When people hear “salt water hot tub,” their minds often jump straight to the ocean. Let’s clear that up right away. The reality is much gentler and more comfortable. The Hot Spring ACE salt water system operates with a very low salt concentration—so low, in fact, that it’s less salty than a human tear and far below what you can taste. This small amount of salt is all the system needs to automatically generate its own sanitizer, keeping your water clean and fresh without the need for you to constantly add bottled chlorine. It’s a smarter, more hands-off approach that results in softer water and a better soaking experience. This article breaks down how the technology works and what it means for your daily routine.
Key Takeaways
- Experience Softer, Gentler Water Without the Smell: The ACE system uses a small amount of salt to automatically create its own sanitizer, resulting in silky-smooth water that’s kinder to your skin and eyes. This process prevents the formation of smelly chloramines, giving you a fresh and natural-feeling soak every time.
- Simplify Your Routine and Reduce Chemical Use: Forget weekly chemical additions. The ACE system automates sanitizing, cutting your maintenance down to simple monthly checks and a quick cell cleaning every few months. This means you’ll spend less time on upkeep and less money on bottled sanitizers over the life of your spa.
- Know Your Water Chemistry Before You Choose: While the ACE system is a fantastic low-maintenance option, it performs best in homes without extremely hard water. High mineral content can lead to more frequent cell cleaning, so getting a free water analysis is a smart first step to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
What is the Hot Spring ACE Salt Water System?
If you’re looking for a more natural and hands-off way to keep your hot tub water clean, the Hot Spring ACE Salt Water System is designed for you. Instead of manually adding chlorine every few days, this automated system uses a small amount of salt to generate its own sanitizer, keeping your water fresh, clear, and ready whenever you are. It’s a smart water care solution that simplifies maintenance and creates a more enjoyable soaking experience with softer-feeling water and fewer chemicals.
The goal of the ACE system is to reduce your “water care workload” so you can spend more time relaxing. It works automatically behind the scenes to break down contaminants, which means you won’t have to worry about that harsh chlorine smell or the skin irritation that can come with traditional water care. For anyone who wants a pristine Hot Spring® Spa without the constant measuring and pouring of chemicals, the ACE system is a fantastic upgrade. It’s all about creating a simple, wellness-focused routine that fits right into your lifestyle.
How Its Diamond Electrode Technology Works
At the heart of the ACE system is a patented diamond electrode. This isn’t just a fancy name—it’s a powerful and durable component that does all the heavy lifting. When the system is running, water passes over this electrode, which uses a bit of energy to split water and salt molecules apart. This process creates a powerful mix of natural cleaners, including active oxygen. This active oxygen is incredibly effective at sanitizing your spa water, breaking down bacteria and other impurities completely. Once its job is done, it reverts to simple water and oxygen, leaving behind no smelly or irritating byproducts. It’s a clean, efficient process that keeps your water safe and sparkling without the harshness of bottled chlorine.
Understanding Salt Levels and Water Chemistry
When people hear “salt water,” they often picture the ocean, but the reality is much gentler. The ACE system operates with a very low salt concentration—around 1,750 parts per million (ppm). To put that in perspective, it’s less salty than a human tear and far below the 35,000 ppm found in seawater. You’ll barely taste or feel the salt, but you will notice how soft and silky the water feels on your skin. Best of all, you only need to add salt when you first fill your hot tub. The system reuses the salt over and over to generate sanitizer, so you aren’t constantly adding more. We can always help you get the balance just right with a free water analysis at any of our showrooms.
A Look at the Key Components
The ACE system is surprisingly simple and consists of just two main parts. The first is the ACE cell, which contains the diamond electrode. This cell is installed directly into your spa’s plumbing and is designed to be replaced every few years, depending on your usage. It’s the workhorse of the system, responsible for generating all the sanitizers your hot tub needs. The second part is the controller, which is integrated into your spa’s main control panel. This lets you easily adjust the system’s output level. For example, if you have more people using the spa, you can turn it up. If it’s just you, you can turn it down. Our certified in-house technicians handle the installation and can show you exactly how to manage it.
How Does the ACE System Actually Clean Your Water?
It might sound complex, but the way the ACE Salt Water System keeps your hot tub sparkling is actually based on a simple, natural process. Instead of you manually adding sanitizers every few days, the system generates its own cleaners automatically. It uses a patented diamond electrode to convert a tiny bit of salt and water into powerful, yet gentle, sanitizing agents. This means your spa is always ready for you with fresh, clean water, without the constant measuring and guesswork of traditional water care. It’s a smarter approach that works behind the scenes to give you a better, more hands-off hot tub experience.
