Ozonators in Hot Tubs And Spas
Ozonators, yes or no?
By Vince Bergan June 2006

Although nearly all portable spas manufactured today either come with ozone or are "ozone ready", there is little scientific proof that ozone is as beneficial as is commonly thought. The question is this. Should you get the ozonator or not?

There are claims that say ozone use will decrease chemical usage in spa water care. By how much? There is no data, only anecdotal reports.

*** Even the ozone device manufacturers don't have any studies or data regarding ozonator usefulness.


 The problem is that ozone is a very unstable oxidizer. It can be measured in the spa water. It is usually detected near the ozone injector hole but not in the corners of the spa. It is known to have a short life and "gases off" quickly out of the water. Because of these facts, it seems an ozonator does not provide the necessary constant level of residual sanitizer in the spa in between uses. So ozone can't be depended on to eliminate the need for a residual sanitizer. Another sanitizer system must still be used along with the ozone.

The typical hot tub ozonator is only oxidizing the water that it bumps into. So based on all that I have read, an ozonator is clearly optional. A few spa manufacturers have come to this same conclusion and do not recommend ozonators any longer.

The Spa Specialist recommends an ozonator if you are going to use the ECO One sanitizer system. This is based on Jim's experience with the ECO One water treatment system.

Personally, I use the Instant Ions (copper/silver/zinc ions) without an ozonator because it is simple and inexpensive. I feel that I use very small quantities of chemicals. I have very clear fresh smelling water. I have never had an episode of cloudy water or scum at the water line in over a year of heavy spa use. I use 1/2 tsp of dichlor and 2 teaspoons of non chlorine shock after I get out of the spa each use. I use a bit more if there are 3 or more users. I also shock once weekly per instructions (1 tablespoon dichlor and 2 tablespoon non-chlorine shock). I pay close attention the the pH of the water. I can't imagine that I would use much less chemicals if I had an ozonator. I use so little as it is.