has any sanitizing effect. I always hear how a few ounces of minerals has some effect dissolving slowly over 6 months I would think 10 pounds of salt might do something as well. But I don’t know that as well.
I've been selling saltwater spas since 2009, I can personally say that his statement is complete BS. It's just simply not true
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Bud16415, I will be sure to get a copy of the protocol the next time I visit the dealer. They carry Marquis and bullfrog. I can't recall the other brands but I know that they don't carry Caldera.
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The dealer did mention the reason for this protocol was for softening the water.
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I've been selling saltwater spas since 2009, I can personally say that his statement is complete BS. It's just simply not true
I kind of figured that on my own after looking at what the salt concentration is and the corrosive effects of water alone and with the addition of chlorine or bromine. I mentioned to him that it was about what is in human tears and not the ocean and my eyes seem to be doing ok soaking in it for 62 years now. They have a strategy for selling pre-filled dispensing canisters and pool salt doesn’t have the profit margin I’m sure.
I kind of just ended the discussion because I figured if I did switch to salt and had something go in the tub I didn’t want to be blamed for it. With the after market salt generator I could pull it from the tub in 30 seconds and who’s going to know.
So my logic for Cora5 is if it can’t harm anything why not try it and see what you think.
I just might load mine up this week after I see the recommended protocol.
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I have seen lots of people who use salt systems destroy their heaters within a year or 2. Maybe their PH is off too? Not sure, but my experience with saltwater hot tubs has not been good.
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I have seen lots of people who use salt systems destroy their heaters within a year or 2. Maybe their PH is off too? Not sure, but my experience with saltwater hot tubs has not been good.
yup, mis balanced pH ie acidic water will surely ruin a heater in no time at all, has nothing to do with the salt
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I have also seen people ruin there tubs with salt systems though I think it was more to do with poor education on how salt systems are suppossed to be used then anything a salt system did. For that matter I have also seen people ruin there hot tubs with chlorine use as well. I think it mainly comes down to educating by your customer on the use of whatever sitter they are using. We have a lot of pool builders in my area that sell salt systems on Pools as a be all end all. Just throw some salt in they say. These same people don’t understand why stuff breaks in 2-3 years on there “brand new pool”
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This is kind of the information my dealer gave me about the horrors of adding salt to a spa. I got the example as where we live they dump million of tons of road salt on every winter and why this is called the rust belt. They told me do you want what happens to your car to happen to your spa?
I get a lot of stick but no carrot. I’m not all that familiar of all the inter workings of a spa and the materials all of it are made out of. Nor am I a chemist or metallurgist. But I never seem to get specifics on what salt is alleged to tear up in a tub. I know it eats up my aluminum storm door and my mild steel body on my car if neither is protected. I know salt is formed between a reaction between a strong base and acid and the result is PH neutral.
So if anyone knows exactly what harm salt solution in the low concentration recommended will cause exactly what part or parts of a modern spa to fail. Or what type of improper use of salt could do, or how to prevent that I would love to know?
I assume you want it dissolved before it goes thru the pump. My friend weighs his salt and puts it in a plastic bucket after filling his tub and heating it. He then fills the bucket with water and sets it on the floor of his tub without any pumps running. He waits a couple hours and comes back to find the salt granules gone. That seemed pretty straightforward.
When I read reviews of aftermarket salt systems they all sound positive and I cant find any where someone advises don’t do it because it ate up my pump or heater. I know once I give it a go and find I have a problem salt related I will shout it from the roof tops.
I just would like some solid information on it.
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Bud14615, How long have your friend had his salt generator setup on his spa? Has he had any major issues with parts failing prematurely?
Hotspring has been successful with their setup with the exception of the ACE cell going out on average every two years if I recall correctly. It would be nice if other hot tub manufactures would offer salt water spas to customers. I can image that a lot of people prefer these over chlorine and bromine.
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Bud14615, How long have your friend had his salt generator setup on his spa? Has he had any major issues with parts failing prematurely?
Hotspring has been successful with their setup with the exception of the ACE cell going out on average every two years if I recall correctly. It would be nice if other hot tub manufactures would offer salt water spas to customers. I can image that a lot of people prefer these over chlorine and bromine.
