Welcome to our forum.
In my experience, the people suggesting that they're getting more than 6 months are usually basing it on water clarity which we all know is a mistake.
I can see both sides to this. I use ozone, and believe it to be an added form of "protection" as I do the N2 I use. Both are what I think of as systems to compliment the dichlor routine I use. I don't care about the <$10 it costs me to heat a new fill, I'll be changing my water out at 4 months or so, when weather permits even if it is crystal clear. Maybe I have nothing to gain but peace of mind...easily worth >$10 ...Oh, J_McD., I'm ALWAYS thinking LOL...nice that you thought I was thinking 'cause of what you thought, but I don't think so!
Now, if I live in the frozen north, I admit that like many of you I would be most interested in extending the drain cycle. But I don't. Regards,Bill
If you water is crystal clear, and let us assume your TDS were low to non existent, why do you need to change your water? It appears your ozonator is doing its job. Ozone does not contribute to TDS count, but may help to reduce them. Think about it.
I would agree, in this industry it is not recommended and the norm is what the dealer tells you. Water is H2O, nothing more nothing less. TDS are what is added to the H2O. This is where, I would suggest that people do a TDS sampling prior to draining their Hot tub.
A mistake? Maybe for some yes, but a simple TDS analysis will tell the truth. You are right, no product will reduce TDS, only add to it, but ozone does not produce TDS and does contribute to breaking it down to be filtered out.
Skepticism is an attitude marked by a tendency to doubt what others accept to be true. Many, at one time, where skeptical about open heart surgery, today it has become a common practice.
Ozone, I have spoken of it before, but this industry has the belief that chemicals are the solution and ozone is not reliable, nor can it be measured.
I have seen it posted here before on this web where people have had long term water, up to a year, and when their ozonator went out, the water turned to crap over night.
I begin to wonder why. I see some here have begun to do the math on the cost of heat, maybe some should measure TDS before water change to become more aware, rather than (how does that advertisement say it) “follow the crowd, follow the crowd”.
I have been challenged and criticized for my statements and support of ozone, as being a very viable sanitizer and oxidizer, and some of the results that can appeal to the Hot Tub consumer. But it is standard and considered the norm in this industry that chemicals can be measured, applied, accumulated and dumped, to start fresh generating an endless cycle.
I am not a microbiologist or any other form of scientific expert, and I profit nothing for espousing the use or application of ozone, but I do have a long history in this business at the grass roots of applications with over 3,000 customers, who have taught me what I have learned from them. Everybody else refers back to the industry standard, the norm and even the public health department. Who benefits most from the use of ozone, not me.