Which is Best: Chlorine, Salt Water, or Ozone Filtration?

For years, makers of hot tubs and spas have been trying to walk a fine line between having clean, safe water in their products, and not exposing the owners of these tubs to excessive amounts of chemicals. The problem is a difficult one, especially because the warm water can be an ideal place for pathogens, bacteria, and algae to grow if not properly treated, which can pose a health hazard. However, harsh chemicals can cause the eyes to burn, and the skin to become irritated. Here we will look at the three most common purification processes, and discuss which is the best choice for your hot tub.

Chlorine Purification Systems

Chlorine purification systems are the most traditional forms of water purification for spas. Chlorine, along with other chemicals such as bromine, are undeniably effective at eliminating bacteria and other pathogens. However, although these chemicals are considered safe for the human body, they can result in some nasty reactions that can vary in severity from person to person. Some individuals are sensitive to chlorine and can experience unpleasant after-effects such as burning eyes, skin irritation, coughing, and airway irritation.

Not only this but chlorine, when combined with ammonia derivatives found in many common contaminants, also releases a chemical compound known as trichloramine. Contrary to popular belief, it is trichloramine which has that strong “swimming pool” odor, and this odor can be offensive as well as irritating to the skin and eyes. It is no wonder that many hot tub manufacturers are trying to find ways to reduce the amount of chlorine that is used in their water.

Salt Water Systems

Saltwater systems are one alternative that has been used to try to move away from chlorine purification systems. It is important to emphasize that these systems are not chemical-free, and in fact still use chlorine to cleanse the water. However, the amount of chlorine is still less than a traditional chlorine system. Salt systems use hot water and salt to automatically generate chlorine, releasing it at a slow rate. Many users of saltwater systems find that the water is less harsh, resulting in fewer negative reactions.

Many are adamant that saltwater is the best option for hot tub purification. However, these systems come with a few downsides. First, although saltwater can feel good on the skin, it is not necessarily good for other materials. It can be extremely corrosive, causing damage to stone and metal. This may result in excessive wear and tear on the hot tub, as well as the surrounding landscape. Secondly, although the process happens automatically and does not require the owner to dump in copious amounts of chemicals, the system still produces 3-5 PPM of chlorine. Finally, these systems are expensive to maintain, with a long list of additional maintenance items that need to be purchased frequently.

Ozone Filtration

Ozone filtration works by generating ozone gas and then inserting it into the water. A process called “micro-flocculation” then takes place. Smaller particles are clumped together, making them large enough to be captured by the filter. When the ozone enters the water, it gets to work immediately, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, as well as algae and fungi.

When it comes to ozone filtration, although a small amount of chlorine is still needed to achieve clear and clean water, only .5-1 PPM is used. In most filtration systems, this is achieved by using a shock treatment. The best part about the shock treatment is that the treatment is added after each soak, and is gone within 12-24 hours, meaning that the next time you use the spa, the water will be virtually chemical-free

When comparing the three systems, ozone filtration is the most effective as well as the safest way to treat water. It causes less corrosion, uses less chemical treatment, and kills even the viruses and bacteria that are chlorine resistant. Although both saltwater and ozone systems are better than using a chlorine system, the best hot tubs in Denver come with ozone filtration systems.

There are many decisions that you will have to make after your initial choice to invest in a hot tub. It is important that you make purification choices that contribute to the health and well-being of your family. Ozone purification provides the cleanest water using the least amount of chemicals for a relaxing, virtually chemical-free soak.

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