My friend has a Marquis tub and adapted it to salt with the first gen Saltron mini. I know this because he is an electrician and he built his own timer unit because the timer wasn’t built into the first units. I think His has to be going for at least 5 years now maybe more. He replaced his anode about a year ago and they are under 100 bucks. He’s had no salt related problems.
He unplugs his anode once a month and puts it in a jar of vinegar. I think the newer ones do a reverse polarity thing and are more less self cleaning. The vinegar is pretty simple though.
The only drawback to this type is when you open the tub you pull the anode out of your tub and stick it in a little holder and you have to remember to toss it back in. about the same work as taking your floating dispenser for bromine out.
At this point I really have almost zero fear adding salt to any spa.
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I have the protocol, note that this is specifically for the Marquis The Show 475 gallon spa . The only time salt is added to the spa is on a fresh fill. The spa chemicals are either Spa guard or leisure time. I can't recall which. My bad... ???
* Startup/Fresh fill *
- Add 3 caps of PH and alkalinity increaser(red)
- Add 1 1/2 caps of spa shock oxidizer (blue)
- Add 1 jumpstart chlorine package
- Add 5 cups of spa salt
- Add the @ease inline mineral cartridge, this is changed out every 4 months
- Add the @ease silver chlorine cartridge set it to 3 - 4
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* Weekly
- Check PH and alkalinity & adjust if needed
- Add 1 1/2 caps spa shock oxidizer (blue)
* Monthly
- Spray off filter with garden hose
- Check silver chlorine cartridge and replace when empty
* Every 4 months
- Replace blue frog mineral cartridge
- Drain spa and refill through the filter
* Every 6 months
- Soak filter in filter cleaner overnight
* Every 12 months
- Replace filter with new ones
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I have the protocol, note that this is specifically for the Marquis The Show 475 gallon spa . The only time salt is added to the spa is on a fresh fill. The spa chemicals are either Spa guard or leisure time. I can't recall which. My bad... ???
* Startup/Fresh fill *
- Add 3 caps of PH and alkalinity increaser(red)
- Add 1 1/2 caps of spa shock oxidizer (blue)
- Add 1 jumpstart chlorine package
- Add 5 cups of spa salt
- Add the @ease inline mineral cartridge, this is changed out every 4 months
- Add the @ease silver chlorine cartridge set it to 3 - 4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Weekly
- Check PH and alkalinity & adjust if needed
- Add 1 1/2 caps spa shock oxidizer (blue)
* Monthly
- Spray off filter with garden hose
- Check silver chlorine cartridge and replace when empty
* Every 4 months
- Replace blue frog mineral cartridge
- Drain spa and refill through the filter
* Every 6 months
- Soak filter in filter cleaner overnight
* Every 12 months
- Replace filter with new ones
What if your ph is high out of your tap? What if you have a lot of minerals? Every bodies source water is different which is why you can’t have a magic recipe for everybody upon fill
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Bud14615, How long have your friend had his salt generator setup on his spa? Has he had any major issues with parts failing prematurely?
Hotspring has been successful with their setup with the exception of the ACE cell going out on average every two years if I recall correctly. It would be nice if other hot tub manufactures would offer salt water spas to customers. I can image that a lot of people prefer these over chlorine and bromine.
There is more manufacturers coming on-board as soon as next year, they simply can't ignore the fact that people who are offering it are kicking the crap out of competition assuming its sold/serviced/and the customer is properly informed. I can't believe the people out their that "fight" that fact, it's crazy....in general 3-4% of the population in the United States owns a Hot Tub and it's not like that number has grown in the last 20 years, so how do you open up to a broader spectrum of customers? ummm how about innovating something once in awhile and that is exactly what salt does, it brings new buyers onto the market who never even considered a spa before, and I have 3 solid years of numbers that back up that statement, currently 65% of our hot tubs that go out for delivery get a salt system....I don't need Warren Buffets business acumen to realize that is a very positive sign now and moving forward.
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I knew this method had its draw backs. After having a year to decide on which sanitation method to go with. I have decided that I am definitely going with a chlorine generator. This method seems to offer a more simplistic means of keeping things in check.
