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Chlorine Alternatives for Hot Tubs
Finding the right chemicals for your hot tub is incredibly important. If you want to keep your tub happy and healthy all year round, ensuring the correct chemical balance will go a long way.
You can find all the chemicals you'll need to balance your hot tub's water at 1st Direct Pools – we stock Lay-Z-Spa chemicals, hot tub water balancers and chlorine alternatives to ensure your spa stays happy and healthy.
In the majority of cases, the chemicals you need for your tub will often fall into these categories:
You may need other products depending on your hot tub and its use, but generally, this is enough for most.
Sanitiser is arguably the most important thing, and in most cases, people choose chlorine. However, it’s far from the only option for hot tub owners.
If you have sensitive skin or simply want to try something other than chlorine for your hot tub, this guide takes you through the various non-chlorine hot tub chemicals to consider.
As mentioned above, chlorine is the most prominent sanitiser for both hot tubs and swimming pools. Put simply, it is chlorine’s job to kill and prevent any algae – the green stuff – from growing in your water.
For generations, people have used chlorine as the go-to water sanitiser. There are various reasons for this, but these are the main ones.
While there are many arguments for chlorine for hot tubs, there are also some reasons why people may choose to look for alternative options for their hot tub.
One of the biggest drawbacks of chlorine is that it can cause skin and eye irritation. Often, this issue can be managed by maintaining the right chlorine levels in your hot tub. However, those with sensitive eyes and skin may require an alternative to avoid any problems.
There are some other issues that people encounter, many to do with the fact that it is a chemical solution. Again, while these can be mitigated with proper hot tub maintenance, for some, it’s enough of a reason to look for alternatives.
Below are some of the most common chlorine alternatives for you to consider for your hot tub.
By far, the most common chlorine alternative is bromine for hot tubs. The chemical comes in the same form as chlorine and is used in a nearly identical way, making it an easy option with minimal fuss.
For those with sensitive skin, bromine is the go-to solution, performing the same job as chlorine but with notably reduced harshness on the skin. Bromine is also known to work at higher temperatures, making it ideally suited to hot tubs.
Ultra-violet (UV) rays, like those from the sun, are a natural killer of bacteria in your pool. UV sanitisers take some setting up but can help reduce the number of chemicals you need to keep your hot tub looking healthy.
If you’re looking for a more natural sanitiser, UV is a good option. Often installed into the hot tub’s pipework, UV bulbs will work to kill bacteria as it passes through.
Using ultra-violet can be more cost-effective than traditional methods. However, it is rarely enough on its own. Often, UV needs to be supplemented by a smaller dose of chlorine or bromine, and you may still need to perform shock treatments. However, if you simply want to reduce the amount of chlorine you’re using, UV is a great option.
If you want to stop using chlorine or bromine in your pool altogether, then you may consider an ozonator. Often the most expensive option, it’s the best choice for those that want to rid themselves of chlorine.
As the name suggests, ozonators work by releasing small doses of ozone – the same gas that protects the earth – into your hot tub. When in water, ozone is potently effective against bacteria, even more so than chlorine, leaving you with a sparklingly-clean tub!
The only significant downside to ozonation is its cost. This method is significantly more expensive than using a traditional chlorine or bromine solution. However, if you want a chemical-free tub, this is something to consider.
If you have encountered problems with chlorine before, there are plenty of alternatives available. Hopefully, these ideas can help to point you in the right direction.Remember, if you need any help with swimming pool or hot tub chemicals, our team is here to help. We stock a wide range of chlorine alternatives, and if you have any questions, we’re always here to answer your call.
If you're thinking about shutting down your tub for the colder months, check out our guide on how to close a hot tub for winter, which covers all the key steps.
