Nothing beats the feeling of relaxing in a hot tub after a long day.
But what if you could make a hot tub experience even more special by creating your own salt water? In this guide, we’ll show you how to make salt water for your hot tub, the benefits of doing so, and how you can enjoy your hot tub soak even more.
From what you need to measure out the salt and fill the tub with water, to testing the water and turning on the heater–we’ll break it all down for you.
So grab your bathing suit and get ready for a soothing saltwater hot tub experience!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To make hot tub salt water, you will need to buy a special type of salt made specifically for hot tubs.
Mix the salt with water and adjust the pH levels to the desired range with a pH test strip.
Once the desired pH levels are achieved, add a sanitizer and test the water for chlorine levels.
After the chlorine levels are satisfactory, the hot tub can then be filled with the salt water and heated for use.
Why Make Hot Tub Salt Water?
Making hot tub salt water can provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience for many people.
The salt helps to create a more buoyant environment, so you can feel lighter and more relaxed as you float in the water.
Additionally, the salt water can help to remove waste from the body, reducing stress and helping you to feel more refreshed after a soak.
Finally, salt water is more skin-friendly than chlorine, so it can be gentler on the skin and help to prevent irritation.
All in all, making hot tub salt water can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience.
What Do You Need?
Before you begin the process of making hot tub salt water, there are a few essential items youll need to have on hand.
First and foremost, youll need the appropriate type of salt.
This is usually a combination of sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride.
Its important to make sure that the salt youre using is specifically formulated for hot tubs, as other types of salt may not dissolve properly and can damage the hot tubs plumbing.
Youll also need a source of heat, such as an electric hot tub heater, and a method for measuring the salt.
A measuring cup or tablespoon is usually sufficient.
Finally, youll need a way to test the waters salinity level.
An inexpensive digital salinity tester can be purchased from most pool supply stores.
Once you have all of the necessary items, youre ready to start making hot tub salt water.
Measuring Out the Salt
Measuring out the salt for your hot tub salt water is the first step in the process.
It’s important to make sure you have the right amount of salt to ensure your water is at the correct salinity level.
The standard ratio for salt water is about 1.2 1.5 pounds of salt per 100 gallons of water.
If your hot tub has a capacity of 300 gallons, then you’ll need to measure out 3.6 4.5 pounds of salt for your water.
When measuring out the salt, it’s best to use a kitchen scale or a digital scale for accuracy.
You can also use measuring cups or spoons, but it’s not as precise.
Once you have the correct amount of salt measured out, add it directly to the hot tub.
Make sure to stir it thoroughly so that it dissolves evenly in the water.
It’s also important to note that different types of salt can be used in hot tubs.
The most common type is Epsom salt, which is a magnesium sulfate compound.
You can also use other types of mineral salts, such as sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or Dead Sea salt.
Each type of salt has its own unique properties and benefits.
For example, Epsom salt can help to relax muscles and promote circulation, while Dead Sea salt can help to detoxify the body.
No matter which type of salt you choose, it’s important to measure it out accurately to ensure your hot tub water is at the correct salinity level.
With a little bit of time and patience, you can make your own hot tub salt water and enjoy a relaxing soak!
Filling the Tub with Water
Filling the tub with water is an important step in the process of making hot tub salt water.
It is essential to ensure that the water is at the correct temperature and that the salt is fully dissolved.
To fill the tub with water, you will need to use a garden hose or other water source such as a pool.
Make sure that the water is free of debris before adding it to the hot tub.
Once the tub has been filled, turn on the heater and allow the water to reach the desired temperature.
Depending on the size of the tub, this process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
Once the water is at the desired temperature, turn off the heater and allow the salt to fully dissolve.
It is important to note that the water temperature should not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can cause the salt to become overly concentrated and cause skin irritation.
Additionally, if the water is too cold, the salt will not dissolve properly and may not be evenly distributed throughout the tub.
Turning on the Heater
When it comes to making hot tub salt water, turning on the heater is a crucial step.
The heat generated by the heater will help dissolve the salt and make sure the water reaches the desired temperature.
Depending on the type of heater you have, this process can vary.
If you have an electric hot tub heater, you will need to locate the control panel and turn the heater on.
Make sure to read the instructions for your specific heater beforehand, as every model is different.
To get the desired temperature, you may need to adjust the temperature setting on the control panel.
Once the temperature is set, the heater will start to warm the water.
Monitor the temperature closely so you dont overheat the water.
If you have a gas hot tub heater, you will need to turn on the gas valve and ignite the pilot light.
Again, it is important to read the instructions beforehand to make sure you are using the heater safely and correctly.
Once the pilot light is lit, you can adjust the temperature setting to the desired level.
No matter which type of heater you are using, it is important to follow all safety instructions when turning it on.
Keep an eye on the temperature and never leave the hot tub unattended while the heater is on.
Once the water reaches the desired temperature, turn off the heater and allow the salt to dissolve.
Testing the Water
Testing the water is an important step in the process of making a hot tub salt water.
This ensures that the water has the correct salinity level, or the amount of salt present in the water.
To test the water, you can use a salt test kit.
These kits come with a testing strip that you dip into the hot tub water and compare to a color chart on the kit to determine the salinity level.
If the salinity is too low, you may need to add more salt to the tub.
On the other hand, if the salinity is too high, you may need to drain some of the water and add fresh water instead.
It is important to adjust the salinity carefully because too much salt can be uncomfortable for your skin and damage the equipment.
Once the salinity is correct, you can enjoy a relaxing and refreshing soak in your hot tub salt water.
Enjoying a Hot Tub Soak
Soaking in a hot tub is one of lifes simple pleasures, and making your own salt water hot tub can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
The key to a successful hot tub soak is creating the perfect balance of salt and water.
Fortunately, creating hot tub salt water is a fairly simple process.
When making hot tub salt water, the first step is to measure out the desired amount of salt and add it to the hot tub.
Depending on the size of your hot tub, the specific amount of salt you will need to add will vary.
Many hot tubs require between three and five pounds of salt per 100 gallons of water to reach the desired salinity level.
Additionally, be sure to use a salt specifically designed for hot tubs, as regular table salt may damage the hot tub over time.
Once the salt has been added to the hot tub, the next step is to fill the tub with water and turn on the heater.
The heater should be set to the desired temperature, usually around 104F.
After the water has reached the desired temperature, turn off the heater and allow the salt to dissolve completely.
This may take a few hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Finally, the last step is to test the water to make sure it is at the correct salinity level.
Testing kits are available at most pool and hot tub stores, and are relatively inexpensive.
Once the salinity level has been determined, you can add more salt if needed until the desired level is reached.
Once the salt water has been created, you can enjoy a relaxing hot tub soak.
Be sure to use a pool cover when not in use to help keep the water clean and warm.
Additionally, be sure to monitor the temperature and salinity level of the water regularly to ensure the perfect hot tub experience.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a relaxing hot tub soak in salt water.
Final Thoughts
Making hot tub salt water is a simple process that can provide a luxurious and relaxing experience.
With just a few steps, you can enjoy a soothing hot tub soak using salt water.
Now that you know how to make hot tub salt water, why not give it a try? Treat yourself to a luxurious soak and enjoy the natural healing benefits of salt water.