Mineral Sanitizers for Spas

How to use Mineral Sanitizers, in a spa, swim spa or hot tub? Mineral Sanitizers are devices that supply a stream metallic ions to the spa or hot tub water. Used properly, the ions are maintained at very low levels, avoiding the possibility of staining or discoloration. Mineral Sanitizers accomplish this release, without the use of electrical components. Mineral Sanitizers are not stand alone water treatment products, but can reduce the total amount of chemicals required for proper spa or hot tub water maintenance. The metallic ions will not destroy organic buildup and contamination and will not oxidize dead microorganisms and organic debris. This requires oxidation and the use of agents such as: chlorine, bromine, non-chlorine shock or ozone. Not all of these oxidizers can be used with all Mineral Sanitizers: check with the manufacturer before adding chemicals, as to any limitations that might be suggested. The Spa Frog and Pool Frog can be used with bromine and all other spa, hot tub and swimming pool oxidizers. If problems arise, refer to the Spa Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving information, broken down into various categories.  Scroll down the page and click on the linked keywords, catch phrases or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.

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► Mineral Sanitizers And Oxidation?

I was just looking at some info on the ionization process for hot tubs to look after algae and such. I must admit it looks great and I bet smells better with no bromine or chlorine odors. My question is to do with the oxidation of the water. I have read where you suggest ozonators to deal with this problem. But, are they enough to keep the water fresh or do you need some non chlorine shock as well? Also is there a test you can do to check, if you have enough oxidation occurring to be safe? Thanks in advance.

Darren H., 1/27/2012

For proper spa water quality, you must have both sanitizing and oxidation! A mineral sanitizer can provide most, if not all of the sanitizing action. However, it must be used with oxidizing agents such as ozone generators, chlorine, bromine or non-chlorine shock. Ozonators come close to providing for all of the sanitizing and oxidizing needs. Because the presence of ozone is short-lived, after the unit is shut off, a backup sanitizer is always recommended: chlorine, bromine or mineral sanitizers are most commonly used, in this backup role. Ozonators provide the necessary oxidation and greatly reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine required to maintain a level of about 1/2 the customary amount. There should be no overpowering sense of chlorine or bromine. Use a mineral sanitizer and you can almost eliminate the chlorine or bromine. The FROG Mineral Sanitizers are the only ones, registered by the EPA, as both a spa sanitizer and disinfectant, that can be used with either chlorine or bromine in spas or hot tubs.  The only time non-chlorine shock needs to be used is if the water quality suddenly deteriorates. Test kits are available that measure ozone levels. If you maintain a chlorine or bromine residual, at a reduced level, the ability to maintain this lower concentration is confirmation that the oxidation needs are being met by the ozonator. I hope that I have helped convince you that an ozonator will be beneficial and will enhance your hot water experience.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/27/2012


► What Is A Mineral Sanitizer?

I am considering A SPA FROG, as I am interested in reducing the amount of chemicals. How does this product work and why will I use less chlorine or bromine? Thanks.

Jack C., Florida, 1/15/2011

The SPA FROG Mineral Sanitizer is the only leading product that has been approved as a spa sanitizer and disinfectant, by the EPA. Unlike the leading competitor's product, it can be used with either chlorine or bromine. You will use less chlorine or bromine because you will be able to achieve proper sanitizing with 1 PPM of free chlorine (instead of 1-3 PPM) or with 2 PPM of bromine (instead of 3-5 PPM). I hope that this information proves helpful. Enjoy the spa.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/15/2011


► Ozone To Mineral Sanitizing?

Is it possible and realistic to convert my hot tub, which has an Ozonator and uses bromine, to something like the silver oxide cartridge and non-chlorine treatment?

Mike E., Evansville, IN, 12/12/2008

Posilutely, you should be able to make such a switch. I suggest that you completely drain the spa remove all traces of the bromide salts. This is important, so as not to shorten the life of the silver component (you can confirm this with the manufacturer to be certain). Only the SPA FROG Mineral Sanitizer can be used with bromine in a spa or hot tub!  Have you considered this? Use the combination of a Mineral Sanitizer and an ozone generator and you may not need the non-chlorine shock and only a low level of chlorine or bromine! The combination of a Mineral Sanitizer and Ozone is being used in many spas. Have fun! Hope that I have been of assistance.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 12/12/2008


► Silver Oxide?

