Spa minerals vs Sanitiser: What is the difference? (Comparison, pros, cons, and more)

In this article, you’ll learn about the difference between spa sanitisers and mineral treatments and how they can help keep your spa water clean, clear, and healthy.

We cover answers to these questions:

• What are spa sanitisers and what do they do?
• What are the benefits of spa sanitisers?
• How do you use a spa sanitiser?
• What are spa minerals and what do they do?
• What is the difference between spa sanitisers and spa minerals?

And more!

What are spa sanitisers and what do they do?

Like pools, spas contain a large amount of water that does not get changed for long periods–often months on end. Spas also have heaters, meaning spa water is usually warm. If you’re not careful, your spa water can be a prime breeding ground for biofilms, bacteria, or fungi.

This is where spa sanitisers come in. Spa sanitisers are chemicals that kill bacteria and purify the water in your spa, so it stays clean, clear, and safe for you and your family to enjoy. Spa sanitiser is an essential tool for water care.

Click the button below to see the full range of spa sanitisers available at the Spa Store.

What are the different kinds of spa sanitisers?

There are various kinds of spa sanitisers. The most commonly used spa sanitisers are chlorine and bromine. Still, there are many other options if you don’t want to use either.

Hydrogen peroxide is the main chlorine-free sanitiser option you can use for your spa pool or swim spa in Australia.

If you’re having difficulty deciding the best option for your spa or spa pool, you can check out the article below to guide you.

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What are the benefits of spa sanitisers?

Spa sanitisers provide many advantages to spa owners when used well. Here are some of them:

Spa sanitisers keep your water sparkling clear. Without proper water care, you’ll end up with a cloudy cesspool-like spa that’s not only gross but also dangerous. Spa sanitisers will help you avoid swimming in cloudy and dirty water.

Spa sanitisers remove bacteria and prevent biofilms of fungi. Leave your water long enough without sanitation, and it becomes a breeding ground for all sorts of microorganisms. Spa sanitisers will help avoid this and keep you safe from health risks.

Spa sanitisers keep your water balanced. The pH and alkalinity levels of your spa water have a pretty significant impact on the longevity of your spa. Keeping your water balanced makes your spa experience better but also helps protect your spa from corrosion.

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How do you use a spa sanitiser?

You can treat the water in your spa for 3-4 months before you need to change it. To do this using spa sanitiser, follow the guidelines and dosage instructions.

Spa sanitisers must be added daily into your spa water even if you don’t use your spa. Click the button below for a complete guide on how to use spa chemicals.

How often should you add sanitiser to your spa?

Regularly adding sanitiser to your spa keeps it clean and safe to use. Some germs can survive in your spa water for several hours to several days.

If you’re using chlorine, you should dose it daily with 6-10 grams of chlorine per 1000L of water in your spa. If you’re using hydrogen peroxide, add 200ml per 1000L on a weekly basis for an average user and more if you are a heavy user. (Average use is 1-2 people 2-3 times per week.)

This information is a guide only - you should read and follow the manufacturer’s directions on the sanitiser label.

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What are spa minerals and what do they do?

Spa minerals function similarly to spa sanitisers, except instead of chemical compounds in a granular or liquid form, the minerals such as silver and copper. come in a solid form. Silver is known for its antibacterial properties, while copper destroys algae.

Some spa minerals contain zinc which has similar antibacterial properties as silver. You can also find many spa minerals containing limestone, which helps keep the water pH balanced and stable.

These minerals act similar to spa sanitiser chemicals, except they are less harsh on the skin and do not come with a strong smell.

What are the advantages of spa minerals?

Spa minerals have a few advantages over chlorine and other spa sanitisers. When you use spa minerals, you can expect the following benefits:

• Spa minerals can help keep your water clearer. You will still need to use an approved sanitiser, but the spa mineral system will work with the sanitiser to help it operate more effectively, resulting in clearer water.
• Spa minerals are easy to use. Many spa mineral systems use a floating dispenser, so you don’t need to worry about measuring the dosage - they are naturally released into your water over time.
• Spa minerals make spa water softer. The distinction between hard and soft comes from your spa water's calcium and magnesium content. While both elements have health benefits, having too much in your spa can be harsh on the skin and your swimwear. Hard water may also lead to scaling, which can damage your spa.
• Spa minerals cost less than chemical sanitisers. Spa maintenance can be expensive, so finding cheaper alternatives to spa products is always good. Spa minerals retail for much less than chlorine or bromine, and they often come in cartridges that you only need to change every few months.

