Are you tired of constantly adding chemicals to your hot tub to keep the water clean and clear? Mineral sanitizers may be the solution you’re looking for. These systems use natural minerals to help maintain a healthy, balanced hot tub environment without the need for harsh chemicals.
In this guide, we’ll explain how hot tub mineral sanitizers work, the different types available, and the benefits and drawbacks of using them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right mineral sanitizer for your hot tub and how to properly use and maintain it.
Whether you’re a hot tub novice or an experienced user, this guide will help you understand the benefits of using a mineral sanitizer and how to get the most out of it.
What Are Mineral Sanitizers and How Do They Work?
A hot tub mineral sanitizer is a type of water treatment system that uses silver and copper minerals to sanitize and clean hot tub water. These minerals have antimicrobial properties that help to kill bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, helping to keep the hot tub water clean and safe for use.
Hot tub mineral sanitizers are typically used in addition to traditional chemicals like chlorine or bromine, which are also used to sanitize hot tub water.
Mineral sanitizers can be added to the hot tub in the form of sticks or cartridges that are placed in the water or in the filter system. They work by releasing the minerals into the water as it passes through them.
3 Advantages of Using a Mineral Sanitizer
Before deciding on chlorine or bromine as your go-to hot tub sanitizer, consider the benefits of using hot tub minerals instead.
Fewer chemicals is kinder to your skin
By using a mineral sanitizer in addition to or as an alternative to traditional sanitizers, the amount of these chemicals in the water is reduced. This makes the water more gentle on the skin and hair and can reduce the unpleasant smell that is often associated with these chemicals.
In addition to reducing the number of traditional sanitizers in the water, using a mineral sanitizer can also help to reduce the formation of chloramines.
Chloramines are chemical compounds that are formed when chlorine or bromine reacts with organic matter in the water, such as sweat, oils, and other contaminants.
These compounds can cause an unpleasant smell and can be harmful to bathers, as they can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. By using a mineral sanitizer, the formation of chloramines are greatly reduced, which improves the overall quality of the water.
They’re cheaper
Using a hot tub mineral sanitizer can be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional sanitizers like chlorine or bromine. Mineral sanitizers are typically less expensive to purchase and use than traditional sanitizers, as they do not require as much of the product to be used in order to effectively sanitize the water.
In addition, mineral sanitizers do not need to be replaced as frequently as traditional sanitizers. While traditional sanitizers may need to be added to the hot tub on a weekly or even daily basis, mineral sanitizers typically only need to be replaced every few months, depending on the amount of use the hot tub receives.
This can result in significant cost savings over time, as you will need to purchase and use less of the product. The lower cost and longer lifespan of mineral sanitizers can make them a more attractive option for hot tub owners who are looking to save money on water treatment costs.
They’re easier to use
Using a hot tub mineral sanitizer can be a more convenient option compared to traditional sanitizers like chlorine or bromine. These types of sanitizers typically require measuring and mixing of chemicals in order to properly dose the hot tub water, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
In contrast, mineral sanitizers are generally easy to manage, as they do not require any mixing or measuring of chemicals. They are usually added to the hot tub in the form of sticks or cartridges that are placed in the water or in the filter system, and they work by slowly releasing the minerals into the water.
This slow-release nature means that the mineral sanitizer can be effective for a longer period of time without the need for frequent dosing or replacement. As a result, using a hot tub mineral sanitizer can save time and effort compared to traditional sanitizers.
3 Disadvantages of Using a Mineral Sanitizer
Although there are many benefits to using a hot tub mineral sanitizer, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Here’s what you should know.
Green water
Copper is a common mineral used in these types of water treatment systems, and when it is exposed to air, it can oxidize and turn green.
If the water source for your hot tub already has a high level of copper in it, adding more copper through the use of a mineral sanitizer can cause the water in your hot tub to turn green.
To prevent this issue, it is important to test the water source to determine the level of copper present and to choose a mineral sanitizer that is appropriate for your water quality.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use a different type of water treatment system or to use a metal sequestrant to prevent the copper from oxidizing and turning the water green.
Staining
Staining can be a concern when using a hot tub mineral sanitizer, as the minerals can leave stains on the surfaces of the hot tub as they oxidize in the water. Copper may leave stains on the surfaces of the hot tub as it oxidizes.
These stains can be difficult to remove, and they can be unsightly for hot tub owners. To prevent staining, you may need to use a metal sequestrant to keep the copper from settling on surfaces.
A metal sequestrant is a chemical that helps to prevent minerals from adhering to surfaces and forming stains. However, it is important to be careful when using a metal sequestrant, as using too much of the product can render the minerals in the hot tub ineffective and lead to dirty water.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the use of a metal sequestrant to ensure that it is used in the correct dosage and to prevent any negative effects on the water quality.
You still need chemicals
It is important to note that mineral sanitizers should not be used as the sole source of water treatment in a hot tub. While they help to reduce the number of traditional sanitizers needed, they are not effective at killing all types of microorganisms that can be present in the water.
Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can pose a health risk to hot tub users if they are present in the water. Traditional sanitizers like chlorine and bromine are effective at killing these types of microorganisms and are necessary to maintain a safe and healthy hot tub environment.
Therefore, it is important to maintain a low level of chlorine or bromine in the water, even when using a mineral sanitizer, in order to protect against illness.
Which Mineral Sanitizer is Right for You?
