Remove instead of react
The hot tub industry needs to look at different ways to deal with water maintenance in the units that are sold and/or serviced. For years, everything in water care has been dealt with on a reactive basis with the first reaction for any type of problem usually involving the addition of chemicals.
Perhaps a new approach should be considered. For example, instead of adding more chemicals or additives to solve water problems, additional technologies need to be developed, which remove contaminates and make the water more pure. Or, rather than using sanitizers that are sodium-based liquids, or granules/tablets that dissolve, a biocide could be used instead to kill germs in the water on contact. This could exist in a filter or a device within the plumbing that disinfects the water as it passes through.
Further, the development of a portable reverse osmosis unit for hot tubs, which would be capable of removing solids and bringing water back to a more pristine state, could also help in reducing the frequency of draining.
| WATER FACTS |
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| • The earth comprises 75 per cent water; • Ninety-seven per cent is salt water and is contained in the oceans; • Of the remaining three per cent that is fresh water, two per cent is unavailable as it is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps; and • Technically, only one per cent of the earth’s water is fresh and available for drinking, agriculture, food processing, power generation, cleansing, sewage transport and filling hot tubs/swimming pools. |
The future of hot tub water treatment
The hot tub industry has ridden the wave of multiple hot water chemical programs without really focusing on the need for conservation. Today, however, numerous manufacturers have made strides in both water treatment and preservation by incorporating new technologies and treatment systems into their hot tubs.
Some examples that are currently being employed include no-bypass filtration (i.e. all water passes through the filter before it enters the hot tub), factory-installed ozone systems, which use highly concentrated ozone bubbles to neutralize contaminants on contact, while also reducing the need for additional chemicals and lengthening the amount of time between cleanings. Some manufacturers say these additional water care features can reduce the need to drain hot tub water from four to two times per year.
“Consumers perk up when they hear about new hot tub technologies like ultraviolet (UV) and ozone disinfection systems, which help to reduce chemical usage,” says Coburn. “Though there has been some misconception about salt systems, many consumers think they are going to be bathing in the ocean—they don’t realize salt is used to create chlorine onsite.
“It’s important the industry doesn’t perpetuate any of these misconceptions but rather explain the benefits of these alternative systems. And, in theory, these new systems should lengthen spa water life.”
Great article. Water conservation is so important!