I've had ozone generators in the past...... but....... do you all think it's actually worth the extra expense?
What exactly are the true 'proven' benefits?

Thanks,
Spartacus_33

My HotSpring Classic has 24 hour circulation so the ozone is working 24/7. For me the ozone helps keep my water very clean if I don't use the spa. It also helps keep the pH 7 Alkalinity balanced. Ozone is not good for heavy bather loads. I use a teaspoon of chlorine before I go to use the spa.
The other way to use ozone with 24 hour circulation is to use a Silver Ion cartridge along with using a non-chlorine shock before each use. This is the more expensive way to go.
I like ozone - but many others don't.

Finally someone asks " title="Smile" /> To the best of my knowledge, there has NEVER been a published report of ANY test, showing ANY benefit of having ozone in a spa. None...nada (by the way, how ozone is used in a spa is very different that it's use in other applications, such as municipal water systems, water parks etc.)

This is a very good question, and I would like to see some proven benefits. The ozonator is a very expensive option, and I have yet to be proven that it's actually doing anything. I spend a fortune on all kinds of chemical products to keep my water clean. Having the ozonator is supposed to cause me to use fewer chemicals and have cleaner water, but I really think it's just smoke and mirrors.

I never tell people they use LESS chemicals with ozone. We use it with silver ion & non-chlorine shock. Using a shock before each use. This costs more. You can just use 1/2 teaspoon of chlorine per 250 gallons and be fine. Always test weekly for pH, Alkalinity & hardness.

Ozone is a very powerful Oxidizer ( and not a disinfectant). My guess is that the amount of Ozone relaesed in Hot tubs is very minimal. As a matter of fact there should be no Ozone present in the Tub water itself. Some public Swimming Pools use Ozone Systems (together with sanitizing agents of course), which is injected after the Filter - however the Ozone has to be removed before re-entering the Pool (usualy through an activated carbon filter). My Tub got an Ozonator - not that I really needed/ wanted one, but it was included in this model (Viking Heritage II). Will do a test soon to find out how much Ozone is present in the water (I hope none " title="Laughing" /> )

The only knowledge I have is from experience. I had an Ozone generator on my tub and all of a sudden I started having issues with a black spotty mold type stuff growing on the under side of the cover. I asked my dealer what might be causing the problem and he asked me to check the Ozone generator. sure enough it was burned out so I replaced it with a new solid state device and the problem went away.

It might have been a coincidence but I suspect not.