What is an Ozonator for a swimming pool?

If you own a pool, you must know that it requires chlorine for regular pool maintenance. The routine usually involves testing the chemical balance of the pool two to three times every week and adding chemicals when needed. Apart from this, you also have to ensure that the filtration system is properly functioning and the interiors of the pool are well kept. Fortunately, there is a way to simplify the pool maintenance process while ensuring that the pool quality is maintained. The answer to this is Ozonator. Read on to learn what it is and how it can help you:

What is pool ozone?

Ozone, as you might know, is made up of three oxygen atoms and is blue in colour. If you add it to your swimming pool, it can kill and inactivate viruses, parasites, and bacteria. It is a great oxidizer, meaning that it can destroy contaminants present in your pool water.

It sanitises your pool using the circulation system. As the circulated water returns to the swimming pool, it has a low and safe concentration of ozone. Since there is no residual disinfectant, you still have to add another chemical, such as chlorine or bromine to the pool water to ensure that the pool water is safe and sanitized for use.

How does an Ozonator work?

A pool ozone generator or an Ozonator sanitises the pool when the water is travelling through the circulation system of the pool. Before the sanitised water is returned to the pool, the ozone supply is depleted. If present in large concentrations, ozone is unsafe for humans.

There are two types of generators through which an Ozonator might produce oxygen. In order to understand how they function, you have to first note that Ozone has three oxygen atoms (O3), whereas oxygen has two (O2). Now, let’s get into the type of generators:

1. Corona Discharge

A corona discharge Ozonator splits the air’s oxygen molecules into a singular atom. To do this requires a ring of energy that is produced by a high voltage electrical discharge. This creates an environment that leads to the creation of ozone. The singular molecule attaches itself to the O2 molecules present in the air, creating ozone (O3).

2. Ultraviolet light

A UV ozone generator uses a UV lamp that emits light at 185 nanometers. This light splits the oxygen molecules, passing them as singular atoms. To stabilise, the singular oxygen atoms combine to form ozone molecules.

When it comes to scrambling the oxygen atoms for producing ozone, both of these generators do the same thing. But, there are a few ways in which they differ. For instance, the corona discharge generator creates a higher concentration of ozone than the UV one. Also, they are more expensive and difficult to maintain. So, before you make the final decision, research all of your options.

After either type of these generators has produced ozone, it must be dissolved into your pool water for sanitizing water and eliminating contaminants like parasites, viruses, and bacteria. To dissolve the ozone, a process known as venturi injection is performed. In this, pressurised water is used for creating a vacuum, which pulls the ozone (created from the generator) into the water circulating through the system.

What is the cost of an Ozonator?

The cost of the Ozonator for your fibreglass swimming pools Perth will depend on a wide range of factors, including the size of your pool, generator type, concentration and output of ozone, and whether the oxygen is fed through an oxygen-producing system or is provided through dry air. You also have the option of buying a hybrid system that not only adds oxygen but salt and chlorine as well.

Because of all these factors, the price of an Ozonator can be anywhere in the range of $1000 to $3000, including the cost of the Ozonator and installing it. The bigger the size of your pool, the higher the cost of the Ozonator will be.

Ozone vs Chlorine Pool

Both types of pools have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s get into that:

Ozone pool

Pros

• Easy to maintain - Now that you have ozone teaming up with chlorine to remove harmful contaminants, you won’t have to manually clean your pool as often. While you will still have to take out large debris, the maintenance will be automated and need less treatment.
• Reduces pool odour - Ozone can kill mildew and mask the smell of chlorine, making your pool smell clean and fresh. Also, since it requires less chlorine, your pool’s chemical exposure will be reduced as well.
• Can be adapted to water types - If your pool water comes from a hard water supply, managing it might become difficult because of the scale build-up on the pipes and walls. Ozonators can oxidize the water and prevent the buildup of calcium carbonate.

Cons

• Needs chemical supplementation - Even though an Ozonator is very effective, you will still need a supplement like bromine or chlorine as it doesn’t have residual disinfecting properties.
• High upfront costs - The upfront cost of buying and installing an ozone pool system can be high. Also, if your ozone generator requires dry air, you will have to place it above ground, and if it uses an oxygen-producing system, you can install it underground.

Chlorine pool

Pros

• Affordable - For a chlorine pool, you don’t need any installation, meaning that there are no high upfront costs. Also, it remains inexpensive and effective throughout the lifespan of your pool.
• Effective sanitization - Chlorine releases a weak acid known as hypochlorous acid that is very effective in destroying viruses and bacteria. As long as you use it in the right concentration, it will be a powerful and safe disinfectant.
• Safe - Even though it can be harmful if it gets into contact with the eyes or is swallowed, it is a relatively safe chemical for you to interact with. Also, if chlorinated pool water gets on your clothing, pool deck or patio furniture, there is little risk of damage.

Cons

• High maintenance - For a chlorine pool, you must have a regular extensive testing and maintenance process. If the pH is higher than 7.8, chlorine will be ineffective. So, you must test the water and make chemical adjustments frequently.
• Strong odour - Chlorine has a very strong, pungent scent. If you come into contact with chlorinated water, that scent will stick to your hair, skin, and clothes. The scent comes because of the chlorine interacting with the bacteria, resulting in the formation of chloramine. At times, this scent can be overpowering.

Conclusion

Now that you know the difference between ozone and chlorine pool systems, you are prepared to make the decision. If you are still unsure and want more information, you can contact professionals.