Why Is There a Metallic Smell When the Jets Run?

A faint metallic smell when the jets run on a hydro tub is almost always the ozone sanitation system doing its job, and it is normal. Ozone is not a therapy; it sanitizes the hydro jet lines against mold and scum, it runs automatically whenever the hydro pump runs, and it exists only on tubs with hydro jets. The small generator also makes a light hum or hiss on its own, which is expected. The first thing to check is simply whether the smell and sound stop when the hydro pump stops, because that confirms the source. If you would rather not have it, the generator can be disconnected. The background is in ozone sanitation explained.

Likely Causes

• The ozone generator is running with the hydro pump, producing its characteristic clean, slightly metallic smell.
• The light hum or hiss you hear is the generator itself, a small unit rated 0.04A, which is normal.
• The tub is new or recently serviced, so the smell is more noticeable than it will be once you are used to it.
• You would prefer the system off, which is possible by disconnecting the generator.

What to Check, in Order

1. Run the hydro pump with the tub filled at least 1 inch above the highest jets, then turn it off. If the smell and hiss start and stop with the pump, the ozone generator is the source and nothing is wrong.
2. Compare what you hear with normal sounds your walk-in tub makes, where the ozone hum is described.
3. Remember that ozone only sanitizes the hydro lines. It does not replace the monthly flush of 2 cups of white vinegar and 2 cups of water, added to a tub filled 1 inch above the highest jets and run for 10 minutes.
4. If you decide to disconnect it, follow ozone generator disconnect and service. Locate the T connection between the hydro pump and the ozone cord under the tub, unplug both ends of the T, tie the ozone cord to the frame, and plug the hydro pump directly into the plug from the control box.
5. Test the hydro pump again after reconnecting to confirm it starts and stops normally.

The video locates the ozone power cord and the T connection joining the hydro pump and the generator, disconnects both ends of the T, cable ties the ozone cord to the tub frame, and plugs the hydro pump directly into the control box plug. Watch: Ell'as Bubbles: Disconnecting The Ozone Generator with a full transcript.

When to Open a Ticket

If the smell is strong enough to be unpleasant, it continues after the hydro pump stops, or you hear a loud rattle rather than a light hum, send a short video with sound, a photo of the generator and its T connection under the tub, and your order details to your Ella dealer or the team at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850. The team confirms from your photos whether the generator is behaving normally.

Related Guides

• Why Does My Walk-In Tub Ozone Generator Run All the Time, and Can I Turn It Off?
• How Do I Tell If My Walk-In Tub Ozone Generator Stopped Working?
• Why Does My Walk-In Tub Smell Like Ozone or Chlorine During Hydro Massage?
• How Do I Install a Replacement Ozone Generator on My Walk-In Tub?

Common Questions