Every hot tub owner wants a low cost, low chemical, low maintenance system, and the truth is, every option requires some attention, some more than others. Below is a brief overview of what is on today’s market.
Bromine & Chlorine Systems
This is a high chemical, old technology system.
- Highly effective at killing viruses, bacteria and other organics.
- When used alone, 3-5ppm are needed.
- When used with a mineral system such as AquaFinesse® or EcoOne®, low levels are required, dichlor shock only as needed.
- Ineffective and inefficient at handling oils, detergents, etc.
- pH and alkalinity control are needed.
Salt Water Systems
This is the latest buzz in the industry after being all the rage back in the 90s. Most companies abandoned it while others are now introducing it as a new tech. All salt systems do is make chlorine or bromine. It is not “organic”—there is no such thing.
- Highly effective at killing viruses, bacteria and other organics.
- Ineffective and inefficient at handling oils, detergents, etc.
- When used alone, 2-4ppm of chlorine is needed. Most systems cannot operate below 2ppm. They deliver erratic levels and the water is difficult to balance.
- Salt is very corrosive and damages parts of the tub, decking and concrete.
- Salt systems are NOT chemical free—not even close. They can be finicky and unreliable with considerable failure rate.
- These systems have been found to create a poison and have been banned in several countries. On November 30th, 2018 Health Canada finished a re-evaluation of hot tub & pool salt generators and the additive Sodium Bromide and determined these devices were a risk to health.
- They are not cheap! The average upfront cost is $750, 10 lbs. of salt at $3/lb. needs to be added every 3 months, and the cell generator annually for $400. That equates to $870 the first year, $520 every year thereafter, PLUS additional additives to balance the pH and alkalinity.
Mineral Systems
Mineral systems are proprietary systems effective at controlling bacteria, viruses and organic matter. This system is low chemical, easy to use and best for your skin. In fact, AquaFinesse®, a popular brand, is used in Holland to treat babies with eczema.
- Allows low chlorine levels—shock with dichlor as needed.
- Highly effective at preventing biofilm.
- No upfront cost, no parts to fail.
- Water lasts about 2-3 times longer between changes.
- Average cost $60 for 3 month treatment, (EcoOne brand) including filter cleaner and dichlor granules.
- pH and alkalinity easier to balance.
- Softer on your skin.
UV Systems
Offered on higher end hot tubs, this system in conjunction with ozone delivers the most advanced sanitization destroying organic and inorganic contaminants immediately.
- Requires virtually no maintenance.
- Lasts about 10,000 hours (2 years +/-).
- Average cost of replacement is $500 ($250 yearly).
- UV-C bulb developed specifically for hot tub use.
UV systems are used in conjunction with ozone, the most effective sanitizer in the market. The ozone is exposed to UV light and converted to hydrogen peroxide, more powerful than chlorine.
Ozonators
Ozone technology has been used in the drinking water industry and medical field for years.
- Common as a standard feature on many hot tubs.
- Effective at killing viruses, bacteria and other organics.
- Moderate energy use.
- When used alone (without UV), dichlor shock as needed.
- Suggest replacing about every 2 years, average cost $120.
- Ozone leaves a fresh “after rain” scent.
- pH and alkalinity balance is needed.
The PDC Spas Solution
The most economical and effective water care system is a combination of ozone and UV-C treatment, EverPure2™, offered on all swim and fitness spas and Luxury Series hot tubs. Ozone is standard on Premium and LifeStyle Series models, EverPure™. With thousands of units in use, it is proven this combination is the most reliable and cost effective with little to no maintenance. PDC Spas® has taken an additional step to assure their customers the EverPure2™ is hard at work with the addition of the EverLite™. This cabinet mounted sight glass lights green when the purification system is operating. The EverLite™ is an added cost to PDC Spas® and one no other manufacturer offers to date. The EverPure2™ in combination with the mineral system of choice, EcoOne®, requires a very low dichlor sanitizer level, soft feel and smell, biofilm control, and easily maintains alkalinity and pH balance, all for about $20 a month.
Don’t forget the important part filtration plays in maintaining pure, crystal clean water. The PowerFlo™ pressure-side system at PDC Spas® leads the industry in design and performance. More details can be found here: www.pdcspas.com/performance/filtration
Contact Prime Spa Care to purchase your PDC Spas hot tub.
If you’re looking to take advantage of PDC Spas ozone technology, Prime Spa Care is here to help. We can help you select the best hot tub for your home. Contact us today.