There are several types of hot tub mineral sanitizers available on the market, including filter sticks, inline systems, and floating dispensers. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Sticks
Filter sticks are a convenient and easy-to-use type of spa mineral sanitizer. They are designed to be inserted into the filter of the hot tub, and as water passes through the filter, it also passes through the stick, releasing minerals into the water.
These minerals are then circulated back into the hot tub and help to keep the water clean and free of bacteria and algae. The advantage of using filter sticks as a spa mineral sanitizer is that there is no need to measure out chemicals or handle them directly, as the minerals are contained within the stick.
They are also easy to replace and only need replacing every four months or so, depending on the usage of the hot tub. Overall, filter sticks are a simple and effective option for maintaining clean and healthy water in a hot tub.
Floating dispensers
Floating dispensers are another type of spa mineral sanitizer that is easy to use and effective at maintaining clean water in a hot tub. They consist of a floating device that holds a mineral cartridge and a chlorine or bromine cartridge.
The dispenser is placed in the hot tub, and the minerals are released into the water at a constant rate to help keep it clean and free of bacteria and algae.
One advantage of floating dispensers is that they are easy to use and do not require any special installation or setup. Simply place the dispenser in the hot tub and let it work its magic.
Using a hot tub mineral sanitizer is also convenient. The dispenser will turn on its side when the cartridges need to be refilled, providing a visual indication that it’s time to replace them. This makes it easy to know when to refill your cartridges.
Overall, floating dispensers are a simple and effective option for maintaining clean and healthy water in a hot tub.
Inline systems
The Frog inline mineral sanitizer system is a specialized system for hot tubs that helps to sanitize the water using minerals. This system requires a pre-installed inline system in your hot tub, which is a compartment specifically designed to hold the cartridge holder that contains the mineral cartridges.
If your hot tub doesn’t have this inline system already installed, you can still use other methods to achieve similar sanitizing benefits, such as a filter stick or floating dispenser.
However, if you want to use the Frog inline mineral sanitizer system, you’ll need to purchase a hot tub that has this system pre-installed. Several hot tub brands offer this feature on select models, including Artesian Spas, Caldera Spas, Hot Springs Spas, and Marquis Spas.
It’s important to ask about this feature before making a purchase to ensure that you get a hot tub that is compatible with the Frog inline mineral sanitizer system.
How to Upgrade Your Hot Tub With a Mineral Sanitizer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Although it’s not necessary when you switch from a traditional sanitizer like chlorine or bromine to a mineral sanitizer, it’s a good idea to drain and clean your hot tub beforehand.
This can help to remove any leftover chemicals from the previous sanitizer and ensure that the water in your hot tub is fresh and clean.
Test your water hardness
If you’re starting with an empty hot tub, determine the hardness of your water source by using test strips or a liquid test kit. If the water hardness is over 250 ppm, it is a good idea to use an inline hose pre-filter when filling your hot tub.
A hose filter is a device that attaches to your garden hose and filters the water as it flows through it. This can help to remove impurities such as copper, which can cause staining in your hot tub.
If you are starting with water that is already in your hot tub, you will need to test the water hardness level to make sure it is not too high. If the calcium hardness level is over 250 ppm, you will need to drain some of the water from the hot tub and refill it with fresh water using a hose filter.
This will help to remove impurities and lower the calcium hardness level. Repeat this process until the calcium hardness level is in the correct range.
Test for metals
To test the metal content of your water source before adding minerals to your hot tub, you can use a metal testing kit or strips. However, these kits are typically designed to test drinking water, so it is a good idea to take a sample of your water to your local hot tub store and have them test it for you.
They can also test the hardness of your water at the same time. If the metal levels, particularly copper, are high, you can add a metal sequestrant to the water after filling the hot tub to prevent staining and other issues.
If you are starting with water that is already in your hot tub, you will need to take a sample of the water from the hot tub instead.
Balance the water chemistry
To properly balance your hot tub, follow the usual order: adjust the alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness. Aim for the following ranges for each factor:
| Water Parameter | Optimal Range |
|---|---|
| Total Alkalinity | 80 ppm – 120 ppm |
| pH | 7.2 – 7.8 |
| Calcium Hardness | 175 ppm – 250 ppm |
Add the mineral sanitizer
To maintain the proper balance of minerals in your hot tub, you will need to add a mineral sanitizer to the filter, in-line system, or floating dispenser. It is recommended to change the cartridge or stick every three to four months or whenever you drain, clean, and refill your hot tub.
Add chemical sanitizer
To maintain a proper level of sanitizer in your hot tub, you will need to add a supplemental sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine. The recommended levels for these sanitizers are:
| Sanitizer | Optimal Level |
|---|---|
| Chlorine | 0.5 ppm |
| Bromine | 1.0 ppm |
To reach these levels, add a small amount of the sanitizer at a time and test the water in between additions. It is important to be cautious when adding these chemicals, as using too much can lead to irritation or other negative effects.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a test kit to ensure that you are maintaining the correct levels of sanitizer in your hot tub.
How to shock a mineral hot tub
To properly shock a mineral hot tub, you need to follow a few key steps:
Determine the frequency: You should shock your hot tub at least once a week, or more frequently if you have a high bather load or if you are experiencing issues such as cloudy water.
Choose the right shock: Use a non-chlorine shock to avoid raising the chlorine level above the recommended 0.5 ppm. However, you can still use chlorine shock on occasion, just be sure to check the water afterward and adjust the levels as needed.
Test the water: After shocking your hot tub, use a test kit to check the levels of chlorine or bromine and make any necessary adjustments to maintain the correct levels.