The Simple Science of Electrolysis
At the heart of the ACE system is a process called electrolysis. It starts by adding a small amount of salt directly to your spa water. When we say small, we mean it—the target level is just 1,750 parts per million (ppm). For context, that’s far less salty than the ocean and even below the threshold of what most people can taste. Once the salt is dissolved, the system’s diamond electrode passes a gentle electrical current through the water, which breaks apart the water and salt molecules to create powerful sanitizers. It’s a straightforward and effective way to produce exactly what your spa needs to stay clean.
Generating Active Oxygen to Sanitize
One of the key cleaners the ACE system creates is called Active Oxygen. Think of it as a highly effective, yet gentle, sanitizing agent. As soon as it’s created by the diamond electrode, it gets to work neutralizing contaminants like oils, lotions, and bacteria. The best part is how thoroughly it works. Active Oxygen breaks down this waste completely, leaving behind only simple components like water and carbon dioxide. This process continuously purifies your water, ensuring it stays clear and clean without introducing harsh chemicals or unwanted byproducts into your spa environment.
On-Demand Cleaning, Minus the Harsh Chemicals
Because the ACE system generates cleaners automatically, your water gets sanitized on demand. This proactive approach prevents the buildup that leads to cloudy water and unpleasant odors. Unlike traditional chlorine, which can create irritating byproducts called chloramines (the source of that classic “chlorine smell”), Active Oxygen leaves nothing behind. This means the water feels softer on your skin and is gentler on your eyes. It also means your water stays fresh for much longer—up to a full year with proper care. You’ll spend less time adding bottled chemicals and more time enjoying your spa, and you can always get expert water balancing advice at any of our showrooms.
What Are the Real Benefits of a Salt Water Hot Tub?
If you’ve ever hesitated to get a hot tub because you were worried about constant water care, you’re not alone. Many people picture endless chemical tests and that overpowering chlorine smell. The Hot Spring ACE Salt Water System was designed to change that perception entirely. It’s about spending less time maintaining your spa and more time enjoying it. The real benefits go beyond just cleaner water; they transform your entire hot tub experience into one that feels more natural, gentle, and luxurious. Instead of feeling like a chore, your hot tub becomes the simple, stress-free escape it was always meant to be. From the silky feel of the water on your skin to the minimal upkeep, a salt water system delivers a truly premium wellness experience.
Enjoy Softer Water (Your Skin Will Thank You)
One of the first things you’ll notice in a salt water hot tub is how incredible the water feels. It’s softer, silkier, and gentler on your skin and eyes. Traditional chlorine systems can leave your skin feeling tight, dry, and irritated after a soak. With the ACE system, that feeling is a thing of the past. As many owners report, the system helps eliminate that harsh “chlorinated” smell and leaves skin feeling smooth. This is because the system generates sanitizer at a steady, low level, avoiding the harsh peaks and valleys of manual dosing. It creates a more natural and comfortable environment, making every soak a truly therapeutic session for both your mind and body.
Keep Your Water Fresh for Up to a Year
How often do you want to drain and refill your hot tub? With a traditional system, you might be doing it every three to four months. The Hot Spring salt water systems, however, create more stable and resilient water, which means you can go much longer between changes. With proper care, your spa water can stay fresh, clean, and ready to use for up to a full year. This is a huge advantage for anyone with a busy lifestyle. It means less time spent on heavy maintenance and more time enjoying spontaneous soaks. Your personal oasis is always ready when you are, without the hassle of a complete water change every season. For those who want a completely hands-off approach, our Spa Valet Plans can handle the routine care for you.
Spend Less Time and Money on Chemicals
A salt water system simplifies your water care routine and can reduce your long-term costs. Because the ACE system generates its own sanitizer from salt, you won’t need to buy and store large quantities of bottled chlorine or shock. This helps save money on sanitizers, making it a cost-effective choice for maintaining pristine water quality. You’ll also spend significantly less time measuring, pouring, and balancing chemicals each week. The system does the hard work for you, automatically creating the sanitizer your spa needs to stay clean. This means fewer trips to the store and more time relaxing in your backyard.
