Best Hot Tub Sanitizers – Is your water free of any contaminants ? (2020 Reviews)

Is your hot tub water pure and free from microorganisms?

Besides relaxing in your hot tub, wouldn’t you be even more at peace of mind to be sure that your water is free of any contaminants?
A hot tub can be a hive of bacteria and germs if you are not careful to sanitize the water regularly. Body oils, shampoos, body fluids are some of the contributors to water contamination among many. Further on, some microorganisms are resistant to some sanitizers such as chlorine and bromine.
According to one study of March 2018, one genus of amoeba Acanthamoeba can resist hot tub water disinfection using chlorine concentrate and therefore continue to thrive in the chlorinated water. The study continues to reveal that there is a high degree of contamination in various recreation waters. In this case, then, it is vital you observe high hygiene in your hot tub at all times.
Using sanitizers is one way of keeping your hot tub water at its top-notch hygienically. There are hundreds of hot tub water sanitizers in the market. How will you know which would work best among all the rest?
We have done the necessary search to bring you the seven best hot tub sanitizers. Further, there is a guide to take you through the buying process by giving you the points to consider when buying.
Listed in the table is the summary of the hot tub sanitizers we shall present to you in details in the review that follows.

Top 7 Best Hot Tub Sanitizers Summary Review

#1 Zodiac W20750 Nature2 SPA Stick Mineral Sanitizer

If you are looking for a sanitizer that will reduce chemicals skin effect while retaining its potent in treating the water, you have it in Zodiac W20750. It blends well with chlorine and bromine and still will leave your hot tub water free of harmful bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms.
Nature2 Spa contains silver and copper minerals as its main ingredients in sanitizing your water. Copper and silver are two minerals which have for many years been the best water sanitizers with antimicrobial properties.
Dropping Nature2 Spa stick in your filter, it will work together with your hot tubs filtration system leaving you with sparkling clean and clear water. With a combination of Cense, even with 0 ppm bromine or chlorine your water will be sparkling clean and bright. It does not stop there but, it will continue to sanitize your water while balancing pH levels.
Nature2 Spa stick will go on and on sanitizing your water up to four good months. It combines well with Cense for effective sanitization with great aroma and with 0 ppm bromine or chlorine.
PROS

• Nature-friendly but an enemy to microorganisms
• Compatible with other chemicals
• With antimicrobial properties
• Works with less chlorine
• Works well with the filtration system
• Balances pH levels
• Sanitizes your water continuously up to four months

CONS

• Does not have variable sizes for different sizes of filters

#2 Hot Spring Spas Freshwater Ag+ Continuous Silver Ion Sanitizer

Hot Spring Spas is another sanitizer for a hot tub that uses silver ions to eliminate bacteria. It will keep your water free of bromine and chlorine by using natural chemical reaction while sanitizing your water.
By using Hot Spring Spas, you will reduce your use of chlorine and bromine and still succeed in sanitizing to leave your water clear and clean. The silver ion Spring Spa Sanitizer is easy to use with a simple installation and replacing process.
If you are one who doesn’t like using much of water chemicals in your hot tub, then this is the best sanitizer to have around. There will be no more skin irritation or smarting eyes and still have to enjoy microorganisms-free water.
PROS

• Uses silver ions
• Reduce the use of bromine and chlorine
• Simple installation and replacing process
• No skin irritation or smarting eyes while using the sanitizer

CONS

• No practical way of testing silver ion content and thus great care in dosage instructions

#3 Hot Tub Water Clarifier by Impresa

Do you want to experience clear hot tub water free from bacteria, viruses, and germs? Don’t look any further. Hot Tub Water Clarifier is the answer to all your water problems.
It eliminates all water contaminants to leave your water bright and crystal clear by using polymer technology in this Hot Tub Clarifier. While removing contaminants, it will also eliminate natural oils, scum, lotion, body fluids, and other residues.
This formula is compatible with other sanitizers such as chlorine, bromine, ozone, and others. It is formulated for hot water use to purify your water and assist the filtration system. While it is compatible with other chemicals, you will reduce their application for a healthy and enjoyable soak.
This is a solution that does not take time like other sanitizers to produce positive results after applying it in your hot tub systems. You can get in straight away as it works instantly on application.
It is made in the USA under guided standards and qualities.
It comes with full instructions on the usage and dosage.
PROS

• Uses polymer technology to eliminate contaminants
• Compatible with others such as chlorine and bromine
• Formulated for hot tub water use
• Helps to reduce usage of other chemicals such as chlorine

