Hot Tub Water Purification System - Ozone, Silver & Copper Ionizers and Zinc Ionizations

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Home > Buying a Hot Tub > Ancillary Products

Ancillary Products for Spa Water Clarity

What is an Automatic Water Purification System?
An important aspect to consider when selecting a hot tub is the method of water purification that you plan on using. Spas need chemical sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine, just like swimming pools, in order to keep the water clean. A supplement to chemical sanitizers are water purification systems that are built into the spa. These systems automatically sanitize your water, often enabling you to greatly reduce the amount of chemicals needed for water purification.

Ozone
Ozone is produced on-site of the spa by a special ozone generating unit. Ozone generators can be categorized as either ultra-violet (UV) light or corona discharge (CD) ozone systems. The current trend in the spa industry is toward CD systems. Not all CD systems are created equal. Most CD systems use a chip that must be replaced periodically, as it looses ozone output efficiency over time. While these systems are typically

more reliable than UV ozone technology, the ozone output is equivalent to UV ozone systems. Another type of CD system uses a cell design. This type of system is very stable in output over time with no degradation of ozone output. Ozone output for this type of system is much higher than either a UV or a CD chip system. Ozone is a practical addition to chlorine or bromine in helping keep the microbial activity to a minimum. Ozone is pH neutral, so it will not affect the water chemistry.

It also helps to reduce spa water of organic matter. Ozone has a relatively higher oxidizing strength than bromine or chlorine, but is less stable and is effected by temperature, relative humidity, and water chemistry parameters.

Ozone is an oxidizer, not a sanitizer. Contrary to some information circulated throughout the industry regarding ozone systems, ozone cannot be used as a single-source sanitizer. Ozone only assists in the sanitation of recreational water. A sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine must be present at all times from proper sanitation.

Silver/Copper Ionizers

Silver/Copper Ionizers are electrolytic devices that deliver measured amounts of silver and copper ions into the spa water. This electro-mechanical process uses a low voltage DC current, which is passed between these electrodes to release ions into the spa water.

The silver ions released into the spa water function as a bacteria stat. Silver ions kill bacteria at a slower rate than bromine and chlorine, thus preventing the growth of bacteria. Copper ions act as algicides or algae inhibitors depending on copper levels.

The Silver/Copper Ionizers should be used in conjunction with bromine, and chlorine. Silver is known to be inactivated by protein-like matter. Therefore, chlorine or non-chlorine shock (Sodium Monopersulfate) must also be used to periodically destroy any build-up of organic contaminants.

Zinc Ionization

Zinc ionization is highly recommended for all spas, but especially for those who use well water or who have a high mineral content in their water. Zinc ionization is a process where natural ionizers cluster unfilterable, microscopic impurities and keep them in suspension until they are large enough to be filtered efficiently. This simple electro-mechanical process uses a sacrificial anode (zinc plates) to draw stray electrical currents (e.g. copper, iron, and magnesium) to itself rather than to the pumps, filters, and heating element, extending their life and efficiency.

Zinc ionization also prohibits the growth of algae (a main ingredient in bacteria development), improves water clarity, and reduces the amount of chemicals needed to sanitize your spa. Other benefits include helping to keep your pH levels in balance while minimizing the build-up of minerals that scale your water.