Hello shoppers;
I hear questions about salt systems very frequently so I thought I would start a thread to address this relatively new technology.
I am asked at least twice a week if I have a spa that runs on a salt system. To my knowledge no spa manufacturer is doing this. First off I think one should understand why it is popular in pools.
I find many consumers are in the dark as to what this system actually is. A salt water pool has a device plumbed in which creates liquid chlorine (sodium hypochloride) on site. Many beleive that the pool is chlorine/chemical free. Not true.
Some people buy these systems beleiving that they never have to add anything to the pool other than salt. Also not true. Pool water will still needs to be oxidized and balanced. Water Balance MAY be easier and less maintennce with the salt system. The high pH and TA of sodium hypo could help offset the affects of our acid rain. I find consumers with salt systems buy less TA+ & pH+ and purchase more pH-.
So why not in a spa? First of the salt will destroy any metal (jet ball bearings, heaters) it comes into contact with. The high TA and pH would not be off set by rain. Sodium hypo would also be hard on the plastics. That is why most manufacturers state that you void your warranty if you use liquid chlorine in your spa.
BTW, I predict that this trend will stop as soon as the electro magnetic "cartridges" on these salt systems begin to need replacement. They will last 2-3years with good water chemistry and cost roughly 1/3 the cost of the original unit. Similair trend happenned with pool cartridge filters.
HotTubMan
