Stress Free Hot Tubs: Enjoy Clean, Comfortable Water Year-Round
Why Hot Tubs and Commercial Spas Demand Extra Care in Water Treatment
Hot tub owners, along with hotels and leisure centres operating commercial pools and spas, must approach water maintenance with heightened care. Heavy bather loads and constant movement in and out of hot tubs cause sanitising chemicals to dissipate far more quickly than in swimming pools. As a result, effective and consistent water management is even more critical.
One of the key advantages of non-chlorine products is their versatility: they can be used in both swimming pools and hot tubs. PoolSan offers a more stable alternative to traditional sanitisers, achieving required levels of water safety without the corrosive effects associated with chlorine.
The science behind PoolSan is well established. Copper and silver ionisation has long been recognised as an effective method of water treatment. What makes PoolSan particularly exciting is the way this proven science is delivered — in a format suitable for both domestic users and commercial pools and spas. Supplied as a liquid, PoolSan is easy to dose and can be added just like chlorine, responding quickly to increased bather demand.
Hotels and health clubs consistently report noticeable improvements in water clarity after switching to PoolSan, with a common remark being that their pool or spa has “never looked or felt better.” Unlike chlorine, PoolSan does not evaporate, making it a highly stable sanitiser for spas, hydrotherapy pools and endless pools. The five-star London boutique Hotel Rafayel has been using PoolSan successfully for many years.
Another specialist solution for hot tubs is Aquafinesse — an environmentally friendly water care system that allows users to enjoy their hot tubs without the harsh effects of traditional chemicals. Aquafinesse works by eradicating biofilm that protects bacteria, while also eliminating calcium and scale build-up within the tub’s working components. Used just once a week, it leaves the water clear, soft and stress-free to maintain.
Regulation and the Use of Non-Chlorine Systems in Commercial Spas
In the UK, commercial spas and hot tubs are still largely governed by guidance from BISHTA (the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association). While BISHTA guidance is not law, it is widely treated as the industry benchmark and is frequently referenced by Environmental Health Officers, insurers and local authorities.
BISHTA does not state that chlorine must be used; however, it does place strong emphasis on fast-acting, continuously effective and easily measurable sanitisation systems. For this reason, chlorine and bromine remain the most commonly used sanitisers in commercial environments, as they are well understood and straightforward to monitor.
Non-chlorine systems are not prohibited in commercial spas, but they are subject to greater scrutiny. Operators using alternative technologies must be able to demonstrate robust scientific validation, continuous disinfection performance, clear testing methods and effective risk management — often as part of a multi-barrier approach. When correctly managed and supported by appropriate monitoring and documentation, non-chlorine systems can be successfully implemented in commercial spa environments.