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What is HotSpring’s Freshwater Salt System?

30 January 2025
Two boxed Freshwater Salt components on the side of a full hot tub
When it comes to spa maintenance, water quality is key to a relaxing and enjoyable experience. HotSpring’s FreshWater Salt System offers a game-changing solution, keeping water clean, clear, and feeling naturally soft with minimal effort.

Owning a hot tub is all about relaxation—so why should keeping the water clean be a chore? If you’ve ever spent too much time testing water, adding chemicals, and worrying about maintenance, you’re not alone. The good news is, there’s an easier way to enjoy crystal-clear, comfortable water with far less effort. Enter the FreshWater Salt System from HotSpring—a modern, efficient way to keep your spa in top condition without the constant juggling of traditional chemicals.

In this article, we’ll explore how the FreshWater Salt System works, what makes it different from other sanitisation methods, and why it’s such a great option for hot tub owners looking for an easier, more enjoyable soaking experience.

How Does the FreshWater Salt System Work?

At its core, the FreshWater Salt System uses a process called electrolysis to generate chlorine from salt. Instead of adding chlorine manually, a low level of salt is dissolved in the water. As the water passes over a specially designed cartridge, an electric charge converts the salt into a steady, measured amount of chlorine to keep the spa clean and sanitised.

A Freshwater salt being lifted of its housing

This method allows for consistent water quality without the spikes and dips that come with manually adding chlorine or bromine. With proper maintenance, the system can keep your water clean and clear for up to a full year before needing to be replaced—meaning fewer water changes and less hassle overall.

What Are the Benefits?

1. Less Maintenance, More Relaxation

One of the biggest perks of the FreshWater Salt System is how much time it saves. Traditional water care methods often require frequent testing, chemical adjustments, and balancing. With this system, the chlorine is generated automatically, significantly reducing the need for constant monitoring. Instead of spending time adding chemicals, you can simply enjoy your spa.

2. Softer, More Natural-Feeling Water

Have you ever stepped into a hot tub that left your skin feeling dry or irritated? Unfortunately, traditional chlorine can sometimes cause discomfort, especially for those with sensitive skin. The FreshWater Salt System provides a more gentle soaking experience, thanks to the lower chlorine levels and the naturally soft feel of salt water. There’s no harsh chemical sensation—just clean, fresh water that’s kind to your skin.

3. No Strong Chemical Odours

One common complaint with traditional hot tub chemicals is the strong chlorine smell that can linger in the water. With the FreshWater Salt System, that overpowering scent is a thing of the past. Because the system maintains a more stable chlorine level, you get effective sanitisation without the unpleasant odours that often come with standard chlorine treatments.

4. Water Lasts Longer

Regularly draining and refilling a hot tub can be time-consuming and wasteful. Thanks to the FreshWater Salt System’s ability to maintain balanced water chemistry over time, spa water stays clean and usable for up to a year* with proper care. That means fewer water changes, which is not only convenient but also better for the environment.

5. Fewer Harsh Chemicals

Using fewer bottled chemicals is always a plus. The FreshWater Salt System generates the chlorine your spa needs directly from salt, reducing the need for additional chemical additives. This means you’ll be handling fewer products, making spa care simpler and more straightforward.

6. Easy Cartridge Replacement

The system’s salt cell cartridge is designed for hassle-free replacement. Instead of dealing with messy chemicals or complicated maintenance routines, you simply swap out the cartridge every few months. This keeps the system running efficiently with minimal effort on your part.

How Does It Compare to Other Sanitisation Methods?

There are several ways to keep a hot tub clean, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at how the FreshWater Salt System stacks up against other common water care options.

Traditional Chlorine and Bromine

Most spa owners are familiar with adding chlorine or bromine manually. While effective, this method requires regular testing and adjustments to maintain the correct balance. Chlorine levels can fluctuate, leading to periods where the water may be too strong or not sanitised enough.

  • Pros: Readily available, well-understood
  • Cons: Requires frequent monitoring, can cause skin irritation, strong odours

Ozone Systems

Ozone systems work by injecting ozone gas into the water to help break down contaminants. While they can reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine needed, they don’t eliminate the need for sanitising chemicals entirely.

  • Pros: Reduces chemical use, helps break down organic matter
  • Cons: Still requires chlorine or bromine, needs additional equipment in your hot tub

UV-C Systems

UV-C technology uses ultraviolet light to neutralise bacteria and other microorganisms. While this method is highly effective at destroying contaminants, it doesn’t provide residual sanitisation, meaning chlorine or bromine is still needed to keep the water safe between uses.

  • Pros: Effective at killing bacteria, reduces chemical dependence
  • Cons: Still requires some chemical use, needs regular bulb replacement

FreshWater Salt System

Unlike these other methods, the FreshWater Salt System provides continuous chlorine generation, keeping water sanitised with minimal effort. It delivers the benefits of reduced chemical use, softer water, and a longer-lasting soak, without the need for additional complex systems.

  • Pros: Consistent sanitisation, low maintenance, gentle on skin, no strong odours
  • Cons: Requires cartridge replacement, specific to HotSpring spas

A young woman in a bathing suite checking the water in a hot tub with her hand

Is It Right for You?

If you’re looking for a way to make spa care easier while enjoying fresh, clean water with less effort, the FreshWater Salt System is worth considering. It’s especially beneficial if you:

  • Prefer a low-maintenance spa experience
  • Want softer water that’s gentle on the skin
  • Dislike the smell of traditional chlorine
  • Would like to reduce water changes and chemical use

While no system is entirely maintenance-free, the FreshWater Salt System comes close by handling much of the hard work for you. With just occasional water testing and periodic cartridge changes, you can spend less time worrying about your spa and more time enjoying it.

Final Thoughts

Hot tubs are meant to be a source of relaxation, not another chore on your to-do list. The FreshWater Salt System simplifies spa maintenance, giving you soft, clean, and clear water with minimal effort. By generating chlorine from salt, it provides continuous sanitisation without the harsh side effects of traditional chemicals. And with water that lasts up to a year, it’s a more convenient and eco-friendly option for any HotSpring spa owner.

If you’re tired of constantly testing, adjusting, and adding chemicals, this system might be the stress-free solution you’ve been looking for. After all, your hot tub should be about unwinding—not upkeep.

Chris Hands
Written by
Chris Hands
Updated: 02/25/2025

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