Ozone is a great oxidizer but due to its volatile nature only lasts a few seconds so there is no residual protection requiring you to add chlorine or bromine. Ozone generators for spas are very low output and will quickly degrade over time requiring frequent replacement in order to realize the benefits.

Ozone is a great suppliment and will help you use less chlorine or bromine. An ozonator with good output will oxidze the copper and silver in mineral cartridges, causing them to be trapped in the filter.

You bought your spa and like most things it was great when you first got it but over time, things went slowly downhill until you noticed that things were just not the way you remembered them when it was new. The good news is that it is not your fault. Traditional spa chemicals are to blame and here is why:
Chlorine and bromine tablets and powders require a chemical molecule to “hold onto” the chlorine or bromine molecule to keep it from escaping and to make it hold its tablet shape. Kind of like how a prison cell keeps a prisoner locked up until it is time for the prisoner to be released.

The problem with these additives, primarily cyanuric acid or conditioner which is the carrier for tri chlor tablets or granules and sodium dichlor powder. BCDMH (Abbreviation for a very long string of words) is the carrier for bromine. These components dissolve in the water and quickly build up a residual which will increasingly inhibit the chlorine and bromine’s ability to oxidize. Oxidation is needed to keep your water clean, clear and sanitary. Low oxidation can also cause irritation because the water is not properly sanitized. These additives also have a dramatic effect on lowering your pH and alkalinity which will cause corrosion of metal parts, degrade spa shell appearance and cause itchy skin and eye irritation. Bromine by itself is known to lower total alkalinity.

This is why you will notice that after you drain and refill your pool or hot tub, that the first month in heavily used pools, spas and hot tubs – and much longer in a low usage pool goes relatively smooth and then it gradually gets worse until you drain and refill again.

The next post will be on ozone

Starting on Monday July 21, 2008 I will start a series on pool, spa and hot tub treatment options. After almost 24 years of servicing recreational water, I have seen many things come and go and come again and having personal experience with most of the options available, I know what works well and what doesn’t, including the economy of these different options.

The discussion will be about the practical pros and cons of traditional and alternative water sanitizing options. The first post will be on traditional treatment options which will be dry chlorine and bromine products.

My goal has always been to find the best overall solution for consumers to this often confusing topic. I hope you find this imformative and welcome your comments.