Say Goodbye to That “Chlorine” Smell
That distinct smell you associate with pools or hot tubs isn’t actually chlorine—it’s chloramines, which are formed when chlorine combines with contaminants like sweat and oils. The ACE system prevents the buildup of these smelly compounds. It uses a patented diamond electrode to create active oxygen, which breaks down impurities before they can turn into chloramines. The result is clean, clear water that feels amazing and has no harsh chemical odor. This makes for a much more pleasant and refreshing experience, allowing you to fully relax without any distractions. The best way to understand the difference is to schedule a test soak and experience it for yourself.
ACE Salt Water vs. Traditional Chlorine: What’s the Difference?
When you think of keeping a hot tub clean, your mind probably goes straight to chlorine. It’s the classic, go-to sanitizer. But the Hot Spring ACE Salt Water System offers a completely different approach to water care, one that’s gentler, more hands-off, and focused on a better soaking experience. While both methods keep your water safe and clean, how they get there—and how the water feels on your skin—couldn’t be more different.
Traditional chlorine requires you to manually add chemicals on a regular basis to kill bacteria. It’s effective, but it can also lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and that strong chemical smell that clings to your swimsuit. The ACE system, on the other hand, uses a small amount of salt and a special diamond electrode to generate its own sanitizers automatically. This creates a more natural-feeling water that’s soft, clean, and largely free of the harsh side effects of bottled chlorine. It’s less about constantly adding chemicals and more about letting your Hot Spring® Spa manage itself.
Comparing Water Quality and Chemical Use
The first thing you’ll notice in an ACE salt water hot tub is the feel of the water. It’s incredibly soft and silky, without the chemical odor you might be used to. That’s because the system operates with a very low salt level—so low, in fact, that you can’t taste or smell it. More importantly, the ACE system’s process creates Active Oxygen, which prevents the formation of chloramines. Chloramines are the real culprits behind that “chlorine” smell and the skin and eye irritation many people experience. By eliminating them, you get fresh, clean water that feels more like a natural mineral spring.
Your Weekly Maintenance Routine
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hot tub, this is where the ACE system truly shines. With traditional chlorine, you’re testing and adding chemicals several times a week. With the ACE system, your routine is simplified to a few simple steps once a month. You’ll just need to clean your filters and test the water to make sure the pH and alkalinity are balanced. The system handles the sanitizing for you, continuously generating the right amount of cleaner from the salt in the water. You only add salt when you drain and refill your tub, which is typically just a few times a year. For those who want a completely hands-off approach, our Spa Valet Plans can even manage this simple routine for you.
A Look at the Long-Term Costs
It’s true that a hot tub with an ACE Salt Water System has a higher initial investment than a traditional chlorine tub. However, it’s designed to save you money and time over the long run. Instead of buying bottles of chlorine, shock, and other sanitizers every month, your main ongoing cost is replacing the ACE cell every two to three years. When you factor in the money you’ll save on chemical purchases and the value of your time, the ACE system often proves to be a more economical choice. We also offer flexible hot tub financing options to help make the initial investment more manageable.
ACE vs. FreshWater: Which Hot Spring System is Better?
When you’re exploring Hot Spring Spas, you’ll quickly come across their two signature salt water systems: the ACE system and the newer FreshWater Salt System. Both are designed to give you that silky, natural-feeling water with less hands-on work, but they get there in slightly different ways. Think of it less as a competition and more about finding the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.
The ACE system was the original innovator, using a long-lasting diamond electrode to keep water clean. The FreshWater system is the next generation, built around simple, disposable cartridges. Both are fantastic options that reduce the need for bottled chemicals and make your water feel amazing. Understanding the key differences in their technology, long-term costs, and daily upkeep will help you decide which one will make your hot tub experience the most relaxing. Let’s break down what sets them apart.
How Their Cleaning Technologies Differ
The main distinction between the two systems is how they generate sanitizer from salt. The ACE system uses a patented diamond electrode to create active oxygen, a powerful and natural cleaning agent. This process breaks down impurities directly in the water, keeping it fresh and clear with minimal chemical intervention. It’s a robust technology designed for longevity and consistent performance over several years.
The FreshWater Salt System, on the other hand, uses disposable titanium cartridges. You simply insert a new cartridge every few months. This system also converts salt into chlorine, but the technology is contained within the replaceable cartridge. It’s designed for ultimate simplicity—when a cartridge is spent, you just swap it for a new one.
