Natural Hot Tub Treatment Reviews
Anyone who has spent time in a chlorinated hot tub knows how harsh it can be on the hair, skin, and eyes. But hot tub manufacturers have been creating new natural hot tub treatment systems for hot tub owners.
While no natural hot tub treatment system can completely eliminate the need for chemicals altogether, we're here to show you a few methods that you can use to minimize chemical usage.
If you're ready to take advantage of a more natural spa treatment, come dive in with us as we explore the options!
Not sure which hot tub to get? Let us help you!
Natural Spa Treatment Alternatives
Saltwater System
If you've ever swum in a saltwater pool or soaked in a salt water hot tub, then you know just how gentle it feels on the skin.
Saltwater does reduce the need for harsh chemicals like chlorine and bromine - but it doesn't make the hot tub completely chemical-free.
This process involves electrolyzing salt which then turns into chlorine and has the same overall effect on the cleanliness of the water. The only difference between this and a regular chlorine system is that it does not use as much chlorine. While a Saltwater system costs more upfront, you'll save money in the long-run by needing to purchase fewer chemicals.
Saltwater systems do wonders for the body. If you've ever suffered from dry skin or hair in a traditional chlorine tub, we highly recommend looking at what saltwater can do!
UV Systems
A UV system is one of the best choices if you're looking to minimize the use of chlorine and bromine in your hot tub. The beauty of UV or ultraviolet is that it can sanitize a hot tub without the use of chemicals.
How does it work, you ask?
UV radiation is sent throughout the water in the hot tub using UV bulbs. Yep, it’s as simple as that!
Another way to run your hot tub with reduced chemicals is by using a Biguanides solution.
This unique and gentle sanitizing solution makes use of a non-chlorine or non-bromine shock. Note that this isn't a solution you want to use every day, as it requires a decent level of attention and care.
Ozonators
Another way to reduce the need for chemicals is by injecting your hot tub with ozone.
An ozonator works by producing ozone gas and injecting it into your hot tub water to sanitize it, similar to traditional chemicals. Many hot tub manufacturers sell them pre-installed in their hot tubs, though it's fairly easy to integrate one into a standard hot tub as well.
Ozonators are a fairly new technology in the hot tub realm, though they can't perform sanitization all on their own. To keep your hot tub clean, you'll still need to use a bit of sanitizer.
However, they greatly reduce the need for harsh chemicals, giving you healthier and cleaner spa water that you and your skin will enjoy.
Note that the one stipulation for ozonators is that you have to use hot tub shock chemicals more often. The initial cost of an ozonator system is relatively high, so expect to spend a bit more cash upfront to integrate one of these into your current system.
Ionizers
Using an ionizer in your tub greatly reduces algae and bacteria growth compared to other types of natural spa treatments. However, you cannot sanitize your spa with an ionizer.
An ionizer will reduce the need for high chemical usage, but to keep your hot tub clean, you'll still need to use standard sanitization products.
Ionizer use a natural water treatment process known as electrolysis. This process emits an ultra-low voltage charge which releases zinc and copper ions into the water flow, aiding in the destruction of the alien substances mentioned above.
What's great about ionizers is that they're inexpensive to install.
Enzyme-Based Treatment
One of our personal favorites hot tub treatments for clear water is an enzyme-based treatment. Shock and sanitizer will still be needed to keep the water clean, though enzymes will reduce the amount that you'll need to use, while providing a much healthier soaking experience for your hair, skin, and eyes.
Enzymes are very eco-friendly. Because hot tub chemicals can have an adverse effect on the environment, the eco-conscious consumer can get peace of mind from formula treatments like enzymes.
There are plentiful natural spa products the market, though one of the best natural hot tub products is Spa Marvel Enzyme Water Treatment and Conditioner.
Non-Chlorine Shock
Non-chlorine shock treatment is not as common as standard chlorine shock treatment. This method will oxidize the water to improve overall clarity and get rid of unwanted and harmful contaminants.
Shocking your water is a great way to optimize the cleanliness of your tub while using a smaller number of chemicals.
Jacuzzi makes one of the best non-chlorine shock products on the market for easy spa treatment.
Tips For Keeping Your Spa Clean
While you can certainly install or utilize a number of natural spa treatments to keep your water clean, there are a few things you can do at home to minimize the need for hot tub chemicals like chlorine or bromine.
Let's look at a few of these practical tips for keeping your spa water clean.
Keep The Cover On
You're truly missing out if you don't have a hot tub cover, as there are so many benefits they offer. For starters, a solid hot tub cover can keep your water clean by protecting it from dirt, the breeze, and insects.
When the chemicals in your spot don't have to deal with external substances, they work much better.
Beyond maintaining the clarity of your water, a good spa cover can retain heat, creating better energy efficiency, meaning less money spent on electricity bills each month.
Rinse Off Before Your Soak
We highly recommend making it a habit to shower or rinse off before you go for a soak in your spa. Your body is covered in oils, natural bacteria, and personal products, such as makeup, lotion, and sunscreen. Each time you take a dip in a hot tub without a shower, these alien substances float off your skin and into the water.
Make it a rule in your home that anyone who wants to enjoy the spa needs to rinse off in the shower beforehand. It's a pretty easy rule to follow when you realize how much it reduces the need for chemicals in your hot tub to retain crystal-clear water.
Drain Your Hot Tub
As a golden rule, you should drain your hot tub water at least every three months to keep your water as clean as possible. Draining the water might be one of the most important elements in the chemical-free hot tub maintenance process.
For hot tubs that don't use traditional chlorine systems, we highly recommend draining the water more frequently - every two months if you can.
Draining hot tubs often reduces the amount of chemicals needed to retain crystal-clear water. Plus, there's nothing like knowing you're about to dip into a fresh tub of water.
Final Thoughts - Maintaining Your Spa Water with Alternative Treatments
It's funny when you look back to classic hot tub manufacturers many decades ago that likely had no idea where technology would take us. With so many great natural spa products on the market today, it's pretty easy to obtain crystal-clear spa water without heavy use of harsh chemicals.
About The Author
Bobby Gifford // Staff Writer
Bobby Gifford has over 17 years of experience with hot tubs and swimming pools. He has owned one pool and several hot tub brands over the years and has a wide scope of knowledge including buying information, maintenance and industry trends.
