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Disconnecting or Servicing the Ozone Generator on Your Walk-in Tub

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary5
  1. Should You Disconnect It?
  2. Watch: Disconnecting the Ozone Generator
  3. Disconnect Procedure, Step by Step
  4. If the Generator Needs Service or Replacement
  5. Common Questions

Disconnecting the ozone generator on an Ella walk-in tub is a simple unplug-and-secure job: turn off power at the GFCI breaker, open the access panel, separate the T connection between the hydro pump and the ozone generator, tie the ozone cord to the frame, and plug the hydro pump straight into the control box. The ozone sterilization system is a chemical-free helper that sanitizes the water lines automatically whenever the hydro jets run, and most owners never need to touch it. This article shows the disconnect procedure step by step, explains when it makes sense, and tells you when to bring in the support team instead.

Should You Disconnect It?

Ozone sterilization is a low-draw, quiet system, and the soft hum you hear when the hydro jets run is normal operation. If you are only wondering what the sound is or what the system does, read our ozone sanitation article before disconnecting anything, since most tubs are best left with the system connected. Disconnecting is appropriate when you have a personal preference to run the tub without ozone, or when a defective generator needs to be isolated until a replacement part arrives.

For reference, the ozone system draws very little power:

Ozone sterilization: 0.04A

MicroZone ozone generator unit with power cord used on Ella walk-in tubs
The ozone generator is a small sealed box with its own cord, mounted under the deck near the hydro pump.

Watch: Disconnecting the Ozone Generator

The video locates the ozone generator's power cord and the T connection that joins the hydro pump and the ozone generator, disconnects both ends of the T, cable-ties the ozone cord to the tub frame, and reconnects the hydro pump plug directly to the plug from the control box.

Disconnect Procedure, Step by Step

Before you begin, turn off power to the tub at the GFCI breaker and remove the access panel so you can reach the equipment area safely. Our service access article shows where the panels are on each family.

  1. Locate the power cord coming from the ozone generator.
  2. Find the T connection that joins the hydro pump to the ozone generator.
  3. Disconnect both ends of the T connection.
  4. Wrap the disconnected ozone generator cord with a cable tie and secure it within the frame of the tub so it stays clear of moving water and equipment.
  5. Reconnect the hydro pump plug directly to the plug coming from the central control box.

Your ozone generator is now safely disconnected, and the hydro massage system will continue to work normally without it. To reconnect later, simply reverse the steps and restore the T connection between the control box, hydro pump and ozone generator. If you are unsure which cord is which, the cords and control boxes guide identifies every plug under the deck.

If the Generator Needs Service or Replacement

If your ozone generator has stopped producing bubbles at the ozone jet, makes an unusual noise, or a technician suspects a fault, contact the team before replacing anything. Have your model and serial number handy along with a short description of the symptom, and photos or a short video if possible. The team can confirm whether the generator is the issue and help you arrange the correct replacement part through the usual parts process. While you wait, the disconnect procedure above lets you keep enjoying the hydro massage safely.

Common Questions

Will the hydro jets still work with the ozone generator disconnected?
Yes. Once the hydro pump is plugged directly into the plug from the central control box, the hydro massage runs exactly as it did before. Only the ozone sanitation stops, so keep up your regular monthly vinegar flush to keep the lines fresh. To restore ozone later, simply reverse the steps and put the T connection back between the control box, hydro pump and ozone generator.
The generator hisses from a little valve on top. Is it broken?
A faint hiss from the small check valve on top of the unit is air being drawn through the ozone generator, and it is normal operation. The soft hum you hear when the hydro jets run is also normal, since the ozone system starts and stops with the hydro pump. If the unit hums constantly while the tub is idle, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with your model and serial number so the team can check it.
I notice a sharp, clean smell when the jets run. Is that the ozone?
A slight clean scent after the jets run is the ozone doing its job of sanitizing the water lines, and it clears quickly with the bathroom fan. A strong or unpleasant smell is different and worth a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support with a description of what you notice and when it happens. You can disconnect the generator using the steps above in the meantime and continue using the hydro massage normally.
Do I need an electrician to disconnect it?
The procedure is a plug-and-unplug job carried out with the power off at the GFCI breaker, as shown in the video, and no wiring is cut or altered. If you are not comfortable working behind the access panel, any handyman or plumber can do it in a few minutes. Whoever does the work should secure the disconnected cord to the tub frame with a cable tie so it stays clear of moving water and equipment.
Does disconnecting the ozone affect my warranty?
Disconnecting a plug does not modify the tub, and the procedure is the one Ella's Bubbles publishes on video. Keep the disconnected cord secured to the frame as shown, and do not cut, splice or alter any wiring. If you later request a replacement generator, let the team know the unit has been disconnected so they can guide the reconnection.
Can I order a tub without ozone in the first place?
Yes. Every Ella tub is made to order, and ozone can be excluded on special request when the order is placed through your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850. Mention it at the time of ordering so the tub is built accordingly. If your tub was built with ozone, the disconnect procedure above gives you the same result later.
Where is the ozone generator on my tub?
The ozone generator is a small sealed box with its own cord, mounted under the deck near the hydro pump, behind the access panel on the equipment side of the tub. Its cord joins the hydro pump cord at a T connection fed from the central control box, which is the connection you separate to disconnect it. Turn off power at the GFCI breaker before opening the panel, and see the service access article above if you are not sure where your panels are.

Still need help? Open a support ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and the team will be happy to walk you through it.

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