Posted on 04/06/2019

What is an Ozonator?

Many of our customers ask, "What is the ozonator? What does it do?"

An ozonator is a device that uses UV light or a corona discharge to create O3, which is a powerful oxidizer used to kill microorganisms, and sanitize pool and spa water. It attacks organic contaminants and aids in flocculation. It also has the ability to turn chlorine and bromine that have been “spent” back into a useful sanitizer, and helps control chloramines. Ozone kills water borne parasites and pathogens like Cryptosporidium, which highly chlorine resistant. Other germs like Giardia, can even live in properly chlorinated water for up to an hour. These illnesses are highly contagious, and the possibility of them living in any pool or spa water should be prevented if at all possible.

• Kills harmful bacteria that chlorine doesn’t
• Makes Chlorine & Bromine last longer
• Controls Chloramines
• Helps with filtration

Do I still need to use chemicals if I have an ozonator?

Yes. Many spa salesman claim that with their brand of hot tub, you don't need to use any chemicals. This is simply not true. The only way to ensure the water is sanitary, is to maintain proper levels of sanitizer. You can get in perfectly clean and clear looking water, and get sick due to bacteria that you just can't see. If a hot tub isn't used very often, then an ozonator could possibly keep the bacteria at bay, but how do you know your ozonator is working properly?

How do I know if my ozonator is working?

You can find out if your ozonator is working or not. Start by taking off the side of the hot tub that will expose the electrical equipment. Find the ozonator. You may have to look at where it's plugged in to find the label marked "Ozone." Once you've located the ozonator, make sure the spa is filtering. If you push a button, the hot tub may disable the ozonator, giving the impression that it's not working. It (in many cases) only comes on when the hot tub's pump kicks on by itself to filter and/or heat. It should have an LED indicator light on it, which illuminates when the device is on. Some models have a viewing window or opaque plastic area which allows you to see the dim light inside. If you see the light on, it's working!

Even if your ozonator is working and the light is on, the amount of ozone that it produces diminishes over time. It’s for this reason that we recommend you have your ozonator replaced or serviced every 2 years to ensure proper water sanitization. The easiest way to know if your ozonator needs to be replaced is to keep records on any service work performed on your spa. If it’s been 2 years or more, replace it. If you’re not sure, then you may be able to find a date on the device that will give you a better idea.

There are other things you must check for to know that your ozone is actually reaching the water. Refer to the diagram above. First, ozone is drawn from the ozonator through a check valve. The check valve can sometimes get stuck closed, and should be replaced anytime the ozonator is replaced. It then goes through an air injector. These can get clogged from time to time, preventing ozone from entering the water. Next, it passes through a bubble breaker, which gives the ozone bubbles much more surface area so it can contact bacteria more effectively. Finally, after flowing through the UV sanitizer (if equipped) it's released into the hot tub where the bubbles can rise to the surface, attacking bacteria on the way up. Do you see bubbles rising up near the footwell while the pump is filtering? If so, then the ozone is capable of reaching the water. If not, contact us for help.

Do I Really Need It?

Assuring that your ozonator is working properly is imperative to helping maintain healthy spa water, but it's not a necessary component of a hot tub. As long you follow guidelines for proper sanitization levels, your water should be safe for you and your family to use without worry. Your hot tub is a place where you should be able to relax, and its maintenance shouldn't be a burden. Keeping your ozonator operational helps your water quality, and lightens your work load, leaving you to enjoy more valuable hot tub time. Afterall, if taking care of your water becomes too difficult, your less likely to enjoy your hot tub in the first place!