Ozone Gas will Sanitize and Oxidize
Ozone is a gas, a modified highly reactive form of oxygen (chemical
formula O3). It is one of the strongest oxidizers and disinfectants
available. It is stronger than chlorine, bromine, hydrogen peroxide and
hypochlorous acid. Ozone kills E. Coli (commonly used to measure the
effectiveness of sanitizers) 25 times more powerfully than hypochlorous
acid (chlorine) and about 500 times faster.
There are two main methods of producing ozone. In the corona discharge
method, air is passed through an electrically charged chamber, where a
miniature "lightning storm" produces ozone from oxygen. In the
UV method air is passed close to one or more Ultraviolet lamps where UV
rays excite oxygen which then forms ozone.
An ozone generator in combination with chlorine or bromine reduces the
chlorine or bromine used (up to 95% less). Chlorine or bromine is still
required to kill the bacteria and must still be measured and tested for.
Ozone can only oxidize organic wastes once chlorine or bromine has combined
with them. Ozone only lasts between 20 seconds and 6 minutes in most spas
and pools. Ozone will oxidize some minerals dissolved in the pool water
like iron which then forms a cloudy precipitate which the filter will
remove.
Once the ozone has done its job it reverts back to oxygen which makes
the water look, feel and even taste better.
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