What is the purpose of the ozonator? I have an ecozone ozonator and it leaks at the bottom from an open nipple. I don't know if this acts as some type of pressure relief outlet or what? I don't know if it is suppose to leak periodically? How do you tell if it works?

Ozone is "active oxygen", nature's special molecule (an ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms). Ozone is created in nature by the combination of oxygen in the air and ultraviolet rays or by the electrical discharge during a lightning storm. Ozone is a natural purifier (meaning no harmful chemical by-products are created during purification) Ozone has a clean, fresh scent noticed after a rainstorm. Ozone is the most powerful oxidizer that can be safely used in a swimming pool or spa. Ozone is the alternative water purifier to traditional pool/spa chemicals such as chlorine and bromine. Go to http://www.delozone.com/ozonefacts.html

JEFFZ, sorry to do this to you bud, but there is a slight adjustment I would like to make in your statement. Ozone is not powerful enough alone to sanitize your pool or spa. You will still need to use standard chemicals, but you can get by with as little as 1/3rd of what you would use without it. Ozone has a very short lifespan, about 5 seconds. It will only kill the bacteria in that time, in the hose going back to the spa, and will not affect any of the water in the tub itself. Most spas only operate ozone during the filter cycle. This is because ozone is actually harmful to anything living, if there is enough quantity of it.

The likely answer to the leak, however, is the check valve is probably defective and will need to be replaced. It's purpose is to allow the water flow to draw the ozone in when the filter cycle is running, and to prevent the water backflow when the water is off. It's also there to protect the ozonator from shorting out from water getting into it. If water is actually getting into the ozonator, you may need to replace both the ozonator, and the check valve.

There are 2 types of ozonators. UV and CD. UV is Ultra-Violet and CD is Corona Discharge. UV ozonators have a lifespan of about 3 years and then will need replacement to keep the ozone at an effective level. CD ones will last about 5 years before they need to be replaced. Always replace the check valve (it's between the ozonator and the jet) when replacing the ozonator.

charger_1, The statements were quoted from the DelZone website: http://www.delozone.com/ozonefacts.html take it up with them (DelZone), I was just trying pass on information on Ozone, of course Del with think it is the best thing since sliced bread, and if they make the statements I'm sure they can back it up. One of the biggest issues with ozonators is the failure to maintain them, UV bulbs need to be changed even when they "look" like they are working. Ozone breaks down the wall of organic well if there is ozone to do it as you stated. Yes the addition of an ozonator reduces the amount of bromine or chlorine needed as do products like the Spa Frog.

If you check their website http://www.delozone.com/products-resid-spas.html you'll see they only claim a reduction in chemicals for your spa. Not elimination. On that note: Where can one get a bacterial test of their water done to check for levels? I prefer to see the results of an ozinator as opposed to taking a salesman's word for it.