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What are the disadvantages of spa minerals?

Spa minerals are a great way to sanitise your water, but there are some drawbacks that you also have to consider. Here are some of them:

• Spa minerals can cause stains or make your water turn green. Copper in spa minerals can oxidise in your spa water and cause stains. You may also notice your water turn green, especially if your water source already has high copper content.
• You still need to use chlorine or bromine. Using spa minerals can reduce the amount of chlorine you need to maintain your spa water, but this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. You will still need to use chlorine or bromine to sanitise your spa water thoroughly. The minerals alone aren’t enough to kill all viruses, bacteria, and algae.
• You will need to purchase multiple products. Spa minerals cost less than spa sanitisers. Still, because spa minerals aren’t strong enough to maintain your spa, you will have to purchase multiple products.
• Spa minerals can react with some water treatment products like bromine. For example, the Zodiac^® Nature2^® spa mineral system cannot be used with bromine.

What is the difference between spa sanitisers and spa minerals?

Spa sanitisers and spa minerals clean and maintain spa water. They are essential in keeping your spa free from bacteria and other microorganisms.

The difference between spa minerals and sanitisers lies in what they contain. Spa sanitisers are often chemical compounds or enzymes. Meanwhile, spa minerals are based on naturally found materials like silver, copper, or limestone.

Another distinction is that you can use spa sanitisers on their own as a complete sanitising system. By contrast, when you use spa minerals, you will still need to use chlorine and bromine because the minerals do not have a strong enough effect to fully sanitise your spa water.

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How do I use spa minerals in my spa?

Spa minerals are much easier to use than spa sanitisers because you don’t need to measure them before mixing them with your spa water. You also won’t need gloves to handle them, unlike with chlorine or bromine, which can be dangerous to handle barehanded. Instead, you can use spa minerals for your spa in three simple ways:

1. Floating Dispensers. The magic of spa minerals in floating dispensers is that they’re ridiculously simple. You just have to load up a mineral cartridge to a floating dispenser and let it swim in your spa. This will automatically dispense the minerals your spa needs.
2. Inline System. If you’re buying a new spa and think spa minerals are great, you can purchase a unit that has an inline system where you can use a mineral distributor. This product contains a mineral cartridge that is inserted in the inline port to automatically distribute the needed spa minerals and chlorine.
3. Filter Sticks. As the name suggests, filter sticks are that you load up into your cartridge filter. This is attached to the water source so the water can pass through and disperses spa minerals as it does.

Can I use spa minerals and sanitisers together?

Yes and no. The answer depends on what specific spa mineral and sanitiser you want to put together. Spa minerals can be used together with chlorine and is, in fact, recommended. However, we advise you to avoid mixing spa minerals, particularly ionic minerals, with bromine. This combination can interact and nullify each other. If you want to mix and match spa chemicals, we recommend doing thorough research or consulting with spa experts.

IN SUMMARY

Caring for your spa, and using sanitisers and mineral treatments for your spa water is an important part of owning a spa pool or swim spa. Here are some key notes about the difference between spa minerals and sanitisers.

• Spa minerals and sanitisers are essential in keeping your spa water clean, clear, and free from bacteria and other microorganisms.
• Spa sanitisers are chemical compounds like chlorine (sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), also known as ‘sodium dichlor’ or just ‘dichlor’ for short).
• Spa minerals contain minerals beneficial for maintaining clear water with some sanitation benefits.
• Spa minerals are easy to use and manage, making them perfect for busy people who can’t spare much time maintaining their spa.
• If you want to go completely chlorine-free, choose other sanitiser options like hydrogen peroxide instead of spa minerals.
• Spa minerals aren’t enough to properly sanitise spa water on their own. You'll need to use a sanitiser treatment along with the minerals, but the minerals can help you maintain water quality and help your sanitiser work more efficiently.

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Got more questions?

Talk to us on live chat, or email us your spa chemical questions and we'll be happy to help!

DISCLAIMER:

The following registered trademark is owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd – the parent company of Spa World Ltd: Zodiac^® Nature2^® trademark is owned by Zodiac Pool Systems LLC.