We have just installed a spa and would like to use silver oxide, but all local dealers have never heard of it. Do you have any suggestions about who sells this is the Southern California area? Thank you in advance for your help.

Nameless, California, 4/6/2011

The reason the dealers appeared to be unfamiliar is that it is not sold as silver oxide. The SPA FROG Mineral Sanitizers use a silver compound, as a source of silver ions and other minerals, as well. Ask your local spa professional to provide you with information on Mineral Sanitizers.  I hope that I have been helpful. Enjoy the spa.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/7/2011


► Wanting To Use Less Bromine?

I have been using bromine tablets in my spa. The results, so far, have been good, but I would like to use less bromine and fewer chemicals. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Regards and thanks.

Barry M., Poughkeepsie, NY, 11/12/2005

The simplest thing to do would be to add a Mineral Sanitizer. Because you are using bromine, you can't use just any mineral sanitizer, as some cannot be used in spas that contain bromine. THE FROG Mineral Sanitizer can be used in spas, that use bromine or chlorine and it will not interfere with the expected 6-month life of the cartridge. The presence of the mineral sanitizer will allow you to maintain a lower bromine level and because less bromine will be used, the overall water chemistry will be easier to control. I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/12/2005


► Tired Of Bromine?

I have a 500 gallon spa with an ozone generator. I am tired of the bromine. After perusing your website, it looks as though I could eliminate all need for bromine/dispensers by adding a mineral sanitizer to my system. I searched for those on the web and they appear to simply be a device that slips into the 'tube' in my filter and last for approximately 4 months at a time. Is this all correct? Thank you for your advice,

Steve W., Austin, TX, 8/10/2010

Depending upon which Mineral Sanitizer you use, it could be that simple. However, there is one thing that I would suggest be done first. Empty and clean out the spa, removing as much water as possible. Some mineral sanitizers can shorten the life of the cartridge, with the presence of bromine. Only the SPA FROG Mineral Sanitizer can be used with bromine or in water that contains bromide ions. If you add an ozone generator, to your spa treatment regimen, you will drastically reduce the bromine usage. Inasmuch as it is a good practice to periodically empty a spa, you might as well do it now. I hope that the information will prove helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/10/2010


► Child-Friendly Choice?

We would like to allow our small child to go into our spa with us at a temperature around 89-92 degrees. I have been told the best alternatives to using straight chemicals are a Mineral Sanitizer then a non-chlorine shock at exit. Do you have any opinion. Thank you.

Holli S, 5/9/2009

Mineral Sanitizers are products that sanitize by using metallic ions. However, just using a mineral sanitizer is not enough. To maintain proper spa water quality, you need to use an oxidization, as well. That is the purpose of the non-chlorine shock. So long as the product choice includes both capabilities, I see no problem. However, my own preference would be to use an ozonator and a mineral sanitizer or a mineral sanitizer and a lower level of bromine. This way there's no regular shock treatment and there is built-in backup sanitizing. I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/9/2009


► Hydrogen Peroxide?

We have a hot tub and would like to use hydrogen peroxide instead of the normal chemicals. My husband is allergic to the chlorine and bromides. How much Hydrogen peroxide do we use and what %. We were told that it should be a 10% concentration but we can't find any hydrogen peroxide above 3%. I thought maybe you could help us. Also do we need to use any kind of a shock at the first? Hope you can help! Thanks.

Jo, 7/10/2005

I am not sure that using just hydrogen peroxide will provide adequate sanitation. In pools and spas, it is used as a shock treatment with biguanide. It is available in concentrated form in many pool and spa outlets that offer biguanide products. Have you considered the use of an ozonator and a mineral sanitizer? This combination would come close to being chlorine and bromine free. The ozonator could negate the need for hydrogen peroxide and a mineral sanitizer or ionizer would release metallic ions and act as a persistent sanitizer. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a shock treatment and a mineral sanitizer or ionizer as the primary water sanitizer. However, in most cases better results are obtained, if you maintain a lower level of chlorine or bromine.  I hope that I've been helpful and given you some food for thought. Good luck with your decision.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/10/2005


► Too Much Monopersulfate?

