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Spa Ozone Test by DEL Ozone Takes the Doubt Out

Posted on 25th Jul 2011 @ 8:27 AM

 

“How can I tell if my spa ozonator’s working?”

spa-ozone-test-picture.jpg

Classic question.

Finally, DEL Ozone has a science-based solution that gives answers.

Spa Ozone Test Kit by DEL Ozone

DEL's Spa Ozone Test Kit contains a glass tube (smaller than a pencil), partially filled with indigo-blue powder and sealed on both ends.  Once the glass is prepared and inserted into the ozone supply line, and the spa gets turned back on, the Spa Ozone Test will either:

  • Remain blue. Nothing happens. This means your ozonator has expired.  There is not enough ozone to bleach the powder.  Time to replace your spa ozonator
  • Bleach white Good news. This means your ozone generator is producing ozone and there is enough ozone to bleach the powder white which means there's enough ozone to sanitize your spa water

DEL created a video (see link below) showing Do-It-Yourselfers how to use the Spa Ozone Test Kit. At the end of the video see what perfect ozone bubbles look like.

Watch this great video on how to use DEL's Spa Ozone Test Kit

You'll see DEL performs the test at the ozone outlet barb.  However, most people don’t test their spa ozonator in the first five years of owning the spa and, over time, the ozone outlet barb becomes brittle and may break off, leaving you high-and-dry and in need of a new spa ozone generator.

If your spa ozonator is five years or older we suggest testing for ozone at the check valve instead of the ozone outlet barb.  Cut the tubing and check valve out; don’t waste your energy trying to remove the old check valve.  Be prepared and buy a check valve now.

If your spa ozone generator is still producing ozone, take these next steps to make sure ozone is getting into the spa water properly.

  1. Is the ozone supply tubing still connected to the water system, or has it fallen off?  Just because you see bubbles doesn’t mean you have ozone; it could just be air.  If the tubing is disconnected you will see BIG bubbles (bigger than a pearl) in the spa 
  2. Is the ozone check valve still operable? Check valves can fall apart or get stuck shut.  If there is sticky, yellow goo (nitric acid) or lots of white calcium on your check valve, it probably needs replacing.  Ozone check valves should be replaced annually (don't wait more than two years).  Prevent costly failure and keep a spare check valve on hand; tape it to your ozonator for easy finding.
  3. Is ozone is getting dissolved properly?  There should be tiny bubbles entering your spa, popping on the surface like champagne bubbles (see the last scene of the above DEL Ozone video). If your bubbles are too big, follow the steps below to minimize ozone off-gas.

Do you NEED to purchase a Spa Ozone Test?  Not necessarily.  Some ozone generators have indicator lights that let you know it’s functioning, like DEL Ozone's MCD-50, T3, Spa Eclipse™, and CDS-16 Spa Ozone Generators.  

If you have an old-style UV ozone generator, we recommend using the Spa Ozone Test.  The UV light may be on but acting as a false indicator.  The light can light up for years, some up to 18 years.  UV ozone generators have Mercury gas in the lamps (which require special disposal). After about 9,000 hours, the Mercury vaporizes and ozone can’t be made at the levels needed to sanitize spa water.  "Light's on, but nobody's home."

DEL's Spa Ozone Test is not like spa ozone test strips that you dip in the water.  In fact, with regards to ozone, test strips don't work.  Ozone breaks down so fast (seconds), there isn’t any ozone in the spa and, therefore, can't be tested.  Ozone disinfects spa water at the point of entry – where the ozone gas meets the spa water (can be an injector; can be a jet). This is the best place for ozone testing – where it first enters the spa water.

Are your bubbles too big?  Big bubbles are a big problem.  It means ozone is not dissolved in your spa water.  Ozone that is not dissolved properly in the water off-gases under the spa cover causing destruction in covers, pillows and fittings.  Don't blame the ozone!  Here are some steps to get more ozone in the water and less ozone off-gas:

When in doubt, test it out.  DEL's Spa Ozone Test is a great way to let you know if you need to replace your spa ozone generator.

If you have questions about YOUR spa ozone generator or want us to walk you through the Spa Ozone Test procedure, we are happy to help.

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