Salt water systems are often advertised as a hassle-free, more 'natural' alternative to traditional hot tub water care, but the reality is a little more complicated. That's why Hydropool moved away from using salt water systems in our hot tubs in 2016.
Here are some common misconceptions:
“Salt water spas don’t use chlorine.”
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings. Saltwater systems create chlorine from salt, so you're still using chlorine to sanitise the water. It's just being generated inside the spa instead of added manually. The water isn’t 'chemical-free'.
“Salt systems are maintenance-free.”
They still need regular water testing and balancing. You'll need to monitor pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and salt levels to avoid issues like scaling, cloudy water, or equipment wear. Skipping this can lead to more maintenance, not less.
“Salt water is gentler on skin and the spa.”
While saltwater may feel slightly softer on the skin for some people, it’s not automatically better. Because it still contains chlorine, those with chlorine sensitivity might still react. Plus, salt can be corrosive to components like heaters and jets if water chemistry is off.
“You only need to change the water once a year.”
Some systems claim extended water life, but in reality, water change frequency depends on usage, number of bathers, and how well the water is maintained. Many salt water spa owners find they still need to drain and refill every few months, especially if water chemistry drifts.
How Hydropool’s system compares
Hydropool moved away from saltwater technology in 2016 after years of customer feedback. Instead, we developed a more efficient approach: the Self-Cleaning system that filters the entire volume of water every 15 minutes, while our PureWater™ system uses ozone and UV-C light to purify it.
This combination helps reduce chemical usage, keeps the water clearer for longer, and makes it easier to manage - and with fewer surprises. It's not about shortcuts or gimmicks. It's about giving you a spa that stays clean with less effort.