How To Maintain A Hot Tub Without Chemicals?

The idea of having chemicals like Chlorine,  Bromine, or pH raiser in your body every time you soak in a hot tub may sound very uncomfortable. However, they are a must to keep the hot tub water sanitized and away from cloudy and foamy water.

But did you know that you can enjoy a warm bath experience from a chemical-free hot tub? Yes, and it can be more relaxing than you thought.

Know how to maintain your hot tub without chemicals by tuning in to this article until the end.

Can A Hot Tub Last Without Chemicals?

Before the water in a hot tub becomes unfit for soaking in, it will typically last around a month without applying sanitizers. Every soak raises the possibility of contamination in the absence of sanitizer. Aside from sanitizing, poor alkalinity or pH in the water used to fill the hot tub can provide a problem right away.

hot tub with white towel

That is why it is not recommended not to use chemicals in the hot tub. The absence of chemicals renders the hot tub unsafe, increases the risk of hot tub rashes, and allows dangerous bacteria to flourish in the water. The equipment in the hot tub suffers over time as a result of the pollutants in the water.�

However, you can still make your hot tub chemical-free by using many non-toxic and natural alternatives.

Non-Chemical Sanitizer Alternatives To Hot Tubs

Many non-chemical hot tub systems are available if you seek a chemical-free sanitizer and switch from the traditional chemicals. These can significantly lower the quantity of chlorine or even other chemicals needed.

closeup of clear hot tub water

Some of these are expensive and impractical for many hot tub owners. But they will undoubtedly be a practical and economical replacement for chlorine and other chemicals common in the hot tub.

Ozonators

An Ozonator is injected into the water, which some people use to operate hot tubs without using chemicals. However, since Ozonators are not recognized as sanitizers, you usually need to apply sanitizers. 

However, they can lessen the regularity of needing to shock your hot tub as well as the need for sanitizing. An Ozonator is an extra expensive option that occasionally necessitates hot tub remodeling.

Salt Systems

The saltwater system methods do not require the use of chlorine or bromine. But eventually, salt-based systems don’t provide a hot tub that doesn’t contain chlorine. This is because chlorine is produced when the salt is electrolyzed. An environmentally friendly hot tub may not be your goal, but a salt-based system might help.

Ionizers

Ionizers prevent the growth of germs and algae by introducing ions into the water. Despite being a natural hot tub treatment, ionizers do not sterilize the hot tub’s water, so you will still need a sanitizer. However, do assist in lowering the quantity of sanitizer used as a substitute for chlorine in the hot tub.

Chlorine-free Shock

A non-chlorine shock is not a sanitizer, like chlorine or bromine shock.  However, non-chlorine shock oxidizes the water, removes impurities, and clarifies the water. Additionally, it makes your hot tub’s chlorine more effective. Non-chlorine shock produces “free chlorine” in your water if you use a chlorine sanitizer. Non-chlorine shock in a bromine spa activates the bromine.

UV System

This is a fantastic substitute for chlorine in a hot tub. A UV system uses radiation to clean your spa as the water flows through a tube past UV lights. Although UV systems remove impurities, shock is necessary to increase water purity.

Utilizing polyhexamethylene biguanide is another alternative for maintaining a hot tub without chemicals. It’s necessary to use a shock that’s free of bromine and chlorine while using this gentle sanitizer. But significant water problems can arise for some users. 

Treatment Based On Enzymes

Enzyme-based water treatment is another all-natural spa and hot tub treatment. Enzyme treatments can lessen the chemicals needed to maintain the spa water in your hot tub, even while they don’t replace sanitizer and shock requirements. 

Tips To Maintain A Hot Tub With Fewer Chemicals

Several hot tub maintenance techniques can lessen the number of chemicals used in your hot tub in addition to the suggestions made above for utilizing an alternative to chlorine, bromine, or pH raiser.

  • Running the pump longer. The hot tub pump circulates the sanitizer and warm water. It keeps the water from stagnating and turning into a bacterial haven. So, use your pump as directed by the manufacturer or for at least eight hours daily. The chemicals required to keep your water will be reduced if you maintain good circulation between the water and sanitizer. 
  • Frequently drain the hot tub. An essential component of hot tub upkeep is draining your spa every three to four months. It should be done every two to three months if you own a non-chlorine hot tub. The number of chemicals needed to maintain the right levels of water sanitizer can be decreased by adhering to a tight maintenance schedule for emptying and thoroughly cleaning your hot tub.
  • Use good-quality hot tub filters. Another crucial aspect of hot tub care that can minimize chemical usage is maintaining a clean filter, whether the hot tub uses chlorine or not. So, every week, inspect and rinse your filter. Additionally, fully clean it once a month. It is typically advised to change your filter once a year.
  • Shower first. A good strategy to use fewer chemicals is to limit the number of body oils, bacteria, and personal items that get into the hot tub water. Ask bathers to shower with water and soap before getting in the hot tub. Encourage them to wash their hair if they are using hair care products like mousse or hairspray.  As a result, using less sanitizer will help keep your hot tub cleaner.
  • Maintain balanced hot tub water. Maintain your pH, alkalinity, and total hardness within the suggested levels, whether you have a hot tub that uses chlorine or doesn’t. The efficiency of sanitizers is decreased because of inappropriate levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you in maintaining a hot tub without chemicals.

How Do You Keep A Hot Tub Bacteria Free?

To keep a hot tub bacteria-free, maintain a regular inspection for symptoms of bacteria infestation. Once identified, do regular hot tub maintenance, which includes cleaning the filters. A regular shock treatment is also recommended, along with keeping the pump working for 24 hours.

What Is The Easiest Way To Maintain A Hot Tub?

It’s not expensive, but it only needs a fundamental understanding and knowledge of water chemistry, using a hot tub cover when it is not used and a straightforward routine.  All you need are some hot tub chemicals and testing equipment, which will cost you about $20 per month.

Can You Keep A Hot Tub Clean Without Chlorine?

You can operate your spa without hot tub chemicals like chlorine or bromine and keep it clean and safe. Some modified techniques must be used to ensure that germs don’t flourish.

Conclusion

romantic couple in a hot tub

Knowing that your hot tub does not use chemicals would be an extra relaxing warm bath experience. Plus, it is environmentally friendly! You can do that by trying out the ways, and the tips outline above. But it should be worth noting that hot tub chemicals are sanitizers to your hot tub water; at some point, you will be using them to keep your hot tub clean and safe.