We're spa-ing...
My new inherited spa (Hot Springs, 1998 Sovereign, 110VAC) is now working great. Hot water. Yeah!! Only took about 18 hours to heat (65 to 108) with my hair dryer sized heater.

Now to deal with the water.
I've been told to add an ozonator, but I am pretty sure my old spa (actually new to me) is not ozone-ready. Which unit would work the best to retrofit into this spa?

I also understand that the ozone system system does not eliminate the need for chemicals. Which is best for this type of spa, Vhlorine, bromine, or ??? We will be using it most every day (dad and mom always; also three boys, and sometimes the dog...).

Can I get it all from spapartsnet?
Thanks again.
Ray

Ray, good of you to be inquiring on proper water care! This is perhaps the most vital to the health and life of the spa and it's components. I am by far no expert on this issue, but I can tell ya what I know. Most modern spas such as yours usually have a circulation pump. When you add an ozonator, you connect it to the same output as that pump, so when ever you are on the filter/heat cycle, you are adding ozone. Ozone only lasts for a few seconds from its generation, so it needs to get to the water immediately. Most retrofit kits will show you how to add it to your circulation pump discharge waterline. Usually this involves a simple cut of the hose, and the installation of a "Tee" fitting. A word on ozonators. There are 2 basic types out there, CD (corona discharge) and UV (ultra-violet). The CD ozonators are by far the better, but they do cost more. They provide a constant supply of ozone throughout their lifespan (5-7 years typically) where as UV ones slowly degrade over their lifespan and last only 3-5 years. Their benefit for use is that you can use a lot less chemical and still have sanitary water. This is because ozone is an oxidant, just like chlorine, and will attack the impurities in the water. It will also kill the chloramines that are left over when chlorine does it's job. If you do use an ozonator, adjust your chemicals to about 1/2 to 1/3 of the "normal" reading on your chemical test.

Now for the differences of bromine and chlorine. Bromine is much more stable than chlorine, meaning that it's a lot easier to keep the proper amount in the water. But it does cost a little more, and you must set up a "bromine base" initially when you first fill the tub. Also be aware that if the spa had used chlorine prior to you getting it, you have to make very very very sure that you have absolutely clean pipes and equipment. If you have a floating chemical feeder, REPLACE THIS and do not use it if you switch from one chemical to the other. The reason is that bromine reacts with chlorine, and in some cases can become explosive. Improper chemical balance is the number one cause for component failure in hot tubs, especially with regards to the PH balance. Always balance the PH before you balance your oxidizer (chlorine or bromine).

And one last note. KEEP THE DOG OUT OF THE TUB! It may be cute to have fluffy in the tub, but his hair will be very detrimental to the pumps and valves and everything else. You don't want to have a 300.00 pump bill due to the shaft getting wound up with hair. Not only this, but the temperature and the chemicals in the water for a hot tub will be very harmful to puppy's skin and eyes. Tubs are no place for pets, ever!

Sorry this got to be so long, but there is a lot of information to know and it is VITALLY important to your spa care!

Good luck and welcome to hot tubbin!

Jeremy

Thanks Charger1,
The puppy has not been in the spa since the first time. I guess everyone had to try it out once.

Do you have any recommendations for an ozonator? I would rather go with one that some else know works than spin the wheel of fortune (or misfortune)

I don't know of any "better" or "worse" brands. They are all pretty much the same technology. I would personally shoot for a mid-level price range, since a few popular named ones are quite expensive, and you would be paying for the name. The low end ones should be just fine, but in most cases the old adage is true of "you get what you pay for". What I would do is check around to see if you can find a manual for your spa, since perhaps it is ozone ready. My 1994 and newer tubs all were ozone ready. If yours does turn out where it is ozone ready, it might be best to stick with the hot springs brand for ease of installation. Otherwise be on the lookout for one that is easiest to install.

Don't get too caught up in ozonater choice... even an inexpensive O3 unit will perform admirably in your Hot Spring Spa. Hot spring's current line of FreshWater 3 Ozone generators are quite expensive, and though they may produce an impressive concentration of ozone, it probably won't be of much benefit...

Hot Springs uses a 24 hour silent circulation pump, and 3/4" vinlyl tubing. The most important decision in your choice of Ozone generator is probably getting one that fits. Be sure it comes with a venturi valve that will fit 3/4" tubing.

Also, you will have to keep your filters, particularily the filter dedicated to the 24 hour circ pump, especially clean. Since you will have to maintain a certain flow rate through the venturi vlave in order to create a vacuum (thus drawing in ozone from the ozone generator), a dirty filter may impede that process.

At any rate, I wouldn't spend more than 100 to 150 on one...

Enjoy- an ozone generator is a great addition to the spa

I'm a newbie here also been reading alot, on the topic of ozone generators how do we know if it is still working, is there an indicator.