Ozonator failure

[watzup]

After 2.5 years, my ozonator has quit.  I tested it by looking in the bottom 3 holes for a "blue" light, do not see anything.  It is a Sanizone Plasma Ozonator.  Any suggestions other than replacing it with the same type/brand? Is this typical life for an Ozonator?  TIA

[clover]

Ozonators have a limited life expectency and will expire sometime in 3 to 5 maybe 6 years.  You have a UV ozone and if the light is not activating on then you should replace it.  I would strongly suggest replacing it.  The other option of course is to revert to a chemical regime to maintain your water maintenence.

Ozone is a great boost in helping with maintaining sparkeling clean and cryatal clear water without a great deal of time, attention or chemicals.

[Steve]

I'd just leave it as is. The payback period isn't worth the cost of repair.

[tony]

I'd just leave it as is. The payback period isn't worth the cost of repair.

I agree.

[watzup]

WOW, I am surprised at that answer.  I priced one today, it was $130.  (Simple install, plug it in and connect the hose)

[Steve]

I certainly didn't say it's thousands...

My question is, how long will it take you to recover that cost and is the benefit worth it? IMO, it's not and I'd put that money towards a years worth of free chemicals...

[clover]

Ozone introduces a sanitizer / oxidizer to your system on a continuing basis without you.  Chemicals you must monitor and administer on a regular on going basis as needed, but it requires your time, attention and interpretation as to how much and when, and thus involves you as the administrator.

Ozone is known to be very helpful in maintaining sparkling clean and crystal clear water, however you will not find everyone to be "pro" ozone, while many others are very "pro" ozone for water chemistry.

I, for one, believe it to be very useful and beneficial.  We have been using ozonators since the 80's.  We have put more than 4,000 units into service over time and 97% of the people choose to replace them as they expire.  The reason is simple, they can see a difference in water quality after the ozone expires and they use a great deal more chemicals than before.

[watzup]

I certainly didn't say it's thousands...

My question is, how long will it take you to recover that cost and is the benefit worth it? IMO, it's not and I'd put that money towards a years worth of free chemicals...

Since you are no longer in "the business" and your answer is centered around cost/benefit, help me out and do a c/b for the replacement I mentioned vrs 3 years worth of chemicals without ozone.  I have used chemicals AND ozone since the tub was new.  My spa is 262 U.S. gallons.

[tony]

Ozone is essentially an oxidizer, which is what non chlorine shock is.  At the rate that ozone is introduced to water, its effectiveness is open to debate.  Actually, the amount that is absorbed into the water and not just "gassed off" is suspect.  Most ozone supporters will say their customers find water maintenance easier or use less chemicals, but there is very little data to back this up.

My ozonator never really died, but after four years the nitric acid ate the plastic piece that connects the tubing.  I have been without an ozonator for two and a half years and find my water just as easy to maintain.  I now prefer to add a couple of tablespoons of non chlorine shock once a week to get the same effect.  This way I can leave my cover off while it off gasses rather than have all the ozone collect under the cover doing damage to the pillows and knobs (which it does).

[watzup]

Ozone is essentially an oxidizer, which is what non chlorine shock is.  At the rate that ozone is introduced to water, its effectiveness is open to debate.  Actually, the amount that is absorbed into the water and not just "gassed off" is suspect.  Most ozone supporters will say their customers find water maintenance easier or use less chemicals, but there is very little data to back this up.

My ozonator never really died, but after four years the nitric acid ate the plastic piece that connects the tubing.  I have been without an ozonator for two and a half years and find my water just as easy to maintain.  I now prefer to add a couple of tablespoons of non chlorine shock once a week to get the same effect.  This way I can leave my cover off while it off gasses rather than have all the ozone collect under the cover doing damage to the pillows and knobs (which it does).

So what did you do with the tubing, just cap it off or leave it open.  The non-chlorine shock something like "renew"

[hottubdan]

So what did you do with the tubing, just cap it off or leave it open.  The non-chlorine shock something like "renew"

Renew is a brand of MPS, non-chlorine shock.

[tony]

So what did you do with the tubing, just cap it off or leave it open.  The non-chlorine shock something like "renew"

I left the tubing open with check valves in place so I still get "the bubbles".