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Bud14615, How long have your friend had his salt generator setup on his spa? Has he had any major issues with parts failing prematurely?
Hotspring has been successful with their setup with the exception of the ACE cell going out on average every two years if I recall correctly. It would be nice if other hot tub manufactures would offer salt water spas to customers. I can image that a lot of people prefer these over chlorine and bromine.
There is more manufacturers coming on-board as soon as next year, they simply can't ignore the fact that people who are offering it are kicking the crap out of competition assuming its sold/serviced/and the customer is properly informed. I can't believe the people out their that "fight" that fact, it's crazy....in general 3-4% of the population in the United States owns a Hot Tub and it's not like that number has grown in the last 20 years, so how do you open up to a broader spectrum of customers? ummm how about innovating something once in awhile and that is exactly what salt does, it brings new buyers onto the market who never even considered a spa before, and I have 3 solid years of numbers that back up that statement, currently 65% of our hot tubs that go out for delivery get a salt system....I don't need Warren Buffets business acumen to realize that is a very positive sign now and moving forward.
BullFrogSpasMN
You should sit on the board for some of these manufacturers. They've got their heads up their you know what. This is an excellent observation which I believe to be true. That is why I have to decided to go ahead and purchase a chlorine generator when I get my spa. If I'm willing to pay $13,000 for a spa, I want to enjoy it the way I see fit.
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Cora
Thanks for posting the info.
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Cora
Thanks for posting the info.
You're welcome Bud. Let us know when you switch over to a chlorine generator. I'm sure it will work out just fine for you.
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Manufacturers don't offer salt because they've tested them and seen corrosion. I've spoken with multiple factory reps who've said this. I've seen firsthand quite a few people on salt systems have corroded heaters. I'm not sure what you're doing differently.
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As a soon to be hot tub purchaser, this thread poses some diametric views on water sanitation and conditioning!
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As a soon to be hot tub purchaser, this thread poses some diametric views on water sanitation and conditioning!
Yes it does. I’m not new to hot tubs as we have had ours for about 3 years now and this question is one that is hard to get a straight answer on.
The debate normally ends up centering on the heater at some point and heaters do start to corrode and weep at some point and then moisture gets into the electrical side of the sealed up unit and shorts tripping the GFIC and you are done. For me this type of failure is all the thermal cycles on a welded and supposedly stainless steel piece that salt should have no impact on. There are many different grades of stainless steel and some are better in different properties. Pumps are another area of concern and are supposedly designed to function without problems in water with bromine or chlorine sanitizers in them. Is the mild salt solution different?
I got the exact same narrative Sam stated above from my dealer. But would like to see something solid saying salt is bad for XYZ and here is the science behind it. Heaters fail everyday in salt tubs and non salt tubs. Is there a recorded increase in salt tubs. Is it like if I put salt in my tub I will expect to change my heater every year instead of every 10 years?
Can someone even tell me what material exactly a heater, pump etc are made from and then I would know just by looking up the properties of that material.
As far as I know the companies that offer salt systems don’t put different heaters in the tub if it is getting salt.
Then there are people that have switched over and I don’t hear an outcry of salt ruined my tub from them.
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Manufacturers don't offer salt because they've tested them and seen corrosion. I've spoken with multiple factory reps who've said this. I've seen firsthand quite a few people on salt systems have corroded heaters. I'm not sure what you're doing differently.
"multiple factory reps" did those guys happen to rep brands that don't offer salt? hmmm i wonder lol....only reason I would ever call a rep is if I ran out of brochures, they don't have any technical backgrounds, hell half of them can't even sell themselves. Also I'd like to see these "corroded heaters" you speak of? low pH will corrode a heater 10x faster than 1800 ppm salt in the water so maybe they need some general water-care education?
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The debate continues.... Keep it up guys, let's get to the bottom of this once and for all. What's really going on here.
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Manufacturers don't offer salt because they've tested them and seen corrosion. I've spoken with multiple factory reps who've said this. I've seen firsthand quite a few people on salt systems have corroded heaters. I'm not sure what you're doing differently.
This below is quoted from Bullfrog Spas blog. I had one in my previous spa I would not get one again.
