Organic Hot Tub Chemicals

• Natural products are now more widely available for hot tubs and spas. Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images

  Organic options are more and more prominent in almost every facet of our daily lives. The popular choice to eat organic and use natural products is evident in the quantity of items now available on store shelves. Another area that has seen the "green revolution" is chemical cleaning products. Hot tubs, spas and pools are no exception. Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to keep their relaxing waters clean without man-made and often harsh chemicals.

The Enzyme Solution

• Enzyme products are made from a variety of natural sources. Water and Seaweed image by Mr Shemp from Fotolia.com

  Enzyme solutions made from natural products such as seaweed, containing no chlorine or bromine, are available from most pool and spa retailers. Enzymes work by breaking down the organic oils and scum that build up in the spa water, filter and hoses. Most enzyme system producers recommend purging the spa of any organic buildup and left-over chemicals by cleaning the filters and replacing the water. Once the spa is filled with clean (some recommend filtered) water, add enzymes as determined by spa size. Some products claim that if maintained properly, the water in the spa will only need to be changed about once a year.

The Salt Water Option

• Sea salt systems on average cost less to maintain than many chemical systems. aroma bath items. sea salt and fresh basil with flowers. image by joanna wnuk from Fotolia.com

  Sea salt is an all-natural option that is gaining popularity in both pools and spas. Saltwater soaks have long been known for their curative benefits, both to the skin and in reducing swelling. Salt systems work by releasing the natural chlorine in salt to sanitize the water. This produces a lower but more consistent amount of chlorine than a standard system. Changes to the plumbing of the spa must be made to use salt, which may void any warranty. Check with your spa dealer if a warranty is still in effect. Frequent maintenance of the filter system is also important with this option to avoid corrosion.

Ozone Kits

• Ozone kits convert oxygen to ozone. small bubbles image by OMKAR A.V from Fotolia.com

  The use of ozonator kits that attach to the plumbing of a spa is another option in the search for chemical-free spa cleaning. Ozone kits convert oxygen to low levels of ozone that break up organic materials in spa water. Small amounts of enzyme cleaners may need to be used with this option to keep the water completely sanitized. The low cost of maintenance and lack of chemical smell with this option are a plus for many spa owners.