Saltwater Hot Tubs in Minnesota
Any new hard-shell hot tub or swim spa from MinnSpas can be a saltwater hot tub. We add the Blu-Fusion TS salt system, which turns a small amount of dissolved sodium bromide into bromine automatically, so you’re not measuring and dosing sanitizer every few days.
Already own a hot tub? We can convert many compatible spas, or you can install the same system yourself.
Three ways to get a saltwater hot tub
| Option | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Add salt to a new hot tub or swim spa | $1,495 | Installed by MinnSpas when you buy a qualifying new spa. Includes a three-year Blu-Fusion warranty. |
| Convert the spa you already own | $1,495 plus a trip charge | We check your spa’s plumbing, electrical and existing ozone or AOP equipment first, then install Blu-Fusion at your home. Includes a three-year Blu-Fusion warranty. |
| Install it yourself | $1,195 | The complete Blu-Fusion TS kit is available from our sister site, EZHotTubParts.com, with a one-year warranty. It’s a real DIY project, a bit like installing your own water heater: very doable if you have the skills and time. |
What “saltwater” means here
A saltwater hot tub still has a sanitizer. It just makes its own. Blu-Fusion uses sodium bromide, not table salt, and its electrode cell converts it into bromine while the spa circulates. That’s different from sodium-chloride systems, which make chlorine.
- Salt goes in once per water change. You add sodium bromide at startup (about 1,500–1,700 ppm). Unless there’s heavy splash-out, you usually won’t add more until the next annual drain and refill.
- Sanitizer is generated on a schedule. The system runs with your spa’s circulation and is set to hold roughly 3–5 ppm bromine, with a boost button after heavy use.
- Bromine suits hot water. Bromine stays effective across a wider pH range than chlorine and tends to have less of a “pool” smell.
Compare Blu-Fusion with Hot Spring’s FreshWater salt system →
Which hot tubs can go salt?
- New hot tubs: Aquatic Spas, Island Spas, Artesian Elite, South Seas Spas and Garden Spas.
- Swim spas: TidalFit swim spas can go salt too. Blu-Fusion includes swim-spa operating settings, and we’ll set it up for your model.
- Your existing spa: many hard-shell hot tubs can be converted. The electrode cell installs in the ozone line, so an existing ozonator or AOP system may need to be removed.
- Not Softub. Softub prohibits salt systems, so we don’t install Blu-Fusion in Softub spas.
Is a saltwater hot tub easier to maintain?
That depends on you. If you’ll keep your pH, alkalinity, calcium and phosphates balanced on a regular basis, then yes: a salt system takes over the day-to-day sanitizer work.
If you don’t see yourself balancing the water that consistently, we recommend FROG Fresh Mineral Water instead: FROG @ease if you prefer chlorine, or FROG Serene if you prefer bromine. You still need to balance pH, alkalinity, calcium and phosphates with FROG. What you skip is the electrode upkeep. When a salt cell scales up, you open the spa cabinet, remove the electrode, soak it in a vinegar solution for about 24 hours, then open the cabinet again to reinstall it. Keeping your water balanced is what keeps that chore rare.
Prefer chlorine? See how the FROG @ease routine works →
Prefer bromine? See how FROG Serene works →
Honest expectations with salt
A salt system cuts down the routine. It doesn’t eliminate it. You’ll still:
- test your water weekly and adjust the Blu-Fusion setting to keep bromine in range;
- keep pH around 7.2–7.6 to protect the electrode cell from calcium scale;
- start with a proper fill: source water tested, phosphates low, metals handled before the salt goes in;
- drain and refill about once a year.
Wondering how a salt system differs from AOP? Read AOP vs. a salt system →
Want a saltwater hot tub? Let’s put together your spa plan.
Or visit the showroom at 14608 Felton Ct, Ste 109, Apple Valley. Call or text (763) 200-7727.