A Clear Advantage: The History and Benefits of Ozone in Swimming Pools

When you think of clean pool water, you probably think of chlorine. But there’s another player in the game—one that’s been quietly transforming water quality behind the scenes: ozone.

Ozone isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a powerful natural oxidizer that delivers clearer, fresher, and safer water—without the drawbacks of heavy chemical use. Let’s dive into the history of ozone in swimming pools and explore why it’s quickly becoming the go-to solution for modern pool owners.

From Municipal Water to Backyard Pools

Ozone has been used to purify drinking water for well over a century. In fact, the first large-scale ozone water treatment plant opened in the Netherlands in 1893. Its ability to destroy bacteria, viruses, and organic contaminants—faster and more effectively than chlorine—made it a favorite in Europe.

But it wasn’t until the 1970s and ’80s that ozone began making waves in the swimming pool world. High-end commercial pools and aquatic centers were the first to adopt it. Over time, as the health concerns around chlorine became better understood, interest in ozone systems grew—especially for residential and resort-style applications.

How Ozone Works in Pools

Ozone (O₃) is a naturally occurring molecule made of three oxygen atoms. It’s incredibly reactive—which is exactly what makes it so effective. Once it enters pool water, it immediately targets and destroys bacteria, viruses, algae, and other contaminants.

There are two main types of ozone generators:

• Corona Discharge (CD): Creates ozone by mimicking a lightning strike inside a chamber with dry air or oxygen. Not recommended for ambient air.

• Ultraviolet (UV) Ozone: Uses UV light to split oxygen molecules, forming ozone in a simpler, more maintenance-free way. Works well with ambient air.

For residential pools, UV-based systems are often preferred for their reliability and ease of use.

Game-Changer: Suction-Side Ozone Injection

One of the major innovations in ozone pool technology came with the development of suction-side injection systems. Instead of injecting ozone after the circulation pump, this method introduces ozone before the pump, allowing it to mix under pressure and travel through the filter system.

Why does this matter?

• It boosts ozone’s contact time and efficiency.

• It turns the pool filter into a powerful reaction chamber.

• It degums and degreases the filter, often doubling the time between cleanings.

Suction-side systems made ozone more effective, more affordable, and better suited to residential installations.

Why More Pool Owners Are Choosing Ozone

The benefits of ozone in swimming pools are hard to ignore:

💧 1. Crystal-Clear Water

Ozone oxidizes contaminants up to 3,000 times faster than chlorine. The result? Visibly clearer water that feels soft and fresh.

⚗️ 2. Less Chemical Use

By doing the heavy lifting of oxidation, ozone significantly reduces the need for chlorine—often by 60% to 90%.

😌 3. No More “Pool Smell”

Ozone doesn’t create chloramines (the source of red eyes and that harsh chemical smell). It actually destroys them.

🌱 4. Environmentally Friendly

Ozone is made on-site and reverts back to oxygen. No storage, no transport, no harmful residues.

⚙️ 5. Longer Equipment Life

Cleaner water means less wear on filters, pumps, and heaters—saving you money and time on maintenance.

The Future Is Clear

As more pool owners look for healthier, greener, and more effective ways to maintain their pools, ozone continues to stand out. And with modern innovations like UV-based ozone generators and suction-side installation, getting started with ozone has never been easier.

Whether you’re building a new pool or upgrading an existing one, adding ozone can be one of the smartest long-term investments in water quality and swimmer comfort.

Ready to Learn More?

If you're interested in ozone systems for your pool, or want help choosing the right setup, reach out to a pool professional who understands the technology—or contact us for guidance. Clearer, healthier water is just a breath of fresh O₃ away.

UltraPure Water Quality is a leading manufacturer of Ozone Generators, UV and AOP systems for the swimming pool and spa industry. Our products are designed and manufactured in the USA and sold worldwide. We can be reached at 877-281-7603 or www.UltraPureLLC.com