Why Every Portable Spa Needs an Ozone Generator — Even Though It’s Not a Sanitizer

Nobody wants dirty spa water

If you own a hot tub or portable spa, you’ve probably come across the term “ozonator” or “ozone generator.” But what exactly does it do—and why is it one of the most valuable components in your spa system, even though it’s technically not a sanitizer?

Let’s clear the air (and the water).

Ozone: The Powerful Oxidizer Your Spa Water Loves

Here’s the key point: Ozone is an oxidizer, not a sanitizer.

That means it doesn’t stay in the water to kill bacteria or viruses like chlorine or bromine does. Instead, ozone attacks non-living contaminants in your spa—things like:

• Body oils

• Sweat

• Lotions

• Detergents

• Organic waste

These contaminants can cloud your water, clog your filters, and contribute to unpleasant odors and skin irritation.

By oxidizing (breaking apart) these organics, ozone helps keep your water crystal clear, odor-free, and easier to manage, without adding more chemicals.

Oxidizer vs. Sanitizer: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse the two, but they serve very different purposes:

Sanitizers:

• Kill living contaminants (bacteria, viruses, algae)

• Stay in the water as a residual

• Examples: chlorine, bromine

Oxidizers:

• Break down non-living contaminants (body oils, cosmetics, sweat)

• Work quickly and then dissipate

• Examples: ozone, non-chlorine shock

Ozone is your cleanup crew, not your bodyguard. You still need a sanitizer in the water—but with ozone handling the heavy lifting of oxidation, your sanitizer works more efficiently and lasts longer.

Why Ozone Is a Game-Changer in Portable Spas

Portable spas and hot tubs present a unique set of challenges:

• Small water volume means a few bathers can heavily contaminate the water.

• Warm water (100–104°F) speeds up bacteria growth and uses up sanitizer faster.

• Jet action and aeration increase the breakdown of sanitizers and stir up contaminants.

In these conditions, ozone shines.

It helps prevent water quality issues before they start—handling the grime, grease, and gunk that traditional sanitizers struggle to keep up with.

Lower Your Chemical Use, Safely

With ozone doing the hard work of oxidizing contaminants, you can maintain:

• Lower chlorine or bromine levels (often 0.5–1.0 ppm instead of 3–5 ppm)

• Fewer chloramines and bromamines (the stuff that causes red eyes and chemical smells)

• A softer, more comfortable spa experience

Plus, ozone is created from oxygen and returns to oxygen. No chemical residue, no mess, and no long-term environmental impact.

Better Water, Better Filters

Ozone doesn’t just clean the water—it also helps your filter work better.

By breaking down oils and particles before they coat the filter, ozone:

• Keeps filters cleaner for longer

• Can double the time between cleanings

• Extends the life of your filtration system

That’s less maintenance, fewer headaches, and better water circulation.

So Why Isn’t Ozone a Complete Sanitizer?

Simple: Ozone doesn’t stay in the water.

Once it oxidizes what it touches, it quickly breaks down and disappears. That means it can’t protect the water while the spa is in use. You still need a residual sanitizer—usually chlorine or bromine—to keep the water safe between cycles.

Think of ozone as your invisible assistant, doing behind-the-scenes cleanup so your sanitizer can focus on fighting germs.

Conclusion: A Small Upgrade That Makes a Big Difference

If you want:

✅ Cleaner, clearer water 

✅ Less chemical use

✅ Fewer odors and skin irritants 

✅ Less filter maintenance 

✅ A more natural, enjoyable soak

...then an ozone generator is one of the best upgrades you can make to your portable spa.

Just remember: it’s not a sanitizer - but it’s one of the best oxidizers available. And your spa water will be better for it.

Interested in learning more about ozone systems for spas? 

Contact us today at 877-281-7603 or visit www.UltraPureLLC.com to find the right ozone generator for your hot tub.

UltraPure Water Quality LLC manufactures Ozone, UV and AOP systems in the USA. We offer the lowest maintenance, highest quality products available in the industry, all backed by our manufacturers' warranty of up to 3 years.