“For those considering this option, here are a few things to keep in mind. Due to the salt, you’ll have to do an additional test each month to check the salinity of your hot tub. Because of the corrosive nature of saltwater and other factors, Bullfrog Spas expert Cyndi Blessing (who used an aftermarket saltwater system with her hot tub) wouldn’t recommend using a salt generation system. In her experience, she found that “it was actually harder to balance the water compared to a more traditional chlorine or bromine system.”
Todd Cossey, a seasoned spa technician at Bullfrog Spas, adds, “Quite a few dealers have installed aftermarket saltwater systems, and although they’re suppose to be great, they can get out of control fast and can damage the spa.”
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I personally found bromine much harder than chlorine keeping my tub in balance, but I have read enough positive opinions of bromine to know I don’t know all I might think I know on the subject.
There is a multitude of opinions on everything in the world and reading blogs are no different.
I wish people would support their opinions with detailed facts. Like I said my water chemistry was bouncing like a yoyo with bromine. I’m sure some with salt have issues as well but I doubt it was the salt as if it was salt wouldn’t be used by anyone. What does “Corrosive Nature” mean. Water has a “Corrosive Nature” also. They say it can “damage the tub” but in what way.
As far as I can tell the biggest problem with salt tubs is replacement of the anode unit and they seem overly high priced not user changeable easily and short life. The after market unit I’m looking at seems to have solved those problems.
Can someone post a photo of a ruined part caused by salt damage or a side by side comparison of part A with salt and part B without in hot tub usage. Something that would say this isn’t being called a bad thing because there is a huge amount of tubs designed around bromine and chlorine not to mentioned the sales of these products compared to cheep salt.
Seem like there should be facts not just opinions.
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Manufacturers don't offer salt because they've tested them and seen corrosion. I've spoken with multiple factory reps who've said this. I've seen firsthand quite a few people on salt systems have corroded heaters. I'm not sure what you're doing differently.
This below is quoted from Bullfrog Spas blog. I had one in my previous spa I would not get one again.
“For those considering this option, here are a few things to keep in mind. Due to the salt, you’ll have to do an additional test each month to check the salinity of your hot tub. Because of the corrosive nature of saltwater and other factors, Bullfrog Spas expert Cyndi Blessing (who used an aftermarket saltwater system with her hot tub) wouldn’t recommend using a salt generation system. In her experience, she found that “it was actually harder to balance the water compared to a more traditional chlorine or bromine system.”
Todd Cossey, a seasoned spa technician at Bullfrog Spas, adds, “Quite a few dealers have installed aftermarket saltwater systems, and although they’re suppose to be great, they can get out of control fast and can damage the spa.”
keep an eye on their website, that info will be gone, can't say anymore than that right now...Not gonna argue about it anymore, I've been selling salt systems since 2004, I have more experience with saltwater (in real life applications in pools and hot tubs, not using Google or listening to a 'Rep') than probably anyone who has an account on this entire website, it works, it makes me more money, it makes the company more money, it sells more hot-tubs, and it offers more customers who have skin irritation the ability to buy and use a hot tub with overall lower maintenance. This will be by final comments on it, I hope you all enjoy your Sunday! Keep Hot Tubbin!
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The debate continues.... Keep it up guys, let's get to the bottom of this once and for all. What's really going on here.
God forbid people discuss hot tub water chemistry on a hot tub discussion forum.
Back to the discussion; We used to sell the Genesis aftermarket salt system and the people who had that installed had a significantly higher rate of heater failures than the people who used traditional programs. I don't claim causation necessarily, but there is indeed a correlation. I've seen it first hand. I've also had people with multiple failed heaters switch back from salt to another program and their problems disappeared.
In the end, I don't really care one way or another. I'm interested in the debate and willing to change my opinion. BullfrogspasMN certainly makes a compelling argument and seems to be a knowledgeable guy, hence my participation in this thread.
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Manufacturers don't offer salt because they've tested them and seen corrosion. I've spoken with multiple factory reps who've said this. I've seen firsthand quite a few people on salt systems have corroded heaters. I'm not sure what you're doing differently.
This below is quoted from Bullfrog Spas blog. I had one in my previous spa I would not get one again.