Comparing Cell Life and Replacement Costs
Your long-term costs will look different depending on which system you choose. The ACE system’s diamond electrode cell is built to last, typically needing replacement every two to five years, depending on your usage and water care habits. The upfront cost for a new cell is higher, usually running between $750 and $900. While it’s a bigger one-time expense, it’s spread out over several years.
The FreshWater system operates on a more frequent, lower-cost replacement schedule. Its disposable cartridges last about four months each, and a pack of three generally costs around $100. This works out to a predictable annual cost. Many owners find that our hot tub financing options make either system easy to manage.
The Day-to-Day User Experience
Both systems are celebrated for creating a better soaking experience with softer-feeling water and none of that harsh chlorine smell. They both dramatically reduce the time you spend on water care compared to traditional methods. With the ACE system, your main job is to test the water monthly and adjust the salt and output levels as needed. It’s an incredibly simple and effective routine that keeps your water pristine.
The FreshWater system offers a similar hands-off experience. The control panel tells you exactly what the system needs and when it’s time to replace a cartridge. The process is straightforward and requires no special tools. Ultimately, both deliver on the promise of easy maintenance. The best way to appreciate the difference is to feel the water for yourself when you reserve a private test soak at one of our showrooms.
Your ACE System Maintenance Checklist
One of the best things about the Hot Spring ACE Salt Water System is how little it asks of you. It’s designed to automate your water care so you can spend more time relaxing and less time measuring chemicals. That said, a few simple habits will keep your system running at peak performance and ensure your water feels silky-smooth year-round. Think of it less as a list of chores and more as a simple routine to protect your investment in wellness and relaxation. By staying on top of a few key tasks, you ensure the system does its job effectively, giving you that hands-off experience you were looking for.
This checklist covers the three key areas of ACE system care: cleaning the cell, managing your water chemistry, and handling simple seasonal tasks. Following these steps will help you get the most out of your salt water hot tub, extend the life of your components, and keep your water crystal clear and ready whenever you are. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, to maintain that perfect spa environment. We’ll walk you through exactly what to do and when, so you can feel confident managing your hot tub’s water care without feeling overwhelmed.
How to Clean Your ACE Cell
Your ACE cell is the heart of the system, and keeping it clean is the single most important thing you can do. Over time, mineral deposits (scale) can build up on the cell’s diamond electrodes, making it less effective. To prevent this, plan on cleaning the cell about every three months. The process is incredibly simple: just remove the cell and soak it in a mixture of pH Down and spa water for about 10 minutes. This quick bath dissolves any buildup and restores the cell’s ability to generate sanitizer efficiently, helping it last longer and perform better.
Testing Water and Managing Salt Levels
Forget any ideas you have about a salt water hot tub tasting like the ocean. The ACE system operates with a target salt level of 1,750 parts per million (ppm), which is so low you can’t even taste it. The best part? You only need to add salt when you drain and refill your hot tub. For routine upkeep, simply test your water weekly to check your sanitizer levels and pH. If you’re ever unsure about your water balance, you can always bring in a sample to any of our showrooms for a free, expert analysis. We’ll help you get it just right.
Simple Troubleshooting and Seasonal Care
The ACE cell is a durable component, but it doesn’t last forever. You can typically expect it to work for two to three years before it needs to be replaced. Your hot tub’s control panel will let you know when it’s time. When that day comes, our certified service technicians are always here to help with a quick and easy replacement. If you live in an area with particularly hard water, consider using a portable water softener when filling your tub. This simple step can dramatically reduce scale buildup on components and keep your water feeling its best from day one.
Breaking Down the Cost of an ACE System
When you’re investing in a premium feature like a salt water system, it’s smart to look at the complete financial picture—not just the price tag on day one, but the costs over the life of your hot tub. The ACE system is designed for long-term value, but it helps to know what to expect. Let’s break down the initial investment, replacement parts, and ongoing expenses so you can plan your budget with confidence.
The Initial Investment
The upfront cost of adding an ACE Salt Water System to your Hot Spring spa is the first part of the equation. But what you’re really investing in is a different kind of water care experience. The system operates with a very low salt concentration—around 1,750 parts per million (ppm). For context, you can’t typically taste salt in water until it hits 3,000 ppm or more. This means you get all the benefits of silky, sanitized water without feeling like you’re soaking in the ocean. This initial investment sets the stage for simpler maintenance and a more enjoyable, natural-feeling soak from the very beginning.
