You want the best-rated hot tub with the best benefits for the price. Much of the balance of cost, maintenance, and benefits comes down to the water care system. The most affordable hot tub water care system is one that saves you time and money in the long run—not just one with the lowest price tag from the start.

The truth is that prices for chlorine, bromine, salt water, and other water treatments can vary from system to system. Maintenance schedules and the amount of time, water used, and amounts of sanitizer needed can vary as well. Sanitizers that are less expensive may require more changes of hot tub water and be more expensive overall. Sophisticated water care systems may cost more upfront but can also save more money, time, and effort over the long term with fewer water care adjustments and water changes. With a low-maintenance system, you can spend more of your valuable time enjoying your investment.

Chlorine and Bromine Water Care Systems for Hot Tubs

In order for the water in hot tubs to remain fresh and clear, it must be treated with a sanitizing chemical that kills bacteria. Chlorine is the most commonly used sanitizer for hot tubs, and chlorine water care systems and chlorine granules to recharge them are inexpensive and widely available. Compared with other water care systems, a chlorine hot tub can be purchased for a relatively low upfront price. However, there are some operating costs that are not readily apparent at the outset that include:

• The frequent addition of chlorine to the hot tub. The common practice for many spas is to refresh the hot tub with a dosage of chlorine regularly, and this requires large amounts of chlorine over the course of a year.
• Frequent total water replacement. Chlorine needs to be replenished often. It bonds with other compounds—forming chloramines—and, eventually, loses its effectiveness. Removing these compounds means replacing the water every three months or so, and the costs of filling up a large hot tub with fresh water four times a year can be significant.
• The energy costs of heating fresh water. It takes a significant amount of time and energy to warm new hot tub water, adding up to high utility costs.

Bromine is a chemical that works in a similar way to chlorine. Bromine isn’t quite as reactive as chlorine, though, and its pH is lower so the water is less acidic. A hot tub with a bromine-based water care system is a good alternative to chlorine for someone with chemical sensitivities as there won’t be as many compounds created, and the water may be gentler on the skin.

However, while bromine and bromine-treated water may last a bit longer than chlorine-treated water, it still needs regular water changes every three to four months. Similar operating costs apply to bromine hot tubs that apply to chlorine hot tubs. An alternative to both of these systems is a salt water hot tub that typically requires less time and costs for maintenance over the long term.

In the Long Term, Salt Water Hot Tub Systems May Be the Most Affordable

Salt water hot tubs use electrolysis to generate chlorine from salts to create sanitizer. It is a far more controlled system than the more traditional method of adding an amount of chlorine or bromine into the water to dissolve. With a system like the FreshWater^® Salt System*, much of the water care takes place whether you’re thinking about it or not. With a minimal need for treating the water directly, you have sparkling clean water always ready for you to climb in.

Follow these simple steps when setting up your FreshWater^® Salt System to enjoy clean, natural-feeling water with less fuss. Watch the below video or read our startup guide.

This offers many advantages over the traditional methods, including:

• Constant water care requires less chlorine. Since chlorine is released constantly by salt, the chlorine levels remain steady—unlike the ups and downs of the chlorine level when you are adding it to a traditional system. This steady level means that less chlorine is needed overall.
• A reduced level of chlorine means gentler water that stays fresh. Chlorine works by creating a weak acid, and when it bonds to other chemicals, it creates distinctive smelling compounds. Low levels of chlorine mean silky smooth-feeling water with less of a chemical smell. This lends itself to a more relaxing environment.
• Hot tub water doesn’t need to be changed as often. Lower levels of chemical build-up mean that hot tub water stays fresh for longer, and it doesn’t need to be changed as often. This advantage presents direct savings in water and energy costs.

The benefits of salt water hot tubs may make them the most affordable hot tub water care system to operate overall—when you factor in all the related costs. The FreshWater^® Salt System, available on the Utopia® Series and Paradise® Series from Caldera^® Spas, for instance, can keep your hot tub water fresh for up to a full year**.

The costs of adding chlorine regularly, changing your hot tub water every three to four months, and the energy cost of warming that water up just as often are no longer considerations if you own a spa with the FreshWater^® Salt System. When your hot tub water is easier to care for and to keep clean and ready, you’ll use it more often and see greater value in your investment.

Think of Your Hot Tub as a Long-Term Investment

You can expect the price to be higher upfront when you purchase a spa equipped with the FreshWater^® Salt System versus one with a traditional chlorine or bromine water care system. And the disposable cartridges the salt water system uses are more expensive than regular chlorine or bromine granules, but a three-pack of cartridges will last you up to an entire year. You can consult with your local Caldera Spas^® dealer about pricing for the FreshWater^® Salt System.

It’s also important to consider the value of your own time. The more you’re engaged in cleaning and maintenance tasks, the less time you have to spend with other activities, including the ultimate goal of soaking in your spa. At least on some level, time is money. When you invest in a low-maintenance hot tub, you’re investing in more quality time—not to mention all of the relaxing and rejuvenating benefits of a daily soak.

The best salt water hot tub systems demand less time and energy for testing, cleaning, balancing, draining, refilling, and reheating. They use fewer chemicals, waste less water, and use less energy warming the spa. When considering the most affordable hot tub water care system, every cost and resource drain matter. While an innovative solution such as the FreshWater^® Salt System may cost more upfront versus traditional water care, over the course of a year, owners with this sophisticated water care system not only save money—they also gain valuable time and more opportunities to take advantage of their spa’s many benefits.

