Ozone, sometimes referred to as energetic oxygen, is a powerful oxidizer of contaminants in water. It is made available for hot tubs through the use of ozone generators called ozonators. Ozone is formed when three atoms of oxygen are bound together, instead of the normal two. If you have ever detected a faint, sweet smell in the air after a lightning storm, that was ozone!
What ozone does in hot tubs
- Reduces need for high chemical doses
- Helps destroy bacteria, viruses, algae, yeasts
- Oxidizes other contaminants
- Reduces odor and chloramines
- Prolongs equipment life
- Reduces maintenance time & cost
- Ozone purifies naturally
How is ozone made in a hot tub?
Ozone for a hot tub is formed when individual molecules of oxygen are split apart into two free oxygen atoms by intense UV light, or alternately by corona discharge (CD) in a hot tub ozonator. When a newly freed oxygen Atom collides with another oxygen molecule, it joins up, forming ozone. The new ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms, instead of the customary two. It is a strong oxidizer, but since it does not last long it needs to be continuously replenished by the ozone generator running at least 8-12 hours per day to dissolve effective amounts in the hot tub's water.
Ozone is a much stronger oxidizer of contaminates than plain oxygen because the extra oxygen atom is loosely bound. It breaks loose when it comes in contact with organic material or other contaminants, oxidizing and thereby destroying them in the process.
- 1 Oxygen molecules (O2)
- 2 Molecule broken apart by UV or Corona Discharge
- 3 New ozone molecules (O3) formed
- 4 Contaminants oxidized by active ozone
Other benefits
Ozone also oxidizes soap, deodorant, hair spray, cologne, makeup, perfume, body lotion, hand cream, sun tan lotion, saliva, and urine. Used in concert with your sanitizer, ozone helps kill pathogenic bacteria, germs, and viruses and helps to oxidize organic contaminants. Ozone frees up combined chlorine and bromine, thus freeing them to be continuously reused. Ozone ultimately enhances the performance of chlorine and bromine as well as alternative sanitizer systems.
Less chlorine or bromine may be needed to maintain a residual. The quality of water will be dramatically better with the combination of ozone and chlorine or bromine than with chlorine or bromine alone.
Ozone not only destroys microorganisms, it also breaks down harmful chemicals, and causes total dissolved solids to clump together for easier removal by the filter. The result is water which is cleaner, clearer, and smoother feeling to the skin.
Compatible with hot tub sanitizers
Ozone is 100% compatible with bromine and chlorine in hot tubs. Ozone also helps prevent the calcium in hot tub water from chelating and thus conditions the water. This is good for equipment and more enjoyable for you. Many people say that the water feels softer to the skin!
Will ozone replace my current hot tub sanitizer?
No. Ozone has a short half-life in water (about 90 seconds), and it is ineffective as a sanitizer. You will still need to use a system such as bromine, chlorine, or lithium. However, you will find that you can use a lot less chemicals-- often up to 25% less, and this will pay for your ozone system over time and make hot tub maintenance much more trouble-free. With lithium and Nature 2 alternative sanitizers, you will probably be able to reduce the amount of shock used. Actual reductions will depend on many factors, including water quality and bather load.
How long should a hot tub ozonator run each day?
A hot tub with an Ozonator should run at least 8-12 hours daily to be effective. If a timer controls a spas filter/pump, a suitable method is to set it to run for two 2 to 4-6 hour cycles each day. Check your spa owner's manual programming features.
Can I add an ozonator to my hot tub?
Typically the answer is Yes. Most new hot tubs come "ozone ready,” requiring only a simple hookup of an ozonator kit and sometimes also with an injector. For hot tubs that are not factory equipped for an Ozonator, several ozone installation options may be available. Still, it can be complicated as plumbing is required, and flow rate calculations for the Mazzei ozone injector must be calculated. Flow rate for the Mazzei injector must be regulated accordingly, or the ozone won’t be delivered into the hot tub water.
Is the ozone produced in my spa safe to me and the environment?
The amount of ozone produced by a hot tub ozone generator is typically insignificant to our atmosphere. When dissolved in water, ozone is typically safe. Excess ozone quickly converts back to oxygen. Note: Hot tubs with an ozonator should not be installed indoors. breathing concentrated ozone gas that could build up in an enclosed space can be extremely harmful.
Will the ozonator in my spa help replenish the Earth's protective ozone layer?
Unfortunately not. Because ozone reacts so quickly with contaminants in water and air, it converts back to oxygen within seconds. Any ozone molecules that break free from the spa water will convert to oxygen and never reach the upper atmosphere.
Will ozone affect my hot tub water pH?
Ozone is pH neutral. It will not adversely affect the pH of your hot tub water.