Salt Water Hot Tubs
Softer water and less maintenance, explained
A salt water hot tub makes its own sanitizer from salt dissolved in the water, instead of relying on sanitizer you add by hand. It means less maintenance, not none: the water still needs checking and the system still needs care.
How a salt water hot tub works
A small amount of salt is dissolved in the spa water. An electrode cell passes a current through it — electrolysis — which creates a small amount of natural chlorine. That chlorine sanitizes the water and then reverts, so the cycle repeats as long as the system runs.
Because sanitizer is produced steadily in small amounts rather than added in doses, the water feels smooth and is gentle on hair, skin and eyes, without the strong odour of heavily dosed water.
The two Arctic Spas salt systems
| Onzen™ | Spa Boy® | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Generates sanitizer from salt by electrolysis | Monitors the water continuously with sensors and adjusts sanitization automatically |
| What you do | Set the output for how much the spa is used; change the electrode cartridge periodically | Respond to alerts; an optional Boost function helps re-balance the water |
| Where you see it | Arctic Spas app | Topside control panel, the myarcticspa.com portal and the Arctic Spas app |
Spa Boy® is exclusive to Arctic Spas and is available on these current models:
Is a salt water hot tub maintenance-free?
No. Salt water care reduces the hands-on work of balancing water; it does not remove it. You still keep the water balanced, clean the filters, and replace the electrode cartridge on schedule. With Spa Boy® the testing and adjusting is largely automated and you are alerted when pH drifts.
Does salt damage a hot tub?
Salt can erode some metal components, which is why the spa has to be built for it. Arctic Spas hot tubs and All-Weather Pools use bearingless jets, highly durable shells and airtight fixtures to protect the spa.
Common questions
Is a salt water hot tub chlorine-free?
No. A salt system creates a small amount of natural chlorine from the salt by electrolysis. You add less sanitizer by hand, but chlorine is still what keeps the water clean.
Is a salt water hot tub maintenance-free?
No. It is less maintenance, not none: you still keep the water balanced, clean the filters and change the electrode cartridge periodically.
What is the difference between Onzen and Spa Boy?
Onzen generates sanitizer from salt and lets you set its output from the Arctic Spas app. Spa Boy adds sensors that monitor the water continuously,adjust sanitization automatically and alert you when pH drifts.