Thinking of a Salt Water Hot Tub? Think Again.

Considering a Salt Water Hot Tub?
Discover a Better Alternative with Bullfrog Spas

Have you been thinking about getting a salt water hot tub? It’s easy to see the appeal—salt water systems are often marketed as low-maintenance and gentle on the skin. But what if there was a better solution? Bullfrog Spas offer something better than salt water – we offer water care systems that provide clean, soft, low-chlorine water—without the downsides of salt water tubs.

Before you decide, let’s explore how salt water systems work and why Bullfrog Spas offers a superior alternative.

What is a Salt Water Hot Tub? How It Works and What You Need to Know

While the idea of soaking in water that feels like the ocean sounds wonderful, the reality of a salt water tub is different. Here’s what actually happens:

  • You add salt to the spa water.
  • A salt chlorine generator (also called a salt cell) uses electrolysis to convert the salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the water.
  • The chlorine produced is effective at killing bacteria, but you still need to monitor pH levels, add chemicals occasionally, and replace the salt cell every few years.

The result? You still have chlorine in the water, just in lower concentrations. While salt water systems require less chlorine, they don’t eliminate the need for maintenance—and the salt can corrode spa components over time.

What’s Great About Salt Water Systems—and Where They Fall Short

There are certainly things to like about salt water tubs. They offer:

  • Smoother water that’s easier on the skin.
  • Reduced chlorine use, which minimizes harsh chemical smells.
  • A more natural-feeling soak.

However, salt water systems come with hidden challenges:

  • Corrosion risk: Salt can cause damage to spa parts, shortening the lifespan of your hot tub.
  • Costly maintenance: Salt cells need to be replaced, and pH balancing is still required.
  • More chemicals than you think: While chlorine use is lower, it’s still essential to add shock treatments periodically.

New Water Treatment Tech: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

In recent years there have been some important new technologies come on to the market that approach the problem of clean spa water differently. These new systems use minerals, enzymes, ozone and UV light. Using the analogy of tooth plaque (biofilm), it is easier and more effective to keep plaque from forming in the first place than to rely solely on having the hygienist scrape it off. In other words, these new technologies work to prevent microorganisms from forming biofilms in the filters, pipes and tub, requiring much less chlorine to disinfect what is free floating.

How what Bullfrog Spas Offers is better than Salt Water

Bullfrog Spas replaces salt water with advanced water care technologies that give you all the benefits of clean, soft water—without the downsides.  Compare Bullfrog Spas Water Care Systems and Salt Water Systems here.

The Spa Water Care Revolution: Clear System

With the Clear System, your spa water stays fresh and healthy with chlorine levels at drinking-water standards (0.5 ppm or less). This low-chlorine system ensures your spa water feels soft and gentle on your skin, without the harsh chemical smells of traditional treatments.Bullfrog Spas Clear System: Low-Chlorine, Easy Water Care

  • Low-touch maintenance: Spend less than one minute per year maintaining your spa.
  • Healthier water: Safe, clear water with minimal chemicals.

Learn more about the Clear System here.

EOS™ O3 Enhanced Ozone System

The EOS O3 system offers powerful water purification by using ozone, a natural oxidizer, to eliminate bacteria and impurities.

  • No corrosion risks: Unlike salt, ozone won’t damage your spa components.
  • Eco-friendly water care: Reduce chemical use with fewer water changes required.
  • Effective sanitization: Eliminates 99.99% of contaminants, including Cryptosporidium parvum (Crypto).

Explore the EOS O3 system here.

FROG@ease®: Mineral-Enhanced Water with SmartChlor® Technology

With FROG@ease®, you get the benefits of fresh mineral water and 75% less chlorine than traditional systems. SmartChlor® technology maintains the right chlorine levels automatically, so you never have to worry about over- or under-chlorinating your spa.

  • Less maintenance: Shock treatments only needed once a month.
  • Gentle on skin and swimwear: Low chlorine levels protect both you and your gear.
  • Mineral-enhanced water: Enjoy the soft, clean feel of water enhanced with natural minerals.

Read more about FROG @ease here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do salt water hot tubs really use less chlorine?
    Yes, salt water tubs generate chlorine from salt, so chlorine use is reduced. However, Bullfrog Spas’ systems like FROG @ease® also reduce chlorine use by up to 75%—without the risks of salt corrosion.

  • How much maintenance do salt water hot tubs need?
    Salt water systems require regular monitoring of pH and salt levels, and the salt cell must be replaced periodically. Bullfrog’s water care solutions need far less maintenance, with systems like Clear offering one-minute annual upkeep.

  • Why doesn’t Bullfrog Spas offer salt water systems?
    Salt can corrode spa components, leading to costly repairs. Bullfrog Spas offers non-corrosive, eco-friendly water care solutions like EOS O3 and FROG @ease®, which provide all the benefits of clean water with none of the downsides.

  • Which Bullfrog Spas water care system is right for me?

Experience the Difference with Bullfrog Spas

Salt water systems sound appealing, but Bullfrog Spas offers a smarter, healthier solution. Our water care technologies give you all the benefits—clean, soft water with minimal chlorine—without the corrosion risks or complicated maintenance.

Ready to experience the difference for yourself?

Visit our showroom today or contact us for a personalized consultation. Discover how Bullfrog Spas makes water care simple, safe, and stress-free.  Ready to Design your own Bullfrog Spa and Get a Price?