If your walk-in tub ozone generator seems to run all the time, that is normal on a hydro-only tub: the ozone generator is powered whenever the tub has power, so it runs around the clock even when nobody is bathing. On an air plus hydro (dual massage) tub it is switched so that it runs only while the hydro pump is running. Either way it is automatic, draws very little power and needs nothing from you. This guide covers when it runs by therapy package, whether you can turn it off, and what it does and does not replace in your cleaning routine. For the basics of the feature itself, see What is ozone sterilization? and ozone sanitation explained.

How It Works

The ozone generator lives under the deck and feeds ozone into the hydro water system to cleanse the lines and discourage mold, bacteria, and odor from developing in them. When the hydro pump is running, the ozone is drawn into the circulating water and travels through the lines with it. When the pump is off, no water is moving, so the ozone stays in the tubing. The generator is rated at 0.04 amps, which adds essentially nothing to your electric bill. Any Ella tub with hydro jets includes ozone sanitation. Air-only and soaking configurations have no hydro pump and no ozone generator. For the basics, see what ozone sterilization is.

When Does It Run?

• Hydro massage only. The generator has no switch of its own. Whenever the tub's power is on, the ozone generator is on, whether or not you are bathing. This is normal and by design.
• Air plus hydro (dual massage). The control system switches the ozone generator with the hydro pump, so it starts when you turn the jets on and stops when they stop. The air plus hydro component diagram shows how the ozone unit sits on that switched line.

If your operating manual describes the ozone generator starting and stopping with the pump, that description applies to the dual massage configuration. Owners of hydro-only tubs sometimes call because the generator never seems to stop; the unit is working exactly as intended. If you notice a metallic smell rather than a clean one when the jets run, the metallic smell when the jets run article covers the likely causes.

Can I Turn It Off?

You can. On a hydro-only tub, unplugging the ozone generator turns it off. A licensed electrician can also wire the tub's supply through a wall switch so you control when the tub, and therefore the ozone unit, has power. The downside is that the lines lose their ozone treatment while it is off. If you go this route, leave the tub powered during and after jetted baths whenever practical, and keep up the monthly vinegar flush described below.

Does Ozone Replace Cleaning?

Ozone is a helper, not a fully self-cleaning system. It treats the water lines, while your monthly routine keeps the whole tub fresh:

1. Once a month, fill the tub to 1 inch above the highest jets, add 2 cups of white vinegar mixed with 2 cups of water, run the pumps for 10 minutes, then drain.
2. Once a month, clean the pump inlet cover of hair and debris and wipe it with a non-abrasive towel.
3. Wipe the surfaces regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner.

Tubs with air massage have a second helper, the Auto Purge cycle, which blows the air lines dry about 20 minutes after the air pump is switched off. Ozone treats the hydro lines and Auto Purge clears the air lines. Neither replaces the vinegar flush.

Ozone at a Glance

Related Guides

• Disconnecting or Servicing the Ozone Generator on Your Walk-in Tub
• Why Isn't the Auto Purge Running on My Tub?
• Water Inside the Air Blower: The Check Valve in the Air Manifold

Related Videos

Watch: Ell'as Bubbles: Disconnecting The Ozone Generator with a full transcript.

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.