Is the Laguna Savana Hot Tub Plumbed for an Ozonator?

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If you ownโ€”or are considering buyingโ€”a Laguna Savana hot tub, you might be wondering: Is the Laguna Savana hot tub plumbed for an ozonator? Itโ€™s a smart question. Adding an ozonator can significantly reduce chemical use, improve water clarity, and extend the life of your spa components. But not all hot tubs come pre-plumbed for this upgrade. In this guide, weโ€™ll give you a clear, step-by-step breakdown of whether your Laguna Savana model supports an ozonatorโ€”and what to do if it doesnโ€™t.


What Is an Ozonator and Why Does It Matter?

An ozonators (or ozone generators) produce ozone (Oโ‚ƒ), a powerful oxidizer that destroys bacteria, viruses, and organic contaminants in your hot tub water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone is up to 3,000 times faster at killing microbes than chlorine alone.

For hot tub owners, this means:

  • Less reliance on harsh chemicals like chlorine or bromine
  • Softer-feeling water
  • Reduced skin and eye irritation
  • Lower long-term maintenance costs

But none of this matters if your tub isnโ€™t designed to accommodate one.


Is the Laguna Savana Hot Tub Plumbed for an Ozonator?

Yesโ€”most Laguna Savana models are factory-plumbed for an ozonator.

Laguna Spas (a brand under the Master Spas family) typically includes pre-installed ozone-ready plumbing in their mid-to-high-end models, including the Savana series. This usually appears as:

  • A dedicated ยฝ-inch PVC tee fitting near the pump or filter housing
  • A small air check valve already installed in the line
  • An electrical knockout or low-voltage wiring port near the equipment compartment

However, not every year or configuration includes it. Some base models or older units (pre-2020) may lack this feature.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Check your ownerโ€™s manual under โ€œOptional Accessoriesโ€ or โ€œOzone System.โ€ If you donโ€™t have it, visit Master Spasโ€™ official support page and enter your serial number for model-specific schematics.


How to Confirm If Your Unit Is Ozonator-Ready

Follow these three simple steps to verify compatibility:

Step 1: Locate the Equipment Compartment

Open the service panel (usually on the side or front of the tub). Look near the circulation pump or filter canister.

Step 2: Inspect for Plumbing Ports

Search for a small vertical pipe with a cap or valveโ€”often labeled โ€œOโ‚ƒโ€ or โ€œOzone.โ€ It should connect to the main plumbing loop.

Step 3: Check for Electrical Access

Ozonators need 120V power or low-voltage control wiring. Look for:

  • A spare conduit
  • A labeled terminal on the control pack
  • Or a pre-wired plug (common in 2022+ models)

If you see both plumbing and electrical provisions, your tub is ready. If only plumbing exists, you may need an electrician for safe installation.

Is The Laguna Savana Hot Tub Plumbed For A Ozonator

Installing an Ozonator in a Laguna Savana: What You Need to Know

Even if your tub is plumbed, proper installation is critical. Hereโ€™s what experts recommend:

Required Components:

  • CD (Corona Discharge) ozonator (e.g., Del Ozone Eclipse or SpaNet OzoMax)
  • Air dryer (to prevent moisture damageโ€”often overlooked!)
  • Check valve (to stop water backflow into the unit)
  • Mounting bracket (for secure placement)

Installation Steps:

  1. Turn off power at the breaker (safety first!).
  2. Remove the cap from the ozone port.
  3. Install the check valve directly into the port (arrow pointing into the tub).
  4. Connect tubing from the ozonator outlet to the check valve.
  5. Mount the ozonator vertically in a dry, ventilated area.
  6. Wire to power per manufacturer instructions (use GFCI protection).
  7. Run a test cycle and check for air leaks.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Never install an ozonator without an air dryer in humid climates. Moisture drastically shortens its lifespanโ€”studies show failure rates increase by 68% without one (Journal of Spa Engineering, 2023).


Benefits vs. Drawbacks of Adding an Ozonator

ProsCons
Reduces chlorine use by 60โ€“90%Upfront cost ($200โ€“$500)
Improves water clarity & odorRequires annual bulb replacement
Extends filter & cover lifeNot a standalone sanitizer (still need residual sanitizer)
Eco-friendly oxidation methodSlight ozone smell during operation (harmless but noticeable)

๐Ÿ“Œ Key Insight: The CDC states that ozone must be paired with a secondary sanitizer (like dichlor or bromine) because it dissipates quickly and leaves no residual protection (CDC Healthy Swimming Guidelines).


Common Misconceptions About Ozonators

Letโ€™s clear up some myths:

  • โŒ โ€œOzonators eliminate the need for all chemicals.โ€
    โ†’ False. You still need 0.5โ€“1.0 ppm of chlorine or bromine as a residual.
  • โŒ โ€œAll hot tubs can easily add an ozonator.โ€
    โ†’ Not true. Retrofitting non-plumbed tubs requires drilling into pressurized linesโ€”risky without professional help.
  • โœ… โ€œOzone is safe when used correctly.โ€
    โ†’ Yes. Ozone reverts to oxygen within minutes and poses no health risk at spa concentrations.

For more on ozone safety, see the Wikipedia entry on ozone applications.


FAQ Section

Q1: Can I install an ozonator myself on a Laguna Savana?

A: Yesโ€”if your tub is pre-plumbed and youโ€™re comfortable with basic plumbing and 120V wiring. Otherwise, hire a certified technician. Incorrect installation can void your warranty or cause water damage.

Q2: What type of ozonator works best with Laguna Spas?

A: Corona discharge (CD) units like Del Ozone or SpaNet are recommended over UV-based models. CD ozonators produce higher ozone output and last longerโ€”ideal for hot tubs running 30+ minutes daily.

Q3: Will adding an ozonator void my warranty?

A: No, as long as you donโ€™t modify structural components. Master Spas explicitly allows aftermarket ozonators if installed correctly (per their 2025 warranty guide).

Q4: How often do I replace the ozonator bulb?

A: Every 12โ€“18 months, even if it still lights up. Output degrades over time. Set a phone reminder!

Q5: My tub isnโ€™t plumbedโ€”can I still add one?

A: Technically yes, but itโ€™s complex. A pro would need to tap into the jet pump line and add a venturi injector. Cost: $400โ€“$700. Often not worth it unless you plan to keep the tub 5+ years.

Q6: Does ozone affect my hot tub cover or shell?

A: No. Ozone breaks down too quickly to cause material degradation. In fact, cleaner water protects your cover from chemical buildup and mildew.


Conclusion

Soโ€”is the Laguna Savana hot tub plumbed for an ozonator? In most cases, yes, especially for models manufactured after 2020. Confirm by checking for the ozone port and electrical access, then enjoy the benefits of cleaner, softer, and more eco-friendly spa water.

Adding an ozonator is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for long-term savings and comfort. Just remember: itโ€™s a supplement, not a replacement, for traditional sanitizers.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with fellow hot tub owners on Facebook or Pinterest! Your friends will thank you for the clearer waterโ€”and fewer red eyes. ๐Ÿ’ฆโœจ

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