Hot Tub and Spa
Sanitizer Comparison

Here you will find a list of the different sanitizer methods to treat your hot tub or spa and the pros and cons of each. While nearly everyone has their "best method", this information will hopefully help you decide which method will work best for you.

Bromine

Bromine generally comes as tablets that go into a floater dispenser in the spa. Bromine contains some chlorine and has become one of the more popular chemical sanitizers in recent years.

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • Convenient to use...put tablets into floater and refill every 10 to 14 days.
  • Readily available...most pool and spa dealers carry it.
  • Can be used with ozone
  • Does not have "chlorine smell"
  • No difference between the effectiveness of free vs. combined bromine
  • Has low pH (aprox. 3.5 - 4.5)...pH levels need to be adjusted frequently to prevent equipment damage.
  • More expensive than chlorine
  • Can not be used with Nature2
  • Bromine odor is more difficult to shower off
  • Requires the use of 'sodium bromide' when water is changed to establish a bromine reserve

Chlorine

Chlorine has been used the longest in the spa industry. It comes in granular form and ideally should be dissolved in water before adding to your spa.

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • More neutral pH...sodium di-chlor has a pH of 7.0
  • Readily available...Most Pool and Spa dealers carry it.
  • Less expensive than bromine
  • Can be used as sanitizer and also as "shock"
  • Can be used with ozone and Nature2
  • Less convenient...needs to be added manually several times a week.
  • Confusion of varieties...Numerous types are available, only sodium di-chlor should be used in spas.
  • Combined chlorines cause the "odor" but has no sanitizing ability

Ozone

Ozone has become the most popular chemical-free sanitizer in the last few years. Depending on it's application, it may or may not be very effective.

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • Reduces required amount of bromine or chlorine
  • Most new spas come "ozone ready" for easy installation
  • Easily connected to most spas
  • Can be used with bromine , chlorine, or Nature2
  • Needs to be supplemented with chlorine or bromine
  • Can be expensive...$150 - $500 depending on application
  • Bulb needs replacing every 2-4 years
  • Should not be used on indoor spas

Nature2

Nature2 is one of the newer sanitizing methods. It seems to work very well and is based on the same principle as an ionizer, without the electricity.

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • Easy to use...fits in filter
  • Lasts 4 months
  • Can be used with chlorine or ozone
  • No chemical smells

Ionizers

Can be expensive, though many people swear by sanitation with ionizers. Can greatly reduce conventional sanitizer usage.

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • Uses copper and silver for sanitizing...similar to the space shuttle.
  • No chemical odors
  • Can be used on indoor spas
  • Has no effect on pH levels
  • Copper and Silver rods need to be replaced every year or two
  • Very expensive
  • Kills organic matter, but doesn't oxidize them
  • Spa still needs to be chemically shocked occasionally

Baqua Spa

Some people love it and some people hate it. The major complaint has to do with all the products you have to buy and the cost.

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • Easy to use...just add once a week
  • Doesn't use chlorine or bromine so no "smell"
  • Very expensive...available only from authorized dealers
  • If not used properly can discolor some plastics
  • Filter cleaning is much more involved
  • Baqua Spa can eat some plastics...some manufacturers will void warranty if product is used

Spa Secret

This is a newer product that has made some rather amazing claims. Many people though swear by it.

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • Easy to use apply, once weekly
  • Inexpensive...Costs $19.95 for 2 ounces (use a tsp./ week)
  • Will "clean out system"...(manufactures claim)
  • Still need to use chlorine, bromine or shock
  • Initial start up involves draining & cleaning
  • Initial use on older spas can make them look dirty until the system get cleaned out.

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