Planning for Cell Replacements
The heart of the ACE system is its diamond electrode cell, which does the hard work of converting salt into sanitizer. Like any hard-working component, it has a lifespan. You can typically expect the ACE cell to last between two and three years, depending on your usage and water chemistry. It’s important to factor the replacement cost of the cell into your long-term budget, which generally runs between $750 and $900. Think of it as a predictable maintenance item that keeps your system running at peak performance and your water feeling incredible.
Understanding Your Ongoing Expenses
This is where the ACE system really shines. While you have the recurring cost of cell replacement every few years, your weekly and monthly spending on water care products drops significantly. Because the system generates its own sanitizer, you’ll find yourself buying far less chlorine, shock, and other chemicals. With proper care, some owners find their cell lasts even longer, stretching the value of their investment. Over time, these savings in sanitizer costs can offset the price of a new cell, making the ACE system a financially savvy choice for anyone who values convenience and lower chemical use.
Answering Your Top Questions About the ACE System
Switching to a new water care system can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to have questions about how it all works. You’ve probably heard amazing things about salt water hot tubs—softer water, less irritation, and a more natural feel—but you might also wonder about the setup and upkeep. Is it going to be complicated? What happens if something goes wrong?
We hear these questions all the time in our showrooms, and the good news is that the ACE Salt Water System was designed with simplicity in mind. It’s built to give you a premium, low-maintenance spa experience so you can spend more time relaxing and less time worrying about water chemistry. Let’s clear up a few of the most common questions we get from homeowners just like you.
“Is it hard to set up?”
This is one of the first things people ask, and the answer is refreshingly simple: no. The ACE system is designed to be user-friendly right from the start. One new owner shared, “So far it seems incredibly easy to maintain. Added salt as recommended on initial startup.” The process is straightforward, and the system guides you through it.
Better yet, when you partner with us, you don’t even have to think about the initial setup. Our professional installation team handles everything—from filling the spa to adding the precise amount of salt and balancing the water perfectly. We’ll walk you through the system’s basic functions so you feel completely confident from your very first soak.
“What if I need help troubleshooting?”
You’re never on your own. While the ACE system is known for its reliability, peace of mind comes from knowing that expert help is just a phone call away. Because we believe in supporting you for the life of your spa, we have an entire team of in-house, certified service technicians who know these systems inside and out.
Unlike big box stores or online retailers that leave you to find a third-party repair person, we handle all service requests directly. If you ever have a question or need a hand, our local Carolina-based team is here to provide prompt, professional support. We’re committed to making sure your hot tub is always ready for you to enjoy.
“Is the maintenance really that complicated?”
Not at all. In fact, the ACE system is celebrated for its minimal upkeep. The whole point is to automate the sanitizing process, freeing you from the daily grind of adding chemicals. One of the biggest perks is that it’s designed to require just a few easy steps each month, like cleaning your filters and testing the water to make sure your pH levels are in check.
Because the system generates its own sanitizer, you get water that’s gentler on your skin and eyes without that typical chlorine smell. For those who want a truly hands-off experience, our Spa Valet Plans offer routine professional care, so all you have to do is lift the cover and relax.
Common Myths About Salt Water Hot Tubs
Salt water hot tubs have a bit of a reputation, and not all of it is accurate. If you’ve heard things that make you hesitant, let’s clear the air. These systems are often misunderstood, but the technology behind them is designed to make your life easier and your spa experience better. Let’s walk through some of the most common myths and separate fact from fiction so you can feel confident in your choice.
Myth: “It’s as salty as the ocean.”
When you hear “salt water,” it’s easy to picture taking a dip in the ocean. But the experience in a Hot Spring spa couldn’t be more different. The concentration of salt is actually very low—so low that the water feels soft and silky, not sticky or harsh. According to Hot Spring, “The target salt level when using the ACE system is only 1,750 ppm,” which is significantly less salty than ocean water and even gentler than human tears. You get all the benefits of a natural water care system without the stinging eyes or salty taste. It’s a far more comfortable and refreshing soak.
Myth: “The salt will corrode my hot tub.”
Another common worry is that salt will eat away at your beautiful new hot tub’s components. While this might be a concern for poorly made spas, it’s simply not the case with a high-quality system. “A common misconception about saltwater hot tubs is that they corrode the spa’s internal and external elements,” but modern Hot Spring® Spas are built to handle it. The jets, heaters, and plumbing are all constructed from corrosion-resistant materials. The system is designed as an integrated whole, ensuring that the low-level saline solution keeps your water clean without ever harming your investment.
