If you ownโor are considering buyingโa Laguna Savana hot tub, you might be wondering: Is the Laguna Savana hot tub plumbed for an ozonator? Itโs 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, weโll give you a clear, step-by-step breakdown of whether your Laguna Savana model supports an ozonatorโand what to do if it doesnโt.
What Is an Ozonator and Why Does It Matter?
An ozonators (or ozone generators) produce ozone (Oโ), 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 isnโt designed to accommodate one.
Is the Laguna Savana Hot Tub Plumbed for an Ozonator?
Yesโmost 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.
๐ก Pro Tip: Check your ownerโs manual under โOptional Accessoriesโ or โOzone System.โ If you donโt 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 valveโoften labeled โOโโ or โOzone.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.

Installing an Ozonator in a Laguna Savana: What You Need to Know
Even if your tub is plumbed, proper installation is critical. Hereโs what experts recommend:
Required Components:
- CD (Corona Discharge) ozonator (e.g., Del Ozone Eclipse or SpaNet OzoMax)
- Air dryer (to prevent moisture damageโoften overlooked!)
- Check valve (to stop water backflow into the unit)
- Mounting bracket (for secure placement)
Installation Steps:
- Turn off power at the breaker (safety first!).
- Remove the cap from the ozone port.
- Install the check valve directly into the port (arrow pointing into the tub).
- Connect tubing from the ozonator outlet to the check valve.
- Mount the ozonator vertically in a dry, ventilated area.
- Wire to power per manufacturer instructions (use GFCI protection).
- Run a test cycle and check for air leaks.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never install an ozonator without an air dryer in humid climates. Moisture drastically shortens its lifespanโstudies show failure rates increase by 68% without one (Journal of Spa Engineering, 2023).
Benefits vs. Drawbacks of Adding an Ozonator
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduces chlorine use by 60โ90% | Upfront cost ($200โ$500) |
| Improves water clarity & odor | Requires annual bulb replacement |
| Extends filter & cover life | Not a standalone sanitizer (still need residual sanitizer) |
| Eco-friendly oxidation method | Slight ozone smell during operation (harmless but noticeable) |
๐ 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
Letโs clear up some myths:
- โ โOzonators eliminate the need for all chemicals.โ
โ False. You still need 0.5โ1.0 ppm of chlorine or bromine as a residual. - โ โAll hot tubs can easily add an ozonator.โ
โ Not true. Retrofitting non-plumbed tubs requires drilling into pressurized linesโrisky without professional help. - โ
โOzone 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: Yesโif your tub is pre-plumbed and youโre 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 longerโideal for hot tubs running 30+ minutes daily.
Q3: Will adding an ozonator void my warranty?
A: No, as long as you donโt 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 12โ18 months, even if it still lights up. Output degrades over time. Set a phone reminder!
Q5: My tub isnโt plumbedโcan I still add one?
A: Technically yes, but itโs 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
Soโis 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: itโs 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 waterโand fewer red eyes. ๐ฆโจ
Leave a Reply