CONS

• Leaves behind oily film around the tub

#4 Baqua Spa Sanitizer (Step 3)

The Baqua Spa Sanitizer principal chemistry is biguanide. It does not contain chlorine nor does it have bromine but it is useful in controlling bacteria because of biguanide.
It is a liquid sanitizer that you can apply easily to your hot tub water. It works to eliminate all the bacteria and other microorganisms and also leave your water looking sparkling clean.
Unlike chlorine and bromine-based sanitizers, this one works longer and does not need frequent applications. The good thing about Baqua Spa Sanitizer (3) is that it does not live behind odor because it is a non-oxidizing solution and works well in high-temperature water, unlike chlorine.
While Baqua Spa is useful in sanitizing your hot tub water, it will prevent metal staining and discoloration.
PROS

• It leaves water sparkling clean and crystal clear
• It’s odorless since it does not oxidize
• Easy to apply the liquid product in the water
• It is safe on skin and environment
• Works fast and effectively
• Prevents metal staining and discoloration

CONS

• Wears off plastic equipment such as a rubber gasket

#5 Jacuzzi ProClear Mineral Spa Sanitizer

Jacuzzi ProClear works with the filtration system with CRT (Controlled Release Technology) to give you the best result. It will sanitize your water by ensuring providence of the right amount of mineral without leaving any trace of stains.
By balancing pH level consistently, you will realize the difference of using ProClear by the feel of softer water which will be crystal clear. It uses trace silver elements, an effective method in water sanitization. It will kill all bacteria and viruses better than using chlorine on its own.
With Jacuzzi ProClear in your hot tub water, you will not need to use chlorine anymore, and therefore you will enjoy chlorine-free water.
This sanitizer will work on the water content of 500 gallons only and any flow rate. The sanitizing cartridge will serve you for four months continuously with excellent results.
PROS

• Works with filtration system with CRT for best results
• Releases right amount of minerals for sanitizing
• Enjoy chlorine-free while using Jacuzzi ProClear
• Four months of continuous use of one sanitizing cartridge
• Easy to install

CONS

• Works only on 500 gallons of hot tub water

#6 Leisure Time Spa Sanitizer Free Sanitizing System (45500A)

Leisure Time is a household name in all recreation water care. It has a wide range of products in all kinds of water treatments.
Leisure Time Spa Sanitizer is one of those successful products in sanitizing hot tub water that will allow you more time enjoying your water than maintaining your hot tub.
This sanitizing system is based on biguanide which is free from chlorine and bromine. It leaves your water clean and bright without leaving behind any odor. It is skin friendly since it does not contain any harsh chemical that can irritate your skin, eyes or hair. It is, therefore, the best choice for sensitive skin.
It is compatible with other Leisure Time products and thus will work with them without interfering with their effectiveness.
Leisure Time Sanitizer is a three-part free sanitizing system which contains Leisure Time Control that prevents staining, scaling, and water filming; Leisure Time Boost that is a shock oxidizer in liquid form to break all organic material such as body oils, lotions, and the rest; and lastly Leisure Time Sanitizer which as mentioned there before.
Follow the instructions given for excellent results.
PROS

• Based on biguanide free from chlorine and bromine
• Leaves odor-less clean and clear water
• No harsh chemicals
• Three-in-one sanitizer

CONS

• Biguanide can wear off plastic parts such as the gaskets

#7 Hot Tub Things Bromine Sanitizer Tabs 5 pounds

Hot Tub Things is bromine-based sanitizer.  It is an effective sanitizer that eliminates all bacteria and with low-odor and therefore a trusted performer.
It is a safe sanitizing method that assures you of quality performance. Before you get to use Hot Tub Things, you will have to add half an ounce of sodium bromide for every 100 gallons of water in your tub. Then follow it with a 1 tablet for every 100 gallons of water by inserting it in your floating tablet feeder or an automatic brominator which you will have to install in your hot tub.
Hot Tub Things is an American best-trusted brand for hot tub sanitization made from high-quality chemicals available.
PROS

• Bromine-based sanitizer
• Low odor
• Easy to use
• American trusted brand

CONS

• Must use sodium bromide

Buyer’s Guide

Sanitizing your hot tub water should be a serious affair that you should not take it lightly for the benefit of your health and relaxation.
There are various sanitizers which are commendable for using in your hot tub water. Among these sanitizers you find bromine, chlorine, mineral-based, and biguanide-based.
Sanitizers are therefore classified according to what they contain for sanitization:

Chlorine

Have you ever heard of water being shock treated? This is chlorine’s method of sanitizing water. It is a formula that induces shock to the hot tub water. With its kind of treatment, it burns off organic matter and clears water off its cloudiness leaving your water clear and clean.
Since its granules dissipate quickly it needs the support of another sanitizer for a continuous sanitization process. It also can irritate skin especially to those with sensitive skin. It can smart the eyes when they come into contact with chlorine treated water. Extensive use of chlorine can wear your hot tub cover due to its bleaching effect.