“For those considering this option, here are a few things to keep in mind. Due to the salt, you’ll have to do an additional test each month to check the salinity of your hot tub. Because of the corrosive nature of saltwater and other factors, Bullfrog Spas expert Cyndi Blessing (who used an aftermarket saltwater system with her hot tub) wouldn’t recommend using a salt generation system. In her experience, she found that “it was actually harder to balance the water compared to a more traditional chlorine or bromine system.”
Todd Cossey, a seasoned spa technician at Bullfrog Spas, adds, “Quite a few dealers have installed aftermarket saltwater systems, and although they’re suppose to be great, they can get out of control fast and can damage the spa.”
keep an eye on their website, that info will be gone, can't say anymore than that right now...Not gonna argue about it anymore, I've been selling salt systems since 2004, I have more experience with saltwater (in real life applications in pools and hot tubs, not using Google or listening to a 'Rep') than probably anyone who has an account on this entire website, it works, it makes me more money, it makes the company more money, it sells more hot-tubs, and it offers more customers who have skin irritation the ability to buy and use a hot tub with overall lower maintenance. This will be by final comments on it, I hope you all enjoy your Sunday! Keep Hot Tubbin!
I had a BF with the very same system you sell and it does make you a lot of money. I know at the BF factory they have one of their spas running Blu Fusion. No offense but you’re out to sell, market and spin, once the sale is done customers talk to your service person. For the record I have owned spas since 2005 plus maintained both fresh and salt water aquariums even longer.
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The debate continues.... Keep it up guys, let's get to the bottom of this once and for all. What's really going on here.
God forbid people discuss hot tub water chemistry on a hot tub discussion forum.
Back to the discussion; We used to sell the Genesis aftermarket salt system and the people who had that installed had a significantly higher rate of heater failures than the people who used traditional programs. I don't claim causation necessarily, but there is indeed a correlation. I've seen it first hand. I've also had people with multiple failed heaters switch back from salt to another program and their problems disappeared.
In the end, I don't really care one way or another. I'm interested in the debate and willing to change my opinion. BullfrogspasMN certainly makes a compelling argument and seems to be a knowledgeable guy, hence my participation in this thread.
This makes me feel salt has a rather quick influence on heater life. I don’t know how long a normal heater life is. But to see repeated failures such that you even suspect causation I would think the failure would be in recent memory something like someone coming back in every 6 months complaining of another failed heater and then eliminating the salt the heater lasted 10 years or something like that. If non salt heater lasted 10 years and a salt heater lasted 5 I doubt anyone would make a correlation knowing the replacement would then take another 5 to fail.
If you could put an approximate time line on these failures you have seen it would be most helpful for me, also are heaters the only part of the tub that seem to fail do to salt. My dealer alluded to almost everything being eaten by the salt including the shell.
My problem is I have such a small sample size to evaluate I have one friend with a saltron mini system and he has been happy for many years with it and claims not even a hiccup in all that time. He could be an outlier in all the data though.
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What about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ControlOMatic-Smarter-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generation/dp/B0184O0F3K/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_2_dp?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_r=NZ6ENYVPNE3NXYD7SPHA&pd_rd_w=XkkOx&pd_rd_wg=7sJzn
"Using its chlorine detection system, the MegaChlor will generate only what it needs to when it needs to. The self-cleaning system reduces the time you spend worrying about maintenance."
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As a long-time retailer and now an employee of a manufacturer, I'll chime in with an aspect that hasn't really been discussed: Customer Cost vs Automation.
Salt (Chlorine or Bromine Systems) as an add-on is kind of like purchasing your tub: You can go high-end, low-end, mid-range, etc. There are a few manufacturers of salt systems that are linked with spa brands and then there are after market additions. But all of that is relative to how much you like the automated aspect of it vs. its initial cost (which can be significant) vs. being more involved in your water chemistry.
There is no right or wrong answer here, in my opinion, as there are so many variables:
CUSTOMER: How much are you willing to pay for your perceived benefits? (Automation, the "feel" of the water, etc). What is the long-term costs? (Life of generator, cost of replacement generator, cost of salt to add when you drain, etc) And is that worth $X, or would you rather pocket the money and be more DIY? If the expense isn't too much for you and you like the benefits, there ya go! If it's to pricey, then the traditional route has worked for decades and easy to master.