Alan, I use a mineral sanitizer system and Monopersulfate (MPS). The MPS test strips show that the MPS level is WAY too high and the alkalinity and pH are at the bottom of the scale. I know how to fix the alkalinity - pH problem, but do not know how to lower the MPS level. Do I just have to wait until it goes away or is there something I can use to lower the level myself? Thank you.
 
Shelly M., Hanover, MD, 4/19/2004

It is possible to add a chemical to lower the monopersulfate (MPS) level. Chlorine neutralizer will discharge the MPS level very quickly. However, if you do nothing, the level will drop on its own. By the time you read this and find the product, I suspect that the level will be acceptable. As long as you are testing for MPS, you should add the product in smaller increments.  You can always add more - you can't take out! Monopersulfate products, for spa use, should be a buffered formula, so as not to affect the pH and TA. Check to see if the label confirms this. I hope that I have been helpful. Enjoy the spa.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/19/2004


► Mineral Sanitizer, Ozone And Shock?

I am writing to ask about using a mineral purifier in my hot tub. It has an ozonator in it, as well. But, I am not sure how it really works. I have been having problems with bromine with pH bouncing around and hard to maintain. I also have been diagnosed with having folliculitis. If I switch to a Mineralizer, do I need to use an ionizer as well? I would like to get rid of the bromine use. Can you recommend a mineral sanitizer brand to use? If I switch to this system, do I understand correctly that I will only be using the mineral sanitizer, ozonator and shock? How do you test water? Do you use standard test strips and will it give proper readings on pH and alkalinity, using the purifier? Thank you so much. This is all so confusing to me.

Lyn G., Charleston, SC, 2/25/2005

If you were medically diagnosed with folliculitis, it was caused by inadequate sanitation. Ozone and bromine should have done the job. However, the combination of an ozonator, a mineral sanitizer and an occasional shock treatment should also be very effective. A mineral sanitizer adds sanitizing metallic ions to the water. Just make sure that the ozonator is working properly and is operated for 6-8 hours daily, spaced throughout out the day into 2-hour periods. Once a week or after heavy bather usage or at the first signs of a loss of water quality, add shock treatment. There are several good mineral sanitizers available, however only THE FROG Mineral Sanitizer can be used with bromine and allow you to get satisfactory results with a lower bromine level. It is also the only one that is EPA registered as both a spa sanitizer and spa disinfectant.  Bromine can sometimes produce false high pH readings. Perhaps, this was part of the problem? Test strips should be fine for the pH and TA and possibly to measure the shock level, if chlorine is used. Ozone can be tested very easily and will confirm that the ozonator is working properly.  I hope that I have been of assistance.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/25/2005


► Which Mineral Sanitizer To Use?

I have been using biguanide and an ozonator and have been getting a moldy, musty smell and film. I use hydrogen peroxide, as well, and find it expensive to use. I also have an ozonator. Any suggestions?

Gary, Temecula, CA, 9/26/2006

Water mold problems can happen with biguanide and it becomes necessary to permanently switch to another sanitizer. I suggest that you switch to the Floating SPA FROG cartridge system or the SPA FROG Filter cartridge and bromine. The main difference is that the SPA FROG floating system has the bromine included in an easy pre-filled and adjustable cartridge, while the filter product is just minerals and bromine will have to be added separately. The pre-filled SPA FROG Bromine Cartridge, will float on its own, as well, if you choose to use that with the filter product. Addressing the bigger problem of converting from biguanide is the first step to solving the problem. I would drain and clean the spa. Refill and add a small amount of chlorine, one time only, just to establish a free chlorine level that will destroy any remaining biguanide. Add the SPA FROG of your choice and enough bromine to maintain a 1-3 PPM level. The SPA FROG is the only mineral sanitizer that can be used with bromine. The fact that you have an ozonator, should preclude any need to add hydrogen peroxide and will help you to minimize the use of chemicals. I hope that this information will prove helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/27/2006


► Better Filtration?