Myth: “It’s too complex for the average owner.”
You might think a high-tech salt water system requires a complicated maintenance routine, but the opposite is true. The ACE system is designed to be incredibly user-friendly and low-maintenance. It automates the process of generating sanitizer, which means you spend far less time testing and adding chemicals to your water. This technology actually simplifies ownership, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your spa. For those who want a completely hands-off approach, our Spa Valet Plans can provide routine care, making your wellness routine truly effortless.
Is the ACE Salt Water System Right for You?
Choosing the right water care system is all about matching it to your lifestyle, your local water conditions, and how you want to spend your time. The ACE Salt Water System is a fantastic piece of technology, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s break down who it’s best for—and when another option might make more sense for your Hot Spring® Spa. This will help you decide if it aligns with your vision for a perfect backyard retreat.
Who Benefits Most from Salt Water?
If the thought of soaking in silky, soft water without that typical chlorine smell sounds like a dream, the ACE system is definitely for you. It’s designed for people who are sensitive to traditional chemicals or simply prefer a more natural-feeling experience. The system uses a very low level of salt—around 1,750 parts per million (ppm), which is so minimal you can’t even taste it. For comparison, that’s less than half the salt level of human tears. The result is water that feels incredibly smooth on your skin and is gentler on your eyes and swimwear.
How ACE Fits Your Lifestyle
The biggest lifestyle benefit of the ACE system is convenience. It automates the sanitizing process, meaning you spend far less time manually adding chemicals to your hot tub. After the initial setup, the system’s diamond electrodes get to work creating active oxygen and other cleaners from just a little salt and water. This hands-off approach is perfect for busy homeowners who want to maximize relaxation time and minimize maintenance chores. If you’d rather be soaking under the stars than constantly testing and dosing your water, the ACE system’s steady, automated performance is a huge advantage.
When a Different System Might Be a Better Fit
Let’s be honest: the ACE system isn’t the perfect choice for everyone. If your home has very hard water, you might face a bigger challenge with this system. High levels of calcium can cause buildup on the ACE cell, requiring more frequent cleaning and potentially shortening its lifespan. Before you commit, it’s a great idea to understand your water chemistry. You can bring a sample to any of our showrooms for a free water analysis to see where you stand. Additionally, while the system is automated, it still requires you to monitor your water balance. If you prefer the simplest, most straightforward chemistry possible, a traditional system might be less fuss.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much time will I actually spend on maintenance with this system? Honestly, very little. The whole point of the ACE system is to free you from the weekly routine of measuring and adding chemicals. Once it’s set up, your main job is to test the water monthly to check the pH and clean the filters. The system handles the daily sanitizing work for you. You’ll only need to clean the ACE cell itself every three months, which is a simple 10-minute soak.
Will the salt water damage my hot tub or make the water feel like the ocean? Not at all. This is a common concern, but Hot Spring spas are built with corrosion-resistant components specifically for this system. As for the water, it contains a tiny amount of salt—so low you can’t taste it and it won’t sting your eyes. Instead of feeling like the ocean, the water feels incredibly soft and silky, which is one of the biggest reasons people love it.
What are the real long-term costs I should expect? While the initial investment is higher than a traditional chlorine system, your ongoing costs are often lower and more predictable. You’ll save a significant amount of money by not having to constantly buy bottled chlorine and shock. Your main long-term expense will be replacing the ACE cell every two to three years. Many owners find that the savings on chemicals help offset this cost over time.
Is this system a good choice if my home has hard water? This is a great question because hard water can be a challenge. High levels of calcium can cause buildup on the ACE cell, meaning you’ll have to clean it more often. However, it doesn’t automatically rule the system out. A simple solution is to use a hose filter when filling your spa to remove some of the minerals from the start. We can also give you a free water analysis at any of our showrooms to see exactly what you’re working with.
What’s the main difference between the ACE and the FreshWater systems? Think of it as longevity versus convenience. The ACE system uses a durable, long-lasting diamond electrode cell that you clean quarterly and replace every few years. The FreshWater system uses simple, disposable cartridges that you replace every four months. Both give you that amazing salt water feel, so the choice really comes down to whether you prefer a single, less frequent replacement or a more regular, plug-and-play approach.
