4 min read

ALTERNATIVE POOL SANITATION SOLUTION: Ozone Generators & How They Work

ALTERNATIVE POOL SANITATION SOLUTION: Ozone Generators & How They Work
Clean is serene.
 

In LA County, many homeowners love living cleanly and naturally. Companies like The Honest Company, run by Jessica Alba in Playa Vista, are famous for their non-toxic and eco-friendly products. This eco-friendly trend has touched everything we do, from healthy smoothies to laundry detergent made from plant-based and hypoallergenic ingredients.

But what about pool maintenance? 

Traditionally, pools have relied on chemicals like chlorine, but times are changing, and people are seeking more sustainable solutions. That's where Ozone generators come in!

At J Designs Pool and Spa, we're passionate about creating the pool of your dreams while incorporating the latest in sanitation technology. With over 15 years of experience, we've helped our customers keep their pools clean with different filtration systems. Ozone generators have become a favorite among our clients.

In this article, we'll explore Ozone generators, how they work, the different types available, and the benefits they offer. Let's dive in!

Unlocking the Power of Ozone: Nature's Own Sanitizer

Ozone is a powerful natural disinfectant gas that cleans water effectively. Pool builders use Ozone generators paired with UV to remove bacteria and impurities from pool water.

Pool manufacturers now use Ozone technology to keep pool water clean, and prevent viruses and skin problems. Modern pool systems release Ozone safely into the water using hidden pumps. Any unused Ozone quickly turns back into oxygen, making it safe for the pool.

You might recall old commercials about Aqua Net Hairspray, which sounded the alarms with warnings about the dangers of Ozone. While direct exposure to high levels of Ozone can be harmful, pool systems now employ concealed pumps to introduce Ozone in a controlled manner into the water. This minimizes risk because the Ozone will break down rapidly, so any Ozone that is not used in the purification process will quickly revert to oxygen.

While low levels of Ozone exposure are safe, it's worth noting that "safe levels" can vary among individuals and excessive exposure can cause respiratory issues.

How Ozone Generators Work

Ozone generators are an essential part of modern pool cleaning systems. They release Ozone gas into the pool water, which helps remove bacteria, algae, and contaminants.

Ozone_Generators_HydraPureInfographic Courtesy of Hayward Pool Products
 

The process breaks down Ozone particles that bond with impurities in the water, leading to cleaner pool water. These generators need specific equipment like oxygen concentrators, plumbing, and gas tanks to work effectively and minimize the smell of Ozone and the presence of bubbles.

We repeat: clean is serene. Check out this amazing video that provides a clear view of swimming with water purified by Ozone!

 

Understanding Different Types Of Ozone Generators:

There are two main types of Ozone generators: corona discharge and UV generators.

   1. Corona Discharge Generator (CD):


Since the pandemic, also called the COVID era, the word "Corona" can make us feel uneasy. But don't worry! Corona Discharge Generators help fight viruses, just like we used a ton of hand sanitizer during the pandemic.

Corona discharge generators use electric shock to make Ozone, which kills pool bacteria. They have an electrical enclosure, a high-voltage power supply, an Ozone-making cell, and other parts. These generators usually produce more Ozone than UV generators.

   2. UV Ozone Generators:hydrorite-uv


UV light is often known for tanning beds and dentists, but it can also help make Ozone clean your pool water. UV Ozone generators use ultraviolet radiation to convert ambient air into Ozone gas. UV light splits the oxygen in the air, forming Ozone.

UV Ozone generators ensure clean and bacteria-free water by distributing Ozone into the pool water through venturi injection.

 

 

6 Benefits of Ozone Generators:

  1. Enhanced water clarity and cleanliness

  2. Reduced reliance on traditional chemical sanitizers

  3. Decreased skin and eye irritation

  4. Reduced damage to your pool finish and tiles

  5. Elimination of foul odors associated with traditional chlorine

  6. An environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to pool sanitation

“Ozone is probably the best swimming pool-spa water purification method available, and it is safe. Thousands of municipalities across the country purify their drinking water with Ozone. Ozone in water is not an irritant like the Ozone in air caused by high automobile pollution levels. Another benefit of Ozone is that it is a natural flocculator. This causes microscopic particles in the pool or spa water to clump together. This makes them big enough so the filter can remove them. You will still need some residual chlorine level in your pool water. This level is typically only about 10% to 20% as much as a chlorine-only pool. The chemical usage is even further reduced because the oxidation of the harmful chloramines and other chemicals frees up useful chlorine,” says the Los Angeles Times.

PRECAUTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH OZONE GENERATORS 

Ozone is a strong sanitizer for pools, but remember, it's a gas that can be harmful if you breathe it in.

Gaseous Ozone can be harmful to breathe at certain levels, but it's regulated to be safe. The limit set by OSHA is 0.1 parts per million over eight hours. However, when Ozone is aqueous Ozone, it's not expected to be harmful to humans at the levels normally used. Please consult with a certified pool professional along with the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the safe use and operation of their ozone generation system.

To install an Ozone generator, it's important to hire a certified professional pool builder and be prepared for the associated upfront costs. To ensure safe and effective use, the generator should be placed outdoors along with the rest of the pool equipment.  

Please remember to take care of your pool regularly. Failure to maintain it can result in Ozone gas entering the water, causing it to look and smell unusual. Therefore, make sure to regularly maintain your pool to ensure it functions effectively and lasts for an extended period.

To ensure a clean and healthy pool, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the professional installer as well as the manufacturer for safe usage.

Elevate Your Pool Experience with Ozone

After reading this article, you now know how Ozone generators can make your pool cleaner and safer. By harnessing the power of Ozone, these systems provide cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable swimming environments.

Residents in LA County rightfully demand innovative and customized solutions that align with their lifestyle preferences.

Our team at J Designs Pool and Spa is here to help. With our 15 years of expertise, we'll guide you toward creating a beautiful and natural pool sanctuary that reflects your commitment to excellence and organic living.

Take the first step towards that clean and serene path today by consulting our experts, who will guide you through the process of integrating an ozone generator into your pool. 

Not yet ready to call for a consultation? You may also be interested in these other articles:

3 SIGNS IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR POOL’S PLUMBING

THE CORROSIVE ARGUMENT AGAINST SALTWATER POOLS

Why Draining Your Pool Is Not The Answer

Why Draining Your Pool Is Not The Answer

For many homeowners, whether to drain a pool is daunting, especially in the aftermath of heavy rainfall or when faced with the challenge of...

Read More
The Ultimate Guide to Pool Material and Color Selections

The Ultimate Guide to Pool Material and Color Selections

Embarking on the journey to design your dream pool involves more than just choosing the right size or shape; selecting materials and colors plays a...

Read More
The Cost of Building a Pool in Los Angeles

The Cost of Building a Pool in Los Angeles

Los Angeles residents often consider investing in an inground swimming pool to escape the heat and create a gathering space for their families. The...

Read More