DEALER: How much is it worth in commission vs losing the deal or hitting a price point? What will the customer have to do long-term? Is it worth the parts/labor? Etc.
I don't have a dog in this race. Most dealers understand that water chemistry is water chemistry is water chemistry. There are so many different ways to treat the water. Some dealers may want you to go the more expensive route as it is better for their bottom-line long term. Others may take a stand as its what they've learned from their manufacturer. Others may just be knowledgeable in all the ways of sanitation and prefer a certain way. The only thing I stress is: Know the basics of water chemistry and be sure to keep you water balanced. After that, its all about whatever is best for the customer, as long as they have all the proper info in order to make an educated decision.
Just my two cents. Good info on this thread guys! Well done.
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What about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ControlOMatic-Smarter-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generation/dp/B0184O0F3K/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_2_dp?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_r=NZ6ENYVPNE3NXYD7SPHA&pd_rd_w=XkkOx&pd_rd_wg=7sJzn
"Using its chlorine detection system, the MegaChlor will generate only what it needs to when it needs to. The self-cleaning system reduces the time you spend worrying about maintenance."
There are a few similar units. I mentioned the saltron mini and it does not have the monitoring capability of the one you showed. If that function worked well it would be very nice to have IMO.
Our usage is pretty stable and from adding dichlor for a few years I know if I had a machine that would dump a measured amount of that in every day I could be fine with that as well. So it would be nice to have a closed loop system I could live without it.
All this type units have in common is they are external to the tubs systems. The replacement of parts doesn’t require ripping into the tub. The downside if you call it one is you have a thing hanging into the tub to be removed before you get in. For me that’s not any bigger a deal than fishing out a floating feeder.
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What about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ControlOMatic-Smarter-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generation/dp/B0184O0F3K/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_2_dp?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_r=NZ6ENYVPNE3NXYD7SPHA&pd_rd_w=XkkOx&pd_rd_wg=7sJzn
"Using its chlorine detection system, the MegaChlor will generate only what it needs to when it needs to. The self-cleaning system reduces the time you spend worrying about maintenance."
This is the chlorine generator I've got my eyes on and will likely get once I purchase my spa. It appears to be an intelligent model that has the capability to monitor the amount of chlorine in the spa and make the necessary adjustments if needed. This is not a set it and forget it by any means. One will still have to be knowledgable of spa water chemistry and check the water balance on a regular basis and make the necessary adjustments.
This method is great for folks that have skin sensitivities to chemicals.
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What about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ControlOMatic-Smarter-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generation/dp/B0184O0F3K/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_2_dp?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_r=NZ6ENYVPNE3NXYD7SPHA&pd_rd_w=XkkOx&pd_rd_wg=7sJzn
"Using its chlorine detection system, the MegaChlor will generate only what it needs to when it needs to. The self-cleaning system reduces the time you spend worrying about maintenance."
This is the chlorine generator I've got my eyes on and will likely get once I purchase my spa. It appears to be an intelligent model that has the capability to monitor the amount of chlorine in the spa and make the necessary adjustments if needed. This is not a set it and forget it by any means. One will still have to be knowledgable of spa water chemistry and check the water balance on a regular basis and make the necessary adjustments.
This method is great for folks that have skin sensitivities to chemicals.
Well I just bought it so I'll let everyone know how it goes. Tub just got delivered today (nice Valentines gift aye?). Can't get it hooked up until tomorrow though. Apparently some people liked what they saw in that system. Sounds like the real key with a salt system (any system really) is keeping the PH in line. If the PH gets out of whack that's when you run into issues. Maybe someday someone will develop a system that monitors and adjusts all of the parameters in your tub automatically...until then you need to pay a least some attention to it on a weekly basis. I really like the idea of "softer" water.
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Hi Astropin,
Congratulations on your new spa. Please be sure to keep us updated on how you like the chlorine generator and post photos of your setup.
Let us know if the manufacturer of the chlorine generator has sufficient instructions with the device on maintaining water balance. It will be interesting to know if they are thorough in their presentation of their product by adding information on proper water chemistry in the package.
