Hot Tub owners - what do you use to sanitize?

[Sharon in SC]

We've been using chlorine 'cause that's what the previous owners used and they left supplies behind. I've since learned, though, that there's a new product (The Frog) available which used minerals and, at the least, minimizes the amoung of chlorine needed. I have friends in the mountains of Ga who do this as well and they're pleased. My sister uses bromine in hers. I'm just curious if any of you can speak to any of these....

Frankly, we've had good success with the chlorine but, apparently, the mineral route calls for less maintenance time required so that appeals to me. Yet, chlorine "works", kwim? It's a time proven effective sanitizer.

We are on well water, if that makes a difference.

TIA!
Sharon

[Jann in TX]

This is nothing new--it is the way the ancient Egyptians kept their water pure!

The cartridges we use fit on top of the filter. They have to be replaced every 6 months or so (about $60 each)...but it is wonderful to be able to use a hot tub without it smelling like a chemical bath!

We use a tiny amount of chlorine or bromine (we alternate) and the water stays crystal clear.

[Sharon in SC]

Thanks, Jann. I didn't know how old the use of minerals was but I was just mentioning that The Frog is the "latest and greatest" on the market. :-P You do make a good point though that if the Egyptians used minerals then maybe minerals are just as effective as chlorine for sanitization.....that's what I'm trying to find out.

We really don't have too much issue with the chlorine smell. It's not overbearing in our tub. I guess I'm looking for a reason to switch from something that's not really broken and that's when I began to wonder about the difference in maintenance. How often would you say you have to add cl or br?