Toiletsguide is audience-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission that we use for site maintenance. Learn more

Blogs

Hot Tub Ozonator Pros and Cons: To Try or Not to Try?

hot tub ozonator pros and cons
Written by Elizabeth Fincher
Last Update: August 10, 2023

A spa ozone generator produces ozone, an excellent oxidizer of spa water. Ozonated spa water is safer, cleaner, and more hygienic that fights bacteria, germs, viruses, and bather waste like sweat.

Different techniques are used in the Ozonator to create ozone, including corona discharge and UV rays. The oxygen molecules break up into free atoms and then collided with each other to produce ozone.

Wondering whether to get an Ozonator? Here are some pros and cons to consider first.

Hot Tub Ozonator Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Ambient humidity is not an issue

You can use them anywhere in Florida’s swamps or in Northwestern Colorado’s cold, dry air. Either way, they’ll work fine if you choose the UV light model.

Choosing the UV option is a good idea if you live where it is often humid at 60% or above on a regular basis.

2. Water consumption reduction

This unit will decrease the amount of maintenance needed on your hot tub. If you install an Ozonator on a hot tub, owners may go up to one year before changing their water.

3. Maintenance time and cost reduction

Maintaining a chlorine system, for example, reduces chemical build-up and necessitates maintenance schedules. However, ozonators do not need extra maintenance because they are used frequently.

4. No risk of leaving harmful chemical

Ozonators disinfect the hot tubs’ water by using natural processes. As a result, water does not need treatment with harsh chemicals like bromine and chlorine to keep it clean.

5. Reduced rate of common skin conditions

Ozonators are chemical-free. They reduce the risk of skin conditions associated with hot tub use, such as eczema.

6. Reduction of odors and chloramines

If the hot tub has been sitting for a while, the chlorine or bromine odor is horrible. With an ozonator on your model, odors are reduced before, during, and after use.

7. Reduction in maintenance

Due to the natural chemicals used by Ozonators, owners don’t have to do more upkeep. As a result, sanitizers are not frequently needed to keep the water clean. This can lead to significant savings for owners.

8. Affordable

You can expect to pay around $100 for an ozonator. However, it will pay for itself in no time when you compare it to the cost of chemical sanitizers.

9. Hot tub water can be left for a longer period

You can leave the water in the hot tub for longer periods before it needs draining and replacing. It has been left clean and free of contaminants that might remain on its lining.

10. The smell is not strong and irritating

Ozonators create ozone by combining three oxygen molecules. Unlike their chemical counterparts, ozonators do not produce strong, irritating odor.

11. Better water quality

It is beneficial to use an installed ozonator for some water purification duties due to lower levels of chemicals needed to maintain the same purity level.

12. Natural purification

Using an ozonator will save you money on chemicals and increase your water quality. You will need less sanitizer, such as chlorine or bromine.

The water is oxidized and broken down to remove chemicals, waste, and compounds. Upon coagulation, they form clumps that end up in the filter, where they can be removed and cleaned.

13. Enhanced chlorine and bromine performance

Maintaining a residual may require less chlorine or bromine. There are improvements in water quality if ozone, chlorine, and bromine are combined.

14. Oxidation in soaps, deodorants, and hair spray

Ozone is utilized in a hot tub to oxidize and remove a variety of contaminants. Oils, perfumes, and germs are taken out as part of this process.

15. Oxidization occurs in the contaminants

Adding ozone to your water kills a variety of foreign organisms that are common in these systems. You can remove soap, perfume, hand lotions, sweat, and even urine. Combined with other products, it will kill pathogenic microbes, viruses, and bacteria.

16. Skin conditions are less likely to develop

The oxidizing effect of ozone won’t affect the skin. Therefore, rashes and sores are less likely to occur. Thanks to this technology with the lower use of chemicals and pure water.

17. Works with alternative sanitizers

Bromine, chlorine, and lithium are 100% compatible with ozone.

18. Cleaning solution that lasts longer

You will notice a difference in the appearance and feel of the water in your spa.

The water in hot tubs with ozonators only needs changing every 8 to 12 months while chemical sanitizers only need changing every 3 months.

Cons

1. Hot tubs may can suffer damage

Hot tubs can suffer damage using an Ozonator. In addition, the hot tub cover can collect gas over time, which can damage it. You can mitigate this by taking the cover off your hot tub every few days.

2. Possible malfunction ing

Ozonators will malfunction without proper installation, requiring more maintenance and increasing costs. In the event of a malfunction ing Ozonator, water needs disinfecting.

You need to drain the hot tub, clean it, and then reinstall the Ozonator or use chemical cleaners.

3. Installation takes a long time

Due to the lack of Ozonators in most hot tubs, the installation process can be lengthy. In addition, not all hot tubs are suitable for Ozonators. To ensure that an Ozonator can go into you spa, consult the owner’s manual.

4. An Ozonator’s effects do not last very long because

To see the effects of ozonators, they need to run frequently. The Ozonator’s effect only lasts 12 hours.

5. Irritation of the lungs

If ozone levels are too high, the respiratory system can suffer irritation. Symptoms include coughing and chest irritation.

6. Replacement every three years

Water does not preserve ozone very well. This is why they need to run often, resulting in more replacements and a 3-year lifespan on average.

FAQs

Q. 1: Is ozone better than chlorine?

Ans. Ozone purifies water 3000 times faster. Ozone does not leave behind chlorinated byproducts in the water. Whenever ozone is not used, it turns back into pure oxygen.

Q. 2: Are ozonators always running?

Ans. Ozone is effective at sanitizing water but should be running for four to six hours daily. How frequently and how many people use your hot tub will determine how often you run the ozonator.

Q. 3: An Ozonator in a hot tub lasts how long?

Ans. An Ozonator usually lasts between two and three years before it needs replacing. If you use your hot tub often for a long time, you should change it even sooner.

About the author

Elizabeth Fincher

Elizabeth started her career as an interior design artist at a multinational interior design farm. She completed her masters degree from the University of North Texas back in 2010. She was also a Spelling Bee runner-up when she was 14. She took interest in bathroom interior designing after joining her first job. Later she started her own firm as an independent artist. She’s been one of the founding members of Toiletsguide. She examines the design and ergonomics of the units we review and directs the interior decoration team of our in-house research facility. Elizabeth plays piano masterfully and always finds time to entertain us in between our busy schedules.

Leave a Comment