Ozone swimming pool technology sanitizes pool water by utilizing the natural sterilizing action that is produced when oxygen molecules are broken apart to produce ozone. The ozone is then forced into the swimming pool water, where it oxidizes any contaminates, before returning to its natural state, oxygen.
Ozone (O3) is basically oxygen (O2), with an extra oxygen atom that is produced by passing air over a specific ultraviolet (UV) light or through corona discharge (high voltage). Ozone is one of the strongest oxidation agents available and will bind quickly to every component that it contacts.
Because ozone binds so quickly and has a short half life, ozone does not leave residue in swimming pools or spas. This causes two important problems: it is very difficult to measure swimming pool water sanitization without expensive equipment and there is no sanitizing effect in the swimming pool once the pump is turned off.
Ozone generator manufacturers claim their systems are effective stand-alone swimming pool sanitizers. However, Bayside Pool Service has found that ozone generators are insufficient to sanitize swimming pools and spas in Florida’s harsh climate, unless used in conjunction with another pool sanitization product.
When Ozone is used in conjunction with a salt water swimming pool maintenance system or with an automatic chlorinator, it performs effectively. If it is used with a normal chlorine system, use of chemicals is reduced dramatically and levels of residual chlorine in a swimming pool can be relatively low, without incidence of algae.
For best results, Bayside Pool Service suggests using an ozone generator in conjunction with a salt water maintenance system. Although this configuration may be expensive to install (approximately $1500), it would enable you to run the salt cell for much shorter periods, thereby extending its life while keeping residual chlorine levels to a minimum.
ADVANTAGES OF OZONE-BASED SWIMMING POOL CLEANING SYSTEMS
- Powerful oxidation naturally sanitizes swimming pools and spas.
- Ozone systems use fewer swimming pool chemicals.
- Oxidation is safe, natural, and leaves no residue after oxidation.
- Oxidation tends to clean “scum” line left on a pool.
- Oxidation saves money on chemicals over time.
DISADVANTAGES
- Swimming pool sanitization is difficult to measure.
- No residue left in the pool and, therefore, no cleaning action when the pump is off.
- Some people don’t like seeing bubbles in the water returns.
- Ozone generator systems are more expensive to install than traditional swimming pool water filtrations systems.
