Both ozonators (ozone generators) and UV lights are commonly used in hot tubs for water sanitization, but they work in different ways to achieve the same goal - clean, sanitized water. Read more to find out how they work and how they can reduce chemical sanitizer usage.
WHAT IS AN OZANATOR?
An ozonator is a device that generates ozone (O₃), a powerful oxidizer, and injects it into the hot tub water. Ozone is highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by breaking down their cell walls. It also helps to eliminate organic compounds and contaminants in the water. The ozone produced by the ozonator is typically considered the primary sanitizer in the hot tub.
Our tubs use electrical ionization technology to create ozone gas. The ozone generator is installed in the plumbing system, and the ozone gas gets sucked in by a dedicated mazzei injector. The injector then injects it into the water. There is also a mixing chamber, where ozone bubbles are broken up to cover more surface area and effectively destroy bacteria.
HOW IS UV LIGHT USED?
Ultraviolet (UV) light systems utilize UV-C rays to disinfect hot tub water. A UV bulb is installed in the plumbing system of the hot tub, and as water passes through the UV light mixing chamber where the bulb is located, it is exposed to UV-C light.
UV-C light has germicidal properties and is effective in deactivating or killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by disrupting their DNA or RNA. The UV-C light is an additional layer of sanitization and reduces the microbial load in the hot tub water.
All of our tubs come UV ready! A UV BULB can be added for an extra layer of sanitization.
MYTH: OZONE ON ITS OWN WORKS JUST AS WELL AS AS U.V. FOR SANITIZING MY SPAS
That is a myth. Ozone kills bacteria but any left over bacteria is still able to reproduce. UV light sterilizers the bacteria to prevent the bacteria from reproducing.
For optimal sanitization, utilize both ozonation and UV light together to maintain clean and safe water for users and reduce chemical usage.