How to Become an Eco-Friendly Hot Tub Owner
18 Dec How to Become an Eco-Friendly Hot Tub Owner
Hot tubs by nature should conjure up images of peace loving environmentally conscience folks who are doing their best to save the planet! However, the real nature of a hot tub is one where water is heated and in containment for a long period of time.
To keep the water in that hot tub safe and free of bacteria chemicals are needed.
Using Chlorine or Bromine
Primarily, disinfectants such as chlorine or bromine have been staples in the hot tub market for years. However, some may see these “chemicals” as something that can be harmful to humans or the environment.
In actuality the chlorine or bromine used in hot tub water care is some of the safest and innocuous chemical when it comes to water treatment. Both chlorine and bromine are categorized as “halogens” , meaning they both are formed from salt. And once they have cycled through the process of disinfection or oxidation in water they both convert back to a salt…it’s kind of like the expression “from dust to dust”, only in this case it’s ‘from salt to salt”!
As long as they are used properly chlorine and bromine are still two of the most effective and safest forms of water disinfection!
Alternative Hot Tub Sanitizers
There are alternatives too…One is metal/mineral ionizers that use copper and silver to do the bulk of the disinfecting. This is a bit more natural for the user who is resistant to chlorine, but keep in mind that metals being drained into the environment is something to be concerned about. Particularly copper!
Many cities forbid the draining of copper laden water into storm drains or estuaries. The amount of copper from hot tub ionizers is relatively small, but still if you are environmentally conscience you may not feel comfortable about draining this back into the environment.
Another option is to go really natural is to use actually a form of moss to control bacteria. This is known as sphagnum moss and has been keeping the lakes of Minnesota clean and clear for thousands of years. Recently it has been made into a product that can be used to keep hot tub water clean and clear.
There are also devices such as ozonators and ultra-violet lamps that inactivate viruses and bacteria.
Overall, no matter how you choose to treat the water in your hot tub, small amounts of chlorine are still recommended to keep the water bacteria free and safe.
Remaining Eco-Friendly When Draining Your Hot Tub
Hot Tubs must be drained regularly. Usually about every three months. It is important to make sure that the water being drained is as chemical free as possible.
[NOTE: Use our hot tub water change calculator to find out exactly how many days you have until you drain and refill your tub.]
So, before draining always allow the chlorine or bromine levels to come down to near zero. Never drain directly into storm drains or streams! Drain to sewer if allowed or out to an area such as a field.
Phosphates can build up in hot tubs as well. Phosphates are a known water pollutant that can cause problems when put back into the environment. If this is a concern then doing a phosphate removal before draining can ensure the water is phosphate free!
There are products available that can be used to remove phosphate from hot tub water. While the tub is filled, and being used, focus on using the most natural chemicals available.
One example would be SeaKlear’s all-natural water clarifier made from reclaimed crab shells. Your hot tub dealer will be aware of these types of natural products.
If you want to be a more Eco-friendly hot tubber then do your homework and ask questions. There are plenty of products and options to help you do your part in saving the planet!