Is your hot tub water cloudy? Does your chlorine or bromine instantly disappear when added to your...
One of the best additions to any hot tub is the Corona Discharge Ozone System. You will enjoy clean and clear water with fewer chemicals when combined with most sanitation systems.
Ozone does not replace other chemicals but is a great partner to kill unwanted bacteria in your hot tub water. In this article, you will learn what ozone is and why I prefer it over other systems.
What Is Ozone
Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidizer of germs, viruses, and bacteria in your hot tub water; even bodily fluids like saliva and urine are neutralized. Ozone is formed with three atoms of oxygen bound together instead of the usual two.
There are two types of ozone. The one I’m focusing on in this article is corona discharge.
It is more sophisticated and can generate much higher levels of ozone.
The second type is UV ozone. It uses a light source that generates a narrow band of ultraviolet light. Standard UV ozone generators produce ozone of about 0.5% or lower. For the best results, UV must be exposed to the source for an extended time. They are also less effective for use in situations that deal with rapidly moving air or water streams.
How does it work
Ozone molecules are injected into the water as a bubble during a low-speed filter cycle or, in some cases, through a separate circulation pump. The finer the ozone bubble, the more effective it is.
It takes a long time for the ozone to come into contact with all your water. For this reason, it is not ideal as your only sanitizer in a hot tub but as a supplement that reduces the need to keep high chlorine or bromine levels.
An ozone system can also prevent biofilm in plumbing lines. If that is not enough, an ozone system helps remove minerals and total dissolved solids by chelating (clumping) them together so the filter can remove them from your water.
The last significant benefit of ozone is that it frees up combined chlorine and bromine, freeing your sanitizer in the fight against harmful containments in your hot tub.
How do I get Ozone In my hot tub?
Many hot tubs today can add an Ozone System, also known as a Generator. The system consists of an injector plumbed into the hot tub’s return line.
The second part is the generator itself. It usually resembles a black box connected to your tub’s main control board.
It is important to note that your control system must be capable of using this system as it will need to turn it on and off during the day.
What chemicals should I use with Ozone?
We prefer granular chlorine, which is ideal for an ozone system. If you want to supercharge your ozone system, add a mineral stick. It also kills bacteria in your water, reducing your need for chlorine. This combination is perfect for anyone who wants to avoid sitting in chemically treated water.
The best way to use this system is by dosing your hot tub with chlorine when you are done using it for the day. I recommend one teaspoon per person. If you have one, run a clean cycle or run the jet pump on high for 10 minutes.
As the chlorine is dissolved into the water, it quickly kills bacteria and other contaminants you may have left behind. Your water will be sanitized immediately. As the chlorine goes to work, it will be used up, and your hot tub will be clean, clean, and chlorine-free the next day.
After that, the Ozone will take over from there and keep your water free of contaminants. Besides maintaining your normal levels, such as Alkalinity and pH, you would add a non-chlorine or enzyme to break down contaminants such as soaps, lotions, and other personal hygiene products remaining in hot tub water.
Do I Need To Maintain A Sanitizer Level
The basic answer is you don’t need to if you have a functional ozone generator. Don’t worry. If your test strip reads zero chlorine, everything is OK. You don’t need to add any additional chlorine. The chlorine you previously added has been used up. You should need only chlorine after using your hot tub that day.
However, if you want that peace of mind and a consistent chlorine level, I recommend a level of .05-1.0 ppm.
Suppose you are a casual user and go weeks without using your hot tub. As mentioned earlier in this article, I suggest adding a healthy dose once a week. Ozone works slowly, so it can take over a week for any new containments to take hold.
What if you want to use the Salt or Bromine System?
The basic answer is you don’t need to if you have a functional ozone generator. Don’t worry. If your test strip reads zero chlorine, everything is OK. You don’t need to add any additional chlorine. The chlorine you previously added has been used up. You should need only chlorine after using your hot tub that day.
However, if you want that peace of mind and a consistent chlorine level, I recommend a level of .05-1.0 ppm.
Suppose you are a casual user and go weeks without using your hot tub. As mentioned earlier in this article, I suggest adding a healthy dose once a week. Ozone works slowly, so it can take over a week for any new containments to take hold.
When Do I Replace It
OZONE INDICATOR LIGHT
Some ozonators have a light to indicate ozone production; others only show power, and many have a chip that usually has a slight vibration sound when operating. However, remember that things can appear normal at the ozonator when ozone is not produced. Check the manual for your unit for more details.
BUBBLES AT OZONE JET
Ozonators produce tiny bubbles injected into the spa plumbing lines. Smaller bubbles are good, under 1 mm in size. Larger bubbles are usually just air. Depending on your ozone system, bubbles coming out through the typical jet or port may not always indicate ozone. Some hot tub ozone systems use air pumps or air venturi fittings that mix air with the ozone, so there are always bubbles, even when there is no ozone.
THAT OZONE SMELL
One of the best ways is that uniquely pungent yet fresh smell when lifting the spa cover after hours of being closed. Another method is to remove the ozone hose from between the generator and the check valve and hold the hose up to sniff for an ozone smell. Faulty check valves or injectors can cause ozone delivery problems, so be sure the entire system is going and flowing.
OZONE TEST KIT
Ozone test kits are available. They use a glass ampule connected to the ozone hose.
It won’t measure output precisely, but it can give you an approximate level of ozone production. It also is a one-time use test.
POOR WATER QUALITY
Another indicator that your ozonator is at the end of life or not working is that the water quality has required more maintenance—bouts of cloudy water, lack of sparkle, or even algae can all be indicators. First, rule out pump run time, old or dirty filters, poor water balance, lack of other sanitizers, or non-chlorine shock.
Some additional Facts
Ozone designed for hot tubs is perfectly safe for you, the user, and the environment if installed and used according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Ozone has the fresh smell you would get after a rainstorm. It is most potent when lifting the spa cover after hours of being closed.
Ozone comes from the Greek word ozein, which means to smell.
Similar to high sanitation levels, Ozone will reduce the life of your cover and pillows. Opening the cover every few days will reduce this issue.
Next Steps
Ready to transform your hot tub experience into a realm of cleanliness, freshness, and reduced chemical reliance? The next step is incorporating the Corona Discharge Ozone System into your hot tub routine. Elevate your water quality, eliminate unwanted contaminants, and enjoy a hot tub experience that’s relaxing and exceptionally clean.
Visit your local hot tub supplier or explore online retailers to find ozone systems compatible with your model. Choose to invest in cleaner, clearer water and a more enjoyable soak. Don’t miss out on the benefits of ozone—act now to enhance your hot tub lifestyle.
Remember, the power of ozone is within your reach. Upgrade your hot tub experience, reduce the need for excess chemicals, and revel in the freshness of ozone-treated water. Your hot tub deserves it, and so do you.
Hot Tub Ozone-How to Use Effectively