:D
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Let us know if the manufacturer of the chlorine generator has sufficient instructions with the device on maintaining water balance. It will be interesting to know if they are thorough in their presentation of their product by adding information on proper water chemistry in the package.
:D
Well here are the instructions if you are interested: http://www.controlomatic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/SmarterSpa_Owners_Manual.pdf
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What about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ControlOMatic-Smarter-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generation/dp/B0184O0F3K/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_2_dp?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_r=NZ6ENYVPNE3NXYD7SPHA&pd_rd_w=XkkOx&pd_rd_wg=7sJzn
"Using its chlorine detection system, the MegaChlor will generate only what it needs to when it needs to. The self-cleaning system reduces the time you spend worrying about maintenance."
This is the chlorine generator I've got my eyes on and will likely get once I purchase my spa. It appears to be an intelligent model that has the capability to monitor the amount of chlorine in the spa and make the necessary adjustments if needed. This is not a set it and forget it by any means. One will still have to be knowledgable of spa water chemistry and check the water balance on a regular basis and make the necessary adjustments.
This method is great for folks that have skin sensitivities to chemicals.
Well I just bought it so I'll let everyone know how it goes. Tub just got delivered today (nice Valentines gift aye?). Can't get it hooked up until tomorrow though. Apparently some people liked what they saw in that system. Sounds like the real key with a salt system (any system really) is keeping the PH in line. If the PH gets out of whack that's when you run into issues. Maybe someday someone will develop a system that monitors and adjusts all of the parameters in your tub automatically...until then you need to pay a least some attention to it on a weekly basis. I really like the idea of "softer" water.
PH is very important but no more important then the hardness level in tub. Needs to be very low
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What about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ControlOMatic-Smarter-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generation/dp/B0184O0F3K/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_2_dp?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_r=NZ6ENYVPNE3NXYD7SPHA&pd_rd_w=XkkOx&pd_rd_wg=7sJzn
"Using its chlorine detection system, the MegaChlor will generate only what it needs to when it needs to. The self-cleaning system reduces the time you spend worrying about maintenance."
This is the chlorine generator I've got my eyes on and will likely get once I purchase my spa. It appears to be an intelligent model that has the capability to monitor the amount of chlorine in the spa and make the necessary adjustments if needed. This is not a set it and forget it by any means. One will still have to be knowledgable of spa water chemistry and check the water balance on a regular basis and make the necessary adjustments.
This method is great for folks that have skin sensitivities to chemicals.
Well I just bought it so I'll let everyone know how it goes. Tub just got delivered today (nice Valentines gift aye?). Can't get it hooked up until tomorrow though. Apparently some people liked what they saw in that system. Sounds like the real key with a salt system (any system really) is keeping the PH in line. If the PH gets out of whack that's when you run into issues. Maybe someday someone will develop a system that monitors and adjusts all of the parameters in your tub automatically...until then you need to pay a least some attention to it on a weekly basis. I really like the idea of "softer" water.
PH is very important but no more important then the hardness level in tub. Needs to be very low
Well they do give this warning:
"WARNING: Consistently low Calcium Hardness levels below 150 PPM may lead to spa equipment
damage and failure. Make sure Calcium Hardness levels are within the recommended range above."
Those levels are 200-400ppm
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What about something like this: https://www.amazon.com/ControlOMatic-Smarter-Saltwater-Chlorine-Generation/dp/B0184O0F3K/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_clickstream_2_dp?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_r=NZ6ENYVPNE3NXYD7SPHA&pd_rd_w=XkkOx&pd_rd_wg=7sJzn
"Using its chlorine detection system, the MegaChlor will generate only what it needs to when it needs to. The self-cleaning system reduces the time you spend worrying about maintenance."
This is the chlorine generator I've got my eyes on and will likely get once I purchase my spa. It appears to be an intelligent model that has the capability to monitor the amount of chlorine in the spa and make the necessary adjustments if needed. This is not a set it and forget it by any means. One will still have to be knowledgable of spa water chemistry and check the water balance on a regular basis and make the necessary adjustments.
This method is great for folks that have skin sensitivities to chemicals.