Caldera Spas^® is dedicated to providing quality hot tubs with the latest innovations and best support from our global network of dealers. To learn more about affordable hot tub water care systems and to experience the difference for yourself, contact your local Caldera dealer.

*The FreshWater^® Salt System cannot be used on Caldera^® Spas hot tubs manufactured prior to 2019.

**Factors such as bather load and water chemistry can impact water life. When the spa is properly maintained, a 3-pack of cartridges with the FreshWater^® Salt System will keep water clean and fresh for a full year. Product availability depends on your region. Please check with your local dealer.

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A sturdy Caldera Spas cover is designed specifically with your spa in mind and is designed for maximum energy-efficiency. Its tight seal insulates well and locks in heat, which saves you money on operating costs. A Caldera hot tub cover is made with a heavy duty, marine-grade vinyl and is made to last.

*Dealers have sole discretion to set actual prices, which will vary based on options, accessories, installation costs, destination/delivery charges, finance charges, taxes and other local factors. Talk to your local dealer for our local price and to take advantage of ongoing promotions and offers.

Read What Do I Need To Know About My Hot Tub Cover? for more.

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Before you install your hot tub, you may want to consider the following:
– New patio slab. If you don’t have one already, you’ll need a cement slab or another similarly strong surface to support the weight of your hot tub. Cement slabs are extremely durable and can cost around $100 in materials. If you hire contractors or work with your dealership to get this set up for you, the cost could be $1,400 – $3,500.
– Electrical wiring/running conduit. Your new hot tub will need its own electrical connection to run the heater, pumps, filtration system and any entertainment options. The electrical materials will cost around $250 and include a bond wire, service panel, ground and GCFI break, a DC converter for the pump and PVC pipe. This will require about three hours of service from an electrician to install which will cost around another $250. If you want to bury the electrical components, it can cost about $70.
– Gazebo and other custom installation options. If you decide to build a custom installation around your hot tub, it will add to your overall price. The cost of these options will depend on what you want. Overall, the costs associated with installing a portable spa are still considerably less than installing an in-ground hot tub.

Read our Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide for more.

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Read Questions to Ask When Buying a Hot Tub for more information.

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Read Questions to Ask When Buying a Hot Tub for more information.

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Above-Ground Hot Tub Design Benefits

Above-ground hot tubs can fit in a variety of settings in your yard. If you live in colder weather, a portable hot tub can be placed very close to your house. Portable hot tubs can be built into a deck or above ground, and portable hot tub equipment is built into the hot tub exterior. Portability is an advantage — you can, with some effort, take your hot tub with you when you move.

If you live in colder weather, a portable hot tub can be placed very close to your house.

Built-in hot tubs can be designed in different shapes and sizes, and are often attached to a pool or part of a pool setup. In-ground hot tubs can also be worked into a yard or landscape. Equipment is not built-in and is usually in a separate location and can be bulky and noisy.

Portable hot tubs can fit in a variety of settings in your yard.

Do portable hot tubs or in-ground hot tubs have better massage options?

Portable hot tubs offer many more hot tub jets and configurations, and the jets are  adjustable, sized and positioned differently depending on hydro-massage options. Portable hot tubs offer multiple types of ergonomic seating options, as well as varied seating sizes to fit bodies of all sizes and types.

Portable hot tubs offer multiple types of ergonomic seating options, as well as varied seating sizes to fit bodies of all sizes and types.

In-ground jets are usually one size with bench seating that is not as conducive to hydro-massage. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to align your body to a jet to hit just that right spot on your back, and forget about a neck massage –that requires submerging your head below the waterline!

Are built-in hot tubs and portable hot tubs energy efficient?

Portable hot tub filters and water care options are very advanced making hot tub water care easy, and owners can often care for their own tubs. Portable hot tubs are energy efficient and designed to run all the time so there’s no heat-up period. They work with covers and cover lifters so they can maintain temperatures and stay cleaner.

Many portable hot tubs are made of acrylic, which is easier to clean and not as abrasive as materials used in in-ground hot tubs like concrete, textured surfaces, tile, and fiberglass. In-ground hot tub surfaces can also be rough on the skin and on swimsuits.

Perhaps most important to consider is that in-ground hot tubs have to be heated prior to use, and don’t run all the time so are not as energy efficient, and cost more to run overall.

What’s the best hot tub?

So what’s the best type of hot tub for you, in-ground or portable? Well, it depends on a number of factors. Ask yourself these questions:

• Where in your yard do you want your hot tub located?
• Do you want a hot tub that is always hot and ready to go, or are you OK with waiting for it to heat up?
• What do you need in terms of jets and massage?
• How important are features like lighting, water enhancements, and entertainment options to you?
• Are you willing to do some of your own spa maintenance and up-keep?
• What is your budget?

Consider all of the above when hot tub shopping, and talk to your local dealer about any questions or concerns. See if you can try out some different spas , to see what hot tub therapy works for you. You’re making an amazing investment into your overall wellness!

Interested in hot tub pricing?

Ready to connect with a hot tub dealer?

Further Recommended Reading

• Product Focus: Energy Efficient Caldera Spas Leave Your Money in Your Pocket
• Is a Test Soak Helpful Before Buying a Hot Tub?
• Tips to Build Confidence for Your First Hot Tub Purchase
• Where Do I Begin to Design a Great Backyard with my Hot Tub?

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