What is ozone?
Ozone (O3) is a gas molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. The third oxygen atom in ozone has a fragile bond, which breaks off and destroys foreign bodies in the water. Electrical discharges are often used to produce ozone for industrial processes such as water and air cleansing and bleaching of textiles and food products. It is also a powerful oxidizer.
Ozone can safely destroy pathogens, microorganisms, and both organic and inorganic contaminants through oxidation. Ozone is a gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere.
Why do I want it in my hot tub?
An ozone unit on your hot tub reduces the amount of chemicals you need to use to keep your hot tub water clean. It does not mean you do not have to use any sanitizer or oxidizer; it’s just a lot less of it. Instead of running the chlorine level at 3.0 ppm, you can run it at .5 ppm.
How does it work on my hot tub?
The ozone unit generates and injects ozone gas into the hot tub water. The ozone gas kills contaminants in your hot tub water by attaching itself to bacteria and other contaminants, including soaps, lotions, colognes, makeup, hair spray, and bodily fluids.
The ozone unit helps clump together the total dissolved solids in your water, making it easier to catch in the hot tub filter. The ozone unit also helps break down chlorine and bromine molecules, so you do not have to oxidize your hot tub as often.
Anytime the hot tub pump, that has the ozone unit plumbed into it, comes on ozone gas is released into the hot tub water. It is recommended you set the filtration cycles for four hours per day. If you find the water is not clear, add another two hours of filtration time to allow more time for the ozone unit to kill contaminants and oxidize waste.
Ultraviolet(UV) or Corona Discharge (CD)
Ultraviolet Light (UV)-Uses UV light to split oxygen molecules into free oxygen atoms; these free oxygen atoms recombine with ambient oxygen to create Ozone.
Pros: Functions well in high humidity
Cons: Replace bulbs every 2 or 3 years
Corona Discharge (CD)-is a sheet of plasma that’s created when a conductor is ionized by electricity.
Pros: Long-lasting life
High-efficiency, low-cost operation
Lasts up to 10 years
Larger volume of water than UV
Cons: Does not work well in high humidity
Other things to consider: Because Ozone is so powerful it can wreak havoc on your hot tubs hard cover. Be sure to use a thermal blanket on the water’s surface as a barrier against the Ozone and the hardcover.