HotSprings "ACE" salt water generator

[lyncch00]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and in the very early stages of purchasing a hot tub.  I tried one at a resort and it was nice but the chlorine was a turn off.  I know there are bromine systems out there as well as ozinators.  HotSprings was the only system I saw that came with either the ozinator system or, the salt water generator.  Does anybody have first hand experience with the HotSprings salt system? I'm sure there are after market products but I didn't see any other big name hot tubs that come with a salt system.  Thanks 

[East_TX_Spa]

Welcome to the forum!

So far, so good on the ACE Saltwater System.  We've had them up and running in our showrooms for 4 months and they have worked great.  We've sold several of them and the customers have been pleased.  I am a huge skeptic when it comes to most newfangled contraptions, but I am extremely impressed with how easy the ACE system operates and the fantastic quality of the water.  Once the water is balanced, you just add a few cups of salt, push a couple of buttons, and the spa takes care of itself.

If the system needs some maintenance, the new LCD color display will advise you as to what adjustments need to take place.  You need to clean the electrode every so often (easy to do).  The only downside I'm aware of is that the electrode will need to be replaced every 3 years or so...otherwise, it is a terrific system!

Terminator

[Summitman]

how much for a new electrode?

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

Salt water generator? This thing generates salt water??? Come on, it's using salt water to create (generate) either CHLORINE or BROMINE.

[East_TX_Spa]

I believe the electrode is around $300...can't remember off the top of my head.  About $7-13/month for the salt, depending on spa size.

Electrode breaks down the salt molecules into Free Oxygen.  FO then combines with elements in the water to produce Chlorine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Ozone, and MPS.

Salt levels are maintained at around 800-1000 ppm.  You can't taste or smell any salt in the spa.

It really works great..piece of cake!

Terminator

[lyncch00]

Thanks for the info.  Sorry if I confused anybody with the words "salt water generator."  I know the system does not create salt ,but, you managed to comprehend and answer my question regardless of the incorrect manner in which I phrased  the question.  I have one more.  Is the ACE salt system usead instead of an ozinator or in addition to the ozinator?  Thanks again.

[Spatech_tuo]

Thanks for the info.  Sorry if I confused anybody with the words "salt water generator." 

We all knew what you meant, Dr Spa was just being a wise ass. Keep in mind he was the kid in class who would raise his hand just before the bell rang to say " Teacher, you forgot to give us our homework assignment!".

[Vinny]

Something to consider when looking at a salt water chlorine generator - what can or may be affected by the salt water that spills out of the tub and it will. I looked into it for my above ground pool and a manufactures rep strongly suggested that above ground pools will corrode quicker from the splash out. The salt will build up and become more and more corrosive ... could be a problem if it wasn't thought of.

[East_TX_Spa]

The salt levels in the ACE Saltwater System are just slightly higher than the salt levels in municipal water supplies.  It tastes exactly like the water that comes out of your tap.

Terminator

[Vanguard]

Something to consider when looking at a salt water chlorine generator - what can or may be affected by the salt water that spills out of the tub and it will. I looked into it for my above ground pool and a manufactures rep strongly suggested that above ground pools will corrode quicker from the splash out. The salt will build up and become more and more corrosive ... could be a problem if it wasn't thought of.

That's because the bottom rail of most above ground pools are metallic.  Yes, salt will corrode those very quickly.  I think a hot tub would be quite different in that regard.

[Vinny]

I was thinking anything around the hot tub that can be affected by splashout. But what Term said about salt levels - maybe its a different system in the hot tub than pool.

Something to consider when looking at a salt water chlorine generator - what can or may be affected by the salt water that spills out of the tub and it will. I looked into it for my above ground pool and a manufactures rep strongly suggested that above ground pools will corrode quicker from the splash out. The salt will build up and become more and more corrosive ... could be a problem if it wasn't thought of.

That's because the bottom rail of most above ground pools are metallic.  Yes, salt will corrode those very quickly.  I think a hot tub would be quite different in that regard.

[Chas]

I am finally getting up to speed on this system, and yes the salt level is very low. If you water your lawn with tap water, it most likely contains just slightly less salt than what will splash out of your tub. The tap water will also contain far more chlorine...

I said before that the cell was my big concern: in most systems you have to buy a new one and it is a pain to replace. In this system, the cell lives in the filter compartment, inside the core of the filter which has water flow around the clock. That means that if and when it needs attention, you can get right to it without trouble. In fact you don't even have to open the equipment compartment door or anything. AND, that access means that if the cell begins to put out less than normal it can be cleaned and put back into full use. To do so you just soak it in light acid - mix a bit of 'Spa Down' with water, soak it, and drop it back into the filter compartment. Good to go.

I'm liking this thing! My spa at home is too old to fit one, or I would have one. If we can sell a few spas around here, we may get to update.

 

[soak-king]

You can also get some good information here. http://vimeo.com/12591377

[East_TX_Spa]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vh4kOjDmPQ

[soak-king]

That new avatar definitely shows some great Photo Shop skills there Term.