skip to main content

ozone & chlorine

14 years ago

I was told bt my PB that adding some kind of ozone generator along with chlorine would be beneficial to your skin and would require less chlorine.... I would like any thoughts on this do you use both and do you think it is worth the 500.00 to install this system? Thanks Mary

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

poolguynj
14 years ago
Wasted money, IMHO.

Ozone is a great oxidizer. Most undesired organics that come into contact with it are rendered either inert or dead.

That being said, it can ONLY augment some of what chlorine does. It is useless against algae and any biologicals that are stuck to the walls. It is only effective near the point of injection and a short distance there after.

Chlorine will do the same thing, just in some cases slower because of the concentrations used. In many cases, chlorine is faster.

Chlorine is still needed at the same level in the pool.

Ozone doesn't last long enough to leave a residual in the pool. It can't be tested for.

Ozone only works when the pump is on.

A properly chlorinated pool has enough chlorine to keep sanitizing the water when the pump is off.

Ozone systems need periodic servicing. Bulbs, hoses, valves, all need periodic replacement. This is on top of the initial and additional cost of adding them.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Scott
huskyridor
14 years ago
Ozone in an incredible sanitizer, and in sufficient amounts great on pools.
The problem is that residential ozonators generate such a little amount that they just aren't worth it unless you have it in a spa only.
When you step up to a commercial unit the price becomes cost prohibitive.
A little sodium bromide in the water helps its effectiveness bigtime but to much is bad.There are two popular ways to achieve it, UV light and corona discharge.
UV generates about 1/3 to 1/2 of a comparable CD but the CD does not like a wet air so if your in a high humidity area you'll need a dryer or it drops efficiency fast.

If I had just a hot tub I'd use it but I don't on my pool.
I'm not a fan of the systems most sell, if you really want one get the largest unit you can find and if you live in a dry climate get a Corona Discharge type. It'll make a lot more ozone.

See ya,
Kelly
Related Discussions
Feedback on Our Build Specifications
Q
Comments (3)
Cartridge filters is what most builders around here (Dallas) are using. My parents have a DE filter and its just a pain in the butt. Messy, dangerous... it does filter really well, but IMO not worth the effort. Ozone/Nature II really only kill a couple of the (really) bad things. They don't produce enough chlorine to keep a pool sanitary. You're either going to have to use some sort of chlorine dispenser or a salt water generator (SWG -- salt water pool). The benefits of the salt system are easier on clothes, eyes, no chlorine smell, simpler maintenance, lower operating costs (chemicals, etc.). The potential downsides are rock structure issues (so don't use a soft rock)... SWG all the way for me. Wouldn't have it any other way. Not sure where you're at (Texas somewhere I'm assuming). In our middle-upper middle class neighborhood you can get away without a spa, but it's typically expected. Our neighbors built a pool a couple years ago and didn't put one in (budget and "don't want one") and now they're getting bids to put one in (sad to look at the water for 4-5 months and know you can't get in). Also, 500sf of decking is small (we have ~720 and I think its small once you put a table and few chairs out. Given the size of your space (simply from the pool size) you should have more room... a plan would be helpful to know.
...See More
Ozone - fact or fiction
Q
Comments (27)
Ozone created via Ultraviolet light is the way to go! I would just say that those that bad mouth or say they are unnecessary have probably never installed one. My customers all rave about it. I am in the Houston, TX. area. Corona discharge systems are not effective in this humid climate. UV light is very effective. My opinion and others... Scientists have known for almost a century that UV is a powerful neutralizer of algae, bacteria and viruses. UV sanitizer technology was first used to sterilize drinking water over 30 years ago. Ultraviolet disinfection gained popularity in drinking water and wastewater disinfection about 10 years ago. Now ultraviolet sanitizers disinfect a significant percentage of all drinking and wastewater. The highly concentrated electromagnetic energy destroys organic matter and eliminates the formation of dangerous chlorine by-products called chloramines that commonly lead to red, stinging eyes, skin irritations, asthma and allergies. Ultraviolet is considered the best available technology for swimming pool disinfection. Studies show that in chemical disinfection, 90% of the chemicals are used for oxidation, and 10% for sanitation. Ultraviolet does both. Did you notice the enviable water quality at the Olympic games? The underwater cameras were able to shoot clearly across the entire pool. The secret? Ultraviolet disinfection. The secret is out, and now hundreds of commercial aquatic centers across the nation have installed UV. According to the United States EPA, "...UV has been found to be an effective disinfectant...simplicity of installation, ease of operation and maintenance, and low cost relative to chemical disinfection make UV a useful technology..." According to the World Health Organization, "Lower free chlorine concentrations may be health protective when UV is used." Some states are beginning to require UV on public pools. The state of New York recently mandated ultraviolet pool systems use on all public spray parks.
...See More
Bid Review and Some Questions
Q
Comments (4)
Im getting a similar a set up in the spring in NJ. I have to say the concrete cost seem a tad high. My guy gave me a price os $4.75/sf for plain concrete. The price you quote is closer to what my guy said would be for a colored or stamped concrete Good Luck
...See More
New pool owner question
Q
Comments (3)
"When the guy came to start up the pool he said 2 speeds are worthless" Incorrect! "and the ozone and chlorinator won't work while itÂs on low. Is this true?" No, it is not. Unless the power is tied to the high speed circuit. "Do I have to run the pool on high all the time?" No you do not. Chlorine tabs dissolve in 10,000's of floaters each year. The erosive quality of low speed is more than enough to add the chlorine. If the ozone is properly installed it can and usually does work better on low speed. Ken
...See More
ftwpoolgirl
14 years ago
We had one on our old pool. It did nothing. Waste of money. Our new pool will just be standard chlorine, no salt and no ozone. They're always coming up with stuff to sell you. They have to make a living too. Can't blame the pool companies for trying. Have a blessed day.

Related Stories

BEDROOMS 11 Reasons to Love White Bedding

By Toronto Interior Design Group

For easy bedding that makes neutrals sing and accessories pop, look to the white side

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 13 New Ways to Make a Splash With a Hot Tub

By Amber Hopman

Check out the modern options and custom features that are making outdoor spa tubs hot again

POOLS Trending Now: 20 Pools We Want to Dive Into

By Mitchell Parker

These dreamy backyard swimming spots are favorites with the Houzz community

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: Color-Happy Country Living in Fort Worth

By Sarah Greenman

See how this family’s Texas-sized home celebrates its whimsical, collected style through vibrant textiles and graphic patterns

HEALTHY HOME Sleep Happier and Healthier in a Toxin-Free Bedroom

By Robyn Lawrence

Light pollution, toxic bedding, wallpaper that off-gases ... if you're not getting good sleep, these bedroom blights might be to blame

Sponsored

More Discussions

Best outdoor furniture brand? And which type of Sunbrella?

1

Decking and stairs to pool

1

Pool shape help

3

Sunbrella Rain on Outdoor furniture: is Ebel Palermo worth the cost?

0

vinyl pool is slippery

0