Your well-being, our expertise. Since 1977.

Saltwater hot tubs: 7 facts about FreshWater and videos

5 minute read

Spa Hot Spring Aria Highlife chez Piscine Hippocampe à Delson.

HOT SPRING • SPA WATER • PISCINE HIPPOCAMPE

More time in your spa.
A simpler water care routine.

Like the idea of a saltwater spa but want to understand what changes day to day? The Hot Spring® FreshWater® salt system is worth a closer look.

At Piscine Hippocampe in Delson, we help you choose your spa and understand its maintenance. Here are seven useful facts to help you evaluate FreshWater, along with two official manufacturer videos.

Discuss my Hot Spring spa project →

We primarily serve Montreal’s South Shore. The compatible system and included equipment are confirmed based on the model, year, and configuration.

Hot Spring Aria spa from the Highlife Collection, featured at Piscine Hippocampe.
Aria model, Highlife Collection. Promotional image; treatment system and options to be confirmed in your quote.

1. A saltwater spa also uses chlorine

FreshWater produces chlorine from the salt dissolved in the water using a titanium cartridge. Production settings are adjusted through the spa’s control panel.

The intended benefit is more consistent disinfection with fewer daily manual additions. However, a saltwater spa still requires monitoring the water and adjusting treatment according to usage.

2. The goal: pleasant water and fewer tasks

Hot Spring presents FreshWater as a way to enjoy water that feels more natural while reducing the products added. For owners, the benefit is making the routine easier to fit into their habits.

During your visit, tell us what matters to you: bathing often, sharing the spa with several people, or simplifying maintenance. These habits will help us explain the settings and follow-up to expect.

In the video: discover the FreshWater salt system

This manufacturer overview provides a look at the technology and the experience it aims to deliver. The explanations below will help you distinguish the advertised benefits from the maintenance tasks that are still required.

Official Hot Spring video in English. Subtitle options depend on the player. Open the video on YouTube.

3. “Up to one year” depends on usage and maintenance

Hot Spring states that with proper maintenance, the water can be kept for up to twelve months. Spa usage and water chemistry affect this duration.

This possibility therefore does not guarantee a drain schedule. Continue with the testing, adjustments, and monitoring recommended for your system.

4. Startup begins with the fill water

The Canadian manual recommends testing the fill water, particularly for calcium, metals, and phosphates. The starting point varies from one household to another.

Before filling your spa for the first time, talk with our team about the appropriate salt, testing, and any adjustments to plan for. Doses and steps must follow the manual for your spa.

Video: steps for a successful startup

Official Hot Spring video in English. Subtitle options depend on the player. Watch the video on YouTube.

The video provides an overview. For your installation in Canada, follow the Canadian instructions applicable to your system and the product labels.

5. Water testing remains essential

The manual calls for checking the parameters before use and correcting them as needed. Free chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and hardness are part of the routine; salt should also be checked according to the system instructions.

An evening with several bathers can change sanitizer demand. Adjust production based on test results and applicable instructions, rather than relying solely on the water’s appearance.

A useful tip: keep your test results and recent settings handy. If you run into trouble, they’ll help our team understand the situation. The Canadian manual also states that the FreshWater Salt System is not compatible with bromine products.

6. Plan for cartridge replacement

The manufacturer states that the FreshWater Salt System cartridge can last up to about four months, depending on usage and water conditions. It is designed to be replaced easily, without tools.

The salt cartridge and filters serve different purposes. Filters also require regular cleaning. See our spa filter cleaning guide and the instructions specific to your filter cartridges.

7. The right system depends on the right spa

Already own a Hot Spring? Bring the model, year, and, if possible, the serial number. Shopping for a new spa? Make sure the proposed system, its accessories, and its consumables are specified in your quote.

Hot Spring offers various FreshWater options, including the salt system and IQ features. This article explains the FreshWater Salt System; features, components, and procedures should be verified for the version actually installed.

Ask our team: Which system is right for this model, what's included, and what routine should I expect?

Discover Hot Spring spas at Piscine Hippocampe

Water treatment is part of the choice, alongside seating comfort and how the spa fits into your yard. Here are three models to get your visit started.

Hot Spring Aria spa, Highlife collection.

HIGHLIFE

Aria

Five seats, including a lounger, for exploring different relaxing positions in a square format.

Discover the Aria →
Hot Spring Envoy spa, Highlife collection.

HIGHLIFE

Envoy

A lounger and a captain's chair to compare the seating and find your favorite position.

Discover the Envoy →
Hot Spring Flair spa, Limelight collection.

LIMELIGHT

Flair

Six seats and a lounger for different moments of relaxation and sharing the spa.

Discover the Flair →

Photos show the models. Compatibility, included water treatment equipment and options should be confirmed in your quote.

Your questions before choosing a saltwater spa

Is it a maintenance-free spa?

The system simplifies part of the routine. Testing, balancing, cleaning the filters and replacing supplies are still required.

Can I add it to my current spa?

Have the model, its year and the equipment already installed checked. Our team can confirm the options before recommending a package.

Is the FreshWater system included with the model I'm interested in?

The quote should specify this. Also ask for a list of the startup accessories and supplies you'll need so you have a clear picture of your routine.

Your Hot Spring project starts at Hippocampe

Would you like to discover the comfort of a Hot Spring spa and learn how FreshWater works? Let's talk about the model, your location and your swimming habits.

Our team in Delson will assist with your project on Montreal's South Shore and explain the water treatment options suited to your chosen spa.

Request a quote for my spa →

Call us at 450 632-8680.

Official sources and resources: Hot Spring article about FreshWater, system overview and FreshWater Salt System Canadian manual. To identify your version, see the manufacturer's FreshWater resources.

Content written by Piscine Hippocampe based on information from the manufacturer. The instructions and settings in the manual for your spa remain the reference. Videos embedded from the official Hot Spring Spas channel.

Previous Next