What Is a Natural Purifier on a Hot Tub?

Natural Purifiers

• Natural purifier products usually contain copper, silver, zinc or other minerals. The purification product works to disinfect hot tub water. It kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae, keeping the spa water clean and clear. Unlike other sanitizers, natural purifiers are odor-free, fume-free and less harsh on clothing, skin and eyes.

What It Replaces

• Natural purifiers replace sanitizing chemicals, including chlorine and bromine. While chlorine and bromine are effective at sanitizing, they emit fumes and can cause skin and eye irritation. Some sanitizing chemicals require frequent applications -- as much as daily -- to effectively keep the water clear.

How It Works

• Natural purifier products come in liquids you add directly to the water or may be encased in a filter you install inside the hot tub's filter cartridge. As with any other sanitizing chemical, the natural purifier is circulated in the hot tub water. The ions in the minerals react in the water to activate oxygen to sanitize the water. Some natural purifiers are combined with an ozonator, which releases ozones. The combination of a natural purifier and ozonator offers more power to even more effectively kill bacteria and keep the water clean and clear. Most natural purifiers also release trace amounts of minerals into the water to prevent bacterial growth.

Warnings and Tips

• Most natural purifier products work up to as long as four months but require replenishing thereafter. Filter-installed natural purifiers do not remove particles and debris. A separate filter must still be installed in the hot tub to keep the water completely clean. Most manufacturers of natural purifier products warn against using their products with other products containing bromine, sodium bromide, biguanides or chlorine.