Bromide

Bromide provides continuous sanitization to your hot tub water. For it to work effectively, it has to have a bromide feeder where bromide tablet is inserted to release slowly in the water.
It irritates skin and leaves behind its chemical odor. Otherwise, it works excellently. Extensive use of Bromide can wear off your hot tub cover due to its bleaching effect.

Minerals

Mineral sanitizer is environmentally friendly because of its mineral use. It can either use silver or copper ions or even both to clean your water and sanitize your it.
The use of copper for water sanitization reflects old methods in the ancient days. Water containers were made of copper to retain water freshness for a more extended period.
Nevertheless, there is no method of measuring silver or copper content in the water, and thus the user must observe the instructions and dosage to maintain effectiveness.

Biguanide

Biguanide lacks oxidizing formula and therefore cannot break down contaminants such as body oils, sweat, and other body chemicals. Thus, when using biguanide, you should accompany it with an oxidizer to help breakdown the contaminants.
Nevertheless, biguanide does not weaken under high temperature, unlike chlorine. Again, since it does not contain any oxidizing formula, it does not leave behind the lingering smell. Since it does not provide any bleaching solution, it does not wear out vinyl liners in your hot tub or bleach your swimming costume.
The downside of biguanide is that some microorganisms can become resistant to biguanide and therefore become less effective. Also, slime caused by algae can occur even under biguanide sanitization.

Quantity

While looking for a sanitizer for your hot tub water, check the content of water required for its use. Some sanitizers would require specific amounts of water which might be lower than what you have in your hot tub or vice versa.

Chemical Base

From what we have discussed concerning chemicals, check the base chemical of your sanitizer.  If you are changing a specific sanitizer probably due to some skin reaction, see that what you choose next does not have the same chemical base.
Also, consider the ones that can last longer with one application. Some can take as long as four months while others go for seven days.

Safety

The use of a sanitizer is to protect you from contaminants and other microorganisms that might cause health problems. In that case, you should consider going for a sanitizer that is environmentally friendly and for your health safety.
Check the label for any information on allergies or side effects to know which might work for you and your guests without causing harm.
The safety of your hot tub is also essential. Check what sanitizer suits your type of hot tub. Some sanitizers can ruin your hot tub cover on the underside while others can destroy your equipment. Choose the one that is compatible with your hot tub.

Reviews

It is vital to know what others are saying about your choice of hot tub sanitizer before acquiring it. You might need to check the reviews on that particular product.

Price

The price of the sanitizer will be a big factor to consider and mainly if you are concerned with the budget.

FAQs

Q: Why is it essential to sanitize my hot tub water?

Sanitizing your hot tub water will purify it by killing bacteria and other microorganisms. Hot tub water is a hive of contaminants such as body fluids, body oils, body wastes, lotions, and many others. Since the water in a hot tub has a high temperature, the bacteria can thrive quickly.
It is therefore to sanitize your hot tub water all the time to enjoy clean and germs-free water.

Q: Why is chlorine not the best sanitizer for my hot tub water?

Using chlorine in hot tub water can be excellent only if the water was not hot. Since water in a hot tub is hot and steamy it can leave unpleasant smell from the use of chlorine. This is the reason why chlorine is not popular for sanitizing hot tub water.

Q: What are the advantages of using mineral based sanitizer?

• It is cost-effective
• Less usage of chlorine
• Easy to use

Q: How do I check silver ion content while using mineral sanitizers?

There are no test strips to check silver content in this system but only copper test strips which are available. Therefore, when using this water-sanitizing system,  Be careful on instructions dosage so that you may not exceed or apply less than needed.

Final Verdict

Getting the best sanitizer for your hot tub is not an alternative, but a must-have. Your choice of sanitizer should be active but safe on your skin and eyes as well as environmentally friendly. For such a sanitizer we find it in Zodiac W20750 Nature2 SPA Stick Mineral Sanitizer. It is tough on bacteria but gentle on your skin, eyes, and nature.
For great value and within the budget the same product takes the position giving it overall the best among the rest of the hot tub sanitizers in the market.
Do you have a different opinion? Please let us know in the section for comments here below.