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What to Watch Out For
Now, I don’t want to go “Bill Nye the Science Guy” here, but there is a lot of misinformation about salt systems on the internet. One of the main myths we hear on a regular basis is that salt systems are maintenance free. Just add the salt, and everything else takes care of itself. Wrong! Please do not believe this. You’ll see why by the end of this blog. Salt is still chlorine. Many people do not know this. Your salt generator generates the salt into a more natural chlorine, instead of a granulated or tablet chlorine. The salt that you will need to buy is a special type of salt. It is not a table salt or a water softener salt.

Although salt systems have been very popular in swimming pools over the years, many companies are trying to integrate them into their hot tubs and it doesn't work. We do not recommend using a salt system in a hot tub for many reasons. Hot Springs is one company that has marketed their spas around this salt water system, called Ace. This is not Hot Springs' first attempt (yes we said, attempt!) at a salt system. The reason it has not been prosperous in the past will be the same reason it will fizzle out quickly this time around again as well.  Need a few reasons why:

• The equipment can be very expensive. Hot tub manufactures such as Hot Springs do not include this type of system on their spas, it is an upgrade. An upgrade means there are more costs involved than the "initial" cost that has been presented to you. You can figure in at least an additional $1200 to add this system onto your new unit.
• Salt is corrosive, so plan on replacing parts like your pump and motor, heater, gaskets, seals, electronic component, ect… more often. There is no way to get around this fact, even if your chemicals are kept inline.
• There is usually only a one year warranty on these type of salt systems and the cell (on the inside of the generator that converts salt to chlorine) only has an average lifespan of apprx 1 year. The cost of the cell alone is $300-$600 every single time it needs to be replaced.

Here are some salt water myths:

1. Salt systems are maintenance free. Wrong! Hot Springs is trying a salt system for the fourth time. They have spent millions upon millions of dollars trying to develop and perfect this. The manual for the salt system alone is 16 pages long, with 167 separate warnings, procedures and descriptions. The manual also shows dozens of required actions to not only operate, but maintain the salt system. How is this maintenance free with this many instructions and rules to follow? It's misguiding!
2. They do not use harsh chemicals. Wrong again! Although the salt generator generates the salt into chlorine, you will still need granulated chlorine on hand in case your generator has not generated enough chlorine. You should always have a chlorine level in your hot tub (unless you’re using a different sanitizer). You will still need to “shock” your tub approximately once a week also. Your chlorine will kill the bacteria in the water, but not get rid of it. This is where shock comes in. Shock will oxidize what your chlorine has killed. You will still also need a metal and stain remover, PH adjustors, water a clarifier, spa defoamer and a test kit.
3. Inexpensive to use. Again, not true. Although it is true that the salt may be slightly less expensive ($5-$10 a month for salt vs. $10-$15 for chlorine, which you should have on hand anyway). Stand alone salt systems cost between $500-$1000 while built in salt systems will cost between $1100-$1500. The salt cell average life span is 1.5 years and cost $300-$600 every time is needs to be replaced.
4. Environmentally friendly. That is true, to a point. If you follow the 167 warnings and steps religiously, fewer chemicals may be used. Salt water can kill plants and rob nearby soil of important nutrients. Because if this, some cities and towns have banned the use of salt water in pools and hot tubs.
5. Feels better on your skin. Again true to a point. Some salt is good and has no effect your skin. However, the salt cell will generate the oxidizers, chlorine and other “cleaners” that your skin could react to. Whether it is salt water or hot tub chlorine, having too much of either will not be beneficial to your skin.

Sadly, the bottom line is, salt water systems for a hot tub are over hyped. They are very confusing to the consumer. They are complicated to operate and maintain. Expensive to purchase and maintain. Plus, it still creates harsh oxidizers, having no environmental advantages over regular hot tub chlorine. If you are looking for a hot tub that has the ultimate in Water Management that is hands down the best on the market, look to a Marquis Spa. They are the only hot tub manufacture on the market in the Omaha area that will truly give you the least amount of maintaining and the cleanest water. Marquis has had Water Managements for years, this isn't something new. Don't get caught up into the "new hoaxes" that manufactures like to try and sell their spas around, because they have been proven time and time again to not be effective. A Marquis Spa will be the first and last hot tub you will ever have to own!


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Want more information? Contact us Aqua Palace is family owned and operated, offering above ground and in ground pools, hot tubs, spas and saunas specializing in pool design, installation and repair to local (Omaha and Council Bluffs) and long distance residents (within the US). We are the only Marquis dealer in the Omaha Metro Area with the largest showroom east of the continental divide. Not located in Omaha? No worries, check out our online storefor pool and spa chemicals, supplies and accessories.