Followed your advice and got a mineral sanitizer to go with the ozone generator. Drained & cleaned the tub. My skin is still reacting to the spa water but everyone else is enjoying the water better now. It must be a personal problem with heat sensitive dermatitis. The company I ordered the mineral purifier from also supplied an enhanced shock which contains 58% Sodium Dichloro Triazinetrione and other stuff that they don't identify. I assume that this is still a chlorine based shock? What type of shock / chemical is non-chlorine or non-bromine in nature that I could use in conjunction with the mineral sanitizer & the ozonator? I am still monitoring the pH levels but should I still be adding a stain & scale remover every week as the Tub manufacturer recommends? Do I need to add anything else? I have 2 filters that I rotate once a month but rinse off once a week in between. When I rotate should I just soak them in a filter cleaner or should I shock them first? How long should they remain in the filter cleaner solution? My spa supplier says 24 hours & then let them dry thoroughly, other sources have advised that they should soak for a couple of weeks. Also does a solar blanket on the water surface help keep the ozone in the water? Sorry for all the questions but I definitely appreciate the help you have provided me with. Thanks.

Roger J., Dundas, Ont., 3/30/2006

The 58% product is sodium dichlor and you can use it. Just try and keep the free chlorine level at 0.5-1.5 PPM. Less than normally amounts should be adequate, because of the presence of the ozonator. A solar blanket could make a slight difference, but it could be hard to quantify. Potassium monopersulfate shock is a non-chlorine product. You need one or the other. I would stop adding the stain and scale product or verify that it can be used with the mineral sanitizer. You might be complexing (chelating) the metallic ions and rendering them less effective. Spa filters are not very effective, under the best of circumstances. A higher efficiency product might be beneficial. The better filtration couldn't hurt your dermatitis problem either. Otherwise, clean according to the manufacturer's instructions. I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/31/2006


► How A Mineral Sanitizer Works?

I'm using a FROG Mineral Sanitizer Cartridge in my spa. I add some non-chlorine shock after each use. I like it because there is very little odor, if any. Exactly, how does this cartridge reduce chlorine requirements?

Dennis G., 1/14/2004

The Spa Frog contains silver, in a form that allows for slow release into the spa water. This is done without the use of electrical components, as is the case with Ionization Units. The silver is released into the water in ionic form. This is the most active form and allows the ions to function as sanitizers, at very low concentrations. Chlorine is normally used to provide this type of sanitizing action. However, chlorine will also destroy and decompose organic wastes and debris. Because metallic ions cannot destroy the organic contamination or prevent further buildups, it is necessary to add an oxidizer to do this job. That is the reason for adding the non-chlorine shock. Maintaining a free chlorine of that favors the low end of 1-3 PPM, helps assure proper sanitation, at all times. The use of the Spa Frog Mineral Sanitizer should reduce the overall chemical usage and make control of the water chemistry easier. Enjoy the spa. I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/15/2004


► One Mineral Sanitizer Or Two?

Hello Alan. Thank you for all the helpful advice on your website! My question involves proper placement of a mineral purifier cartridge in a hot tub with two filters. My tub is equipped with an ozonator which runs 24 hours a day on a very low pressure slow circulation pump (this is also the pump that draws water through the heater). The main circulation - skimming pump (higher pressure) comes on 4 times a day for ½ hour each time. Each of these pumps has a separate filter. After reading some of your recommendations, I am planning to convert from bromine to a mineral purifier cartridge that goes inside the filter tube. My question is: which filter would be a better location for the mineral sanitizer? Hopefully, it won't be necessary to have a purifier in both filters. Thanks you for any thoughts/advice you can provide. Sincerely.

Scott in Colorado, 3/30/2004

Interesting question. Mineral sanitizers work by adding metallic ions to the water at a, more or less, controllable rate. You shouldn't need two cartridges. I think that you are better off using the high speed pump, as it better reflects normal spa operation. Only The FROG Mineral Sanitizer can be used with bromine!  Some mineral sanitizers are affected by bromine, so I suggest that you give this some thought. Enjoy the spa.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/30/2004

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