Well I just bought it so I'll let everyone know how it goes. Tub just got delivered today (nice Valentines gift aye?). Can't get it hooked up until tomorrow though. Apparently some people liked what they saw in that system. Sounds like the real key with a salt system (any system really) is keeping the PH in line. If the PH gets out of whack that's when you run into issues. Maybe someday someone will develop a system that monitors and adjusts all of the parameters in your tub automatically...until then you need to pay a least some attention to it on a weekly basis. I really like the idea of "softer" water.
PH is very important but no more important then the hardness level in tub. Needs to be very low
Well they do give this warning:
"WARNING: Consistently low Calcium Hardness levels below 150 PPM may lead to spa equipment
damage and failure. Make sure Calcium Hardness levels are within the recommended range above."
Those levels are 200-400ppm
What brand generator. I’ve always thought it was supposed saws be low on Spa systems. TwinCities as that just the ace system?
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What brand generator. I’ve always thought it was supposed saws be low on Spa systems. TwinCities as that just the ace system?
ControlOMatic SmarterSpa - https://www.controlomatic.com/products/smarterspa/
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Well I just added salt to my non chlorine generator tub, wish me well.
I added the recommended amount for a generator tub and will continue to use dichlor and bleach as sanitizer for now. I just changed the water 2 days ago and have everything balanced.
I hid the bag with the rest of the salt and I’m not saying anything to see if she notices the difference. We have been in it twice so far with the new water.
I put the salt in a plastic pail and set it in the tub by my friend with the salt tubs recommendation. He said it takes about an hour to dissolve that way. Once it is in the water I will take a soak and report back.
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Nice! I'm curious to see the results. Please report back.
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I gave it an hour to dissolve and I jumped in. It was very nice the same smoothness I remembered in my friends salt tub. I have always got out of this tub with both bromine and chlorine with and without minerals or any other water improving things and felt just a little dry and itchy and I didn’t feel that this time. No smell and no real taste but I didn’t sample a mouthful. :o
When the weather breaks and I work under the deck I will be running a 120v GFCI for the saltron unit. If I’m going to have salt in the tub I might as well use it.
Will post more reactions as I get them.
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I've been running the ControlOMatic SmarterSpa in our Bullfrog A7 for several weeks now and I must say it's working beautifully. I set the level to 6 (out of 10) and it's been maintaining a perfect amount of chlorine (440 gal tub). I have not added any chlorine on my own since firing it up...but have done the recommended once a week non chlorine shock.
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Astropin, Thank you for taking the time to report how the chlorine generator is working out for you. :D
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Couple weeks of salt only here and have to report the tub is staying nice might even be a little more stable than before. Water feels good and I don’t feel as dried out when I get out now.
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I haven’t been around much and I went back and found this thread as I’m changing the water today. I all most fainted as it has been really nice with the salt and using bleach / dichlor for 6 months on this water. Usage is down a little during the summer and water kept cooler. We were in this morning and I said it seems fine but I should change it as it has been a while.
I will be adding salt again when I fill it here shortly.
I still haven’t bought the salt gen.
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Hi there Bud, Wow talk about synchronicity. I haven't been on the forum for several months now and I just logged on today to see your post. I'm amazed to see you have went 6 months on your last water change. That's good news. Thank you for following up on this tread. Enjoy!
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Hi there Bud, Wow talk about synchronicity. I haven't been on the forum for several months now and I just logged on today to see your post. I'm amazed to see you have went 6 months on your last water change. That's good news. Thank you for following up on this tread. Enjoy!
Just had a customer in last weekend who's water made it 13 months before it needed a change with the salt system...we still are selling them like crazy up here, it's quite a nice upgrade imo
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Hi there Bud, Wow talk about synchronicity. I haven't been on the forum for several months now and I just logged on today to see your post. I'm amazed to see you have went 6 months on your last water change. That's good news. Thank you for following up on this tread. Enjoy!
I will try and check in more often. We just had a family member buy a tub. Don't even know what he bought yet but sure he will have many questions.
I'm petty sold on the salt even if just used as an additive.
Good to see you back as well.
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BullFrogSpas,
That is great to know that using a salt generator saves on water changes. That's a win-win. Thank you for posting.