Ozone has been used as a powerful commercial water disinfectant since the early 1900s, but its disinfectant properties have been known since 1840 and it's been used consistently since 1865. With such a long track record of success, it's surprising that it's not more widely used for private purposes, such as disinfecting a cold plunge tank.
Why Use Ozone?
While fluorine is a more powerful oxidizing agent than ozone, it's too strong to be used for humans and is banned in a lot of countries. Ozone is the most powerful oxidizing agent that is safe for human use.
When used in water, ozone transforms into a biocide that kills all bacteria, algae, and biofilms, which are slimy layers of micro-organisms that stick to wet surfaces and can cause chronic infections. In fact, ozone in water acts quickly to kill 99% of known viruses, including E.coli.
Furthermore, ozone is over 50% stronger than chlorine and works over three times faster.
How Does Ozone Work?
Ozone kills cells by attacking the cell wall, causing it to burst. Death by ozone is immediate.
It's a good thing that ozone works so quickly because it also breaks down quickly. It begins to work and starts to decay as soon as it's produced. As a rule, ozone works for about 20 minutes before decay affects its potency.
The effects of ozone treatment are more than sufficient for disinfecting and improving water quality. There's no need to add chlorine or other chemicals typically used to clean ice baths.
Is Ozone Safe?
It's completely safe for humans. The food industry has known this for about 100 years and has used the action of ozone a lot in its processes, including purification, food preservation, and slowing the ripening process. It has fumigation properties and can be used to prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast from forming.
Bottled water is another industry that benefits from the effectiveness of ozone and its oxidation process. Its disinfection properties kill microorganisms in the water and on the bottle. The fact that it's soluble means the water is still safe to drink.
If you're still worried about any potential negative effects ozone will have on your health, consider that it's been formally tested by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and found to be a safe and effective biocide.
Are the By-Products of Ozone Safe?
Ozone-generated wastewater isn't classed as effluent like liquid waste, usually sewage, and is safe to enter waterways and surface drains. Wastewater can also be used as gray water such as wastewater from baths, washing machines, dishwashers, and showers, to water your garden.
Another great advantage of using ozone to disinfect your water is that the process doesn't produce any pollutants or toxins.
How Can I Use Ozone in My Cold Water Tank or Plunge Pool?
If you want to use ozone to disinfect your cold plunge tub, you need to get a generator. There are a few options when it comes to buying a powerful ozone generator.
Corona Discharge Generator
The generator takes oxygen and forces it through a high-voltage metallic grid. The oxygen splits into single atoms, which attach to other O2 molecules. This produces ozone.
An advantage of this process is the consistent output of ozone levels.
Ultraviolet Light Generator
The generator sends a wavelength of 254 nanometers to an oxygen molecule. Then the process is the same as a corona discharge generator. Corona generators are more efficient than ultraviolet light (UV) generators, but they are easier to assemble.
Ozone Generation Gas
Ozone must be generated on-site, using one of three gases.
Ambient Air
This is air in the environment. The oxygen content is low and is best used with low-level ozone machines.
Dry Air
Dry has all the moisture removed until it drops to a dew point of -70° F or lower. Ozone gas concentration levels are low.
Concentrated Oxygen
The oxygen supply is 90% pure and the dew point is -100°F. Concentrated oxygen produces the most consistent ozone output and requires the least maintenance.
Ozone Generation Systems
There are two types of ozone generation systems.
Aqueous Ozone Systems
The system injects gaseous ozone into the water, which can be used as a surface or water disinfectant. One of the advantages of this system is its efficacy in removing viruses and bacteria quickly.
Gaseous Ozone Systems
This system is used for airborne contaminants and reducing odor. It also sanitizes exposed surfaces.
Long-term exposure to ozone gas can cause headaches, coughing, and a dry throat. So, it's important to hire a knowledgeable service provider who only uses systems that are guaranteed safety.
Renu Therapy Uses Trusted Ozone Purification Systems
We provide a range of cold plunge pools for immersion therapy. Our tubs come with an advanced filtration and ozone purification system that keeps the water in our cold plunge tank clean.
If you're ready to use cold water therapy at home, reach out to our team today!
