Ozone- Is it worth it?

[rosewoodsteel]

Hi,
I currently own an old Coleman Horizon tub, without an ozonator, and have been looking for a new hot tub.   After getting some prices from one manufacturer, I found that adding Ozone will run me anywhere from approximately  $560 to $800 extra..   Wow, at that price, I'd be set up for many, many years with chemicals, so, why should I bother with it.   Also, I have read that ozone can degrade "pillows" and covers.    With this in mind, I'm thinking about discarding the ozone.

Where am I going wrong here?

[Hottubguy]

Which manufacturer?  That seems like an awful lot for an ozonator

[rosewoodsteel]

My thoughts exactly.   Artic Spas.

[hottubdan]

Wrong manufacturer?

[goneaway]

Can you not retro fit a non oem one. ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A2Z-Ozone-Aquatic-2-Ozone-Generator-Hot-Tub-Spa-Ozonator-AUCWED3-/321255387968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4acc503340

[Tman122]

Can you not retro fit a non oem one. ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A2Z-Ozone-Aquatic-2-Ozone-Generator-Hot-Tub-Spa-Ozonator-AUCWED3-/321255387968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4acc503340

No you can not. Unless, the tub is Ozone ready. Some are but not all.

[rosewoodsteel]

So, are ozone systems really worth it in the long run?
Do they shorten the life of your cover?
I used my Coleman for years and never missed it.

Hottubdan, what manufacturer would you suggest?   
After looking into tubs for the last few weeks, the one thing I have learned is that a HT company makes it's bread and butter with their options.    $1100 extra for enhanced lighting?  $1995 for the "top of the line" music system.
$800 for "our" best ozone system..

[rosewoodsteel]

Tman122,

Retrofitting looks like the way to go.   Thank you.

[goneaway]

As Tman suggested, the tub would of course need to be Ozone ready.
Usually indicated with a single small jet in the footwell i believe.

[Tman122]

As Tman suggested, the tub would of course need to be Ozone ready.
Usually indicated with a single small jet in the footwell i believe.

The jet in the footwell will have a contact chamber (which is a chunk of 1/2-3/8 tubing 4-10' long) and a mazzi injector attached to it. On an ozone ready tub this contact chamber will be wrapped up, hanging and plugged in the equipment bay of the tub. That's not to say you can't install the tubing/injector in the plumbing for a small footwell jet. I have done it. Some companies use a manifold for a contact chamber.

Yes they will shorten the life of your cover. But your cover will have it's life shortened faster by the elements outside, sun, rain, snow and sanitation all contribute to your covers degradation faster. This does not mean I'm an advocate of ozone. I could take it or leave it. If it's super cheap and or included in the tub sure it can help reduce the amount of chemicals used between uses and contribute to cleaner clearer water. Make sure your choice includes a 24/7 circulation system if ozone is important to you. 4-8 hours of ozone is useless IMO and that's generally how much filtration is required for a non 24/7 circ pump tub.

[rosewoodsteel]

The ozone system with a 24/7 circulation pump is the one that goes for $800.00...

Any other opinions on the cost / benefit of having an ozonator?

Thanks,
John

[bob snader]

No you can not. Unless, the tub is Ozone ready. Some are but not all.

Actually that's not quite true. You will need an injector kit though on top of the ozonator which goes in line with your pump. You can get injector kits for about $30 and up

Being "ozone ready" simply makes things a little easier is all.

[bob snader]

Any other opinions on the cost / benefit of having an ozonator?

I disconnected mine. Didn't see any advantages to it at all and didn't see any adverse effects in not running it. Just another selling gimmick as far as I can see.

[rosewoodsteel]

There seem to be a lot of selling gimmicks, imo.   $ 800 for "top of the line" ozone.  1K for an air blower with jets.  And forget about having exterior lighting without paying out of your nose for a lighting package.   
I think I'm going to pass on all of the frills and just go with a basic package.  The reason I love hot tubs is soaking outside while the snow is falling, while drinking some wine.   Or, if it's not snowing, just watching the stars.   

[Tman122]

As was stated before. Try a different manufacturer. There are better brands out there.