This is one of those completely newbie questions. What is Ozone actually used for? My hot tub is ozone ready but there is not an ozonator installed.

Question is, how important are these? What do they actually do? Is it worth the investment to get one?

Thanks~!

Rocky

Ozone is not needed, however it does provide a small amount of constant sanitization. The benefit is you don't need to use quite as much sanitizer as normal.

Is one ozonator better then another? I was looking to replace mine as I think its dead and old anyway. Would this be a good choice? http://spapartsnet.com/Ozone-Generators... 3_1_1.html or Replace it with the same model...I have found it on a website Here is my old unit

If you have a choice, go with the CD ozonator over the UV. CD lasts longer and has a more constant output over it's lifespan. Figure around 3 years for UV, and 5 for CD.

Thanks charger This one? http://spapartsnet.com/Ozone-Generators... 8_0_1.html

That should work just fine, as long as it's the proper voltage, and has the same draw characteristics. By that I mean some ozonators use a small air pump to force the ozone into the tub, and some use a venturi effect from a fitting on the spa. Just be sure to match what you have in that respect.

Ozone cannot be labeled a sanitzer but it is an oxidizer. I have heard it used this way before and someone can misunderstand and think that is all they need for sanitization.

There are basically three ozonators on the market:

1. CD
2. UV (bulb fired via a ballast)
3. UV (fired by solid state)

In my opinion the solid state fired ozonator is the best way to go, you get no bulb degradation and never requires any maintenance.

UV ones that are ballast fired have bulb degradation from day one and about after 9,000hrs they are done. CD ones create a spark to make the ozone and that device depending on brand my need to be cleaned or replaced every 1-2 years (more cost).


Bottom line you do not need them but if the spa is built properly they will reduce the normal amount of chlorine or bromine that you use.

If the spa is not built properly then save your money. A proper built spa for ozone will have a contact chamber to keep the ozone in solution so it gets used up. The length of that chamber is dependent on the GPM of the pump.

My ozone outlet into the tub is about halfway down into the depth of the water. Someone told me it was ineffective in that position and should be in the footwell. True or not? Don't the manufacturers know what they're doing?

why does a chamber make a difference. im new to all this. and how do i know if it has a chamber or not

A contact chamber is nothing more than some extra pipe to keep the ozone in the water longer.

In simple terms the longer you keep ozone on the water the more efficient the system is.

The length of extra pipe has to be calculated for whatever flow rate you have.

From my experience only the upper end spas have them.

Ozone reduces the amount of shock needed in an Bromine sanatized spa. As Bromine dissociates into Hypobromous Acid, and Hypobromite Ion ( in the presence of inorganic, and organic contaminates ) It kills, and oxidizes. The problem with Bromine is that it's Ion is weak, and doesn't burn up inorganics, carbons, etc. This condition causes Bromine to form a compound known as a "Combined Bromine", or "Bromamine". This "Lazy Bromine" doesn't sanaitze well, and eventually will tie up the free available Bromine in the spa. The spa industry ( no doubt embarrased by Bromines shortcommings ) decided that the general public was incapable of shocking their spa water as part of a regiment of spa care. Thus the constant oxidizing of Europes miracle gas was adopted. Your '95 "Ozone Ready" LBI is not Coronal Discharge ready. Without a Mazei Injector, it's useless. Leisure Bay has provided a "J&J" plug configured receptacle outlet, with a capped off "Euro Jet" Air tubing. A two speed pump means that you will be introducing Ozone during heat, and filter runs only. Hardly worth the trouble. IMO " title="Wink" />