Are you thinking about installing a pool ozone system? One of the biggest considerations before installing one is the cost. So, how much does a pool ozone system cost, and how does it compare to other pool systems?
In this article, I will answer all that and break down common price ranges and factors that influence the cost of swimming pool ozone systems. Let’s dive in!
Main Takeaways
- On average, a pool ozone system costs between $750 and $3,000, including installation.
- Factors that affect cost include pool size, type of pool ozone generator, quality, and installation.
- Pool ozone systems have much higher upfront costs, as they do not completely get rid of the need for another sanitization method, but they can reduce the need for chemicals.
How Much Does a Pool Ozone System Cost?
Before you jump the gun and convert your chlorine or saltwater pool to an ozone one, it’s important to understand exactly how much it will cost. Generally, a pool ozone system will cost between $750 and $3,000, including installation. There are a few different factors that will affect the cost of the system, so let’s go over all of them in detail.
Pool Size
Of course, the size of your pool is one of the main factors that will affect the cost of the pool ozone system. Larger swimming pools require more powerful ozone generators to ensure effective sanitation. Unsurprisingly, this means ozone systems for larger pools will cost more than those for smaller pools.
Type of Pool Ozone Generator
There are different types of ozone generators, primarily corona discharge and UV light generators. Corona discharge generators are much more efficient and produce a higher concentration and quality of ozone, but they are also more expensive than UV light generators.
However, although the initial investment is greater with a corona discharge generator, they produce ozone at a cheaper rate and typically have lower running costs.
Quality
The quality of the parts also plays a significant role in price. High-end materials and construction can increase the initial investment but offer better durability and performance, which can save you money down the line.
Installation
Installation costs can vary depending on the type of ozone system you get and the existing pool infrastructure. Some systems are fairly simple to install, while others (more likely than not) will require professional installation, raising the initial cost.
For example, an average pool ozone system costs between $750 and $3,000 with installation, but without installation, it will cost between $700 and $2,000.
Cheaper Systems vs. Expensive Pool Ozone Systems
If you have a choice between a cheaper and a more expensive ozone system, which one should you choose? Well, this would depend on what you prioritize.
Cheaper Pool Ozone Systems
It goes without saying that cheaper pool ozone systems are best for pool owners who are on a bit of a budget and find the lower upfront cost more attractive. However, with a lower price point, you’ll be sacrificing some of the more advanced and extra features you may find in more expensive ozone systems. But this should be enough for smaller residential pools.
Expensive Pool Ozone Systems
On the other hand, more expensive pool ozone systems may have a higher price tag but may offer additional features like advanced technology that offer convenience and peace of mind. They may also be better suited for larger pools, as they have greater durability and more power to properly sanitize your pool.
My Recommended Pool Ozone Systems
If you’ve decided a pool ozone system is for you, here are some of the top pool ozone systems I recommend to pool owners.
DEL AOP 25 Ozone + UV Sanitation
The DEL AOP 25 is an advanced oxidation process (AOP) system that combines ozone and UV technology to sanitize the water. This system is ideal for pools of up to 25,000 gallons and effectively reduces contaminants, providing superior water clarity and safety. This AOP system features smart status indicators.
CCW50 AOP System
Clear Comfort is one of the leading names in water treatment. While this AOP system is definitely more expensive, it produces super-healthy, fresh-feeling water. The CCW50 is perfect for residential pools of up to 50,000 gallons. As a plus, it is incredibly easy to maintain, requiring just a cartridge change every year.
CircuPool INDIGO3-XL Ozone Generator
This CircuPool INDIGO3 is one of my top picks for Ozone systems, as it’s both affordable and effective. This should be your pool ozone system pick if you want to pair it with a saltwater pool. This ozone generator is incredibly easy to install and set up and can sanitate a heavy-use residential pool of up to 60,000 gallons!
Cost Comparison: Pool Ozone System vs. Chlorine vs. Saltwater
So, how does the pool ozone system compare in price with the more popular chlorine and saltwater pools?
Upfront Costs
Here’s the thing: Ozone systems cannot work alone. They must be used in tandem with another type of pool sanitation system, such as traditional chlorine or saltwater. For this reason, the upfront costs of a pool ozone system are much higher than those of a chlorine or saltwater system, as you’ll need two types to keep the pool sparkling and clean.
Having a chlorine pool with an ozone system is much cheaper upfront than having a saltwater pool with an ozone system. This is because, with a chlorine pool, all you need to do is buy the chlorine to top up the pool. On the other hand, with a saltwater pool, on top of purchasing the ozone system, you will also need to buy a saltwater chlorine generator, which can set you back an additional $600 to $2,500, depending on the size of your pool.
Ongoing Costs
Where the pool ozone system makes a difference is in its ongoing costs.
Pool Ozone System
Ozone systems are relatively low-maintenance and cost very little to run. The primary ongoing cost is electricity to run the ozone generator, typically about $10 to $20 per month. While you still will need some chlorine to keep the pool healthy and clean, you’ll only need a residual amount of sanitizer (around 0.5 ppm of chlorine), which should significantly lower the amount you spend on chemicals.
Chlorine
Traditional chlorine pools require regular top-ups to keep the levels at a healthy 1 to 3 ppm. Depending on pool size and usage, chemical and maintenance costs are around $50 per month.
Saltwater
While saltwater systems have a higher upfront cost, they have the lowest ongoing costs. You don’t need to add chlorine to keep the chlorine levels at a safe level. All you need to do is add salt; the salt chlorine generator does the work for you. Salt is much cheaper than chlorine. In addition, you will still need to shock the saltwater pool every now and then, so you will need to buy some chemicals. In addition, running the saltwater generator incurs electricity costs similar to ozone systems.
However, the salt cell in the SWG is expensive. It needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years and costs around $500 on average.
Are Pool Ozone Systems Worth It?
Here’s the thing: pool ozone systems cannot completely replace a chlorine or saltwater pool. It must be used with some level of chlorine (or another sanitizer) present in the water. Without this residual sanitizer, the pool ozone system will not be able to keep your pool clean at a safe and healthy level. So, if you opt for a pool ozone system, you’re adding a system on top of your current sanitization system. Therefore, the upfront costs of a pool ozone system are much higher than a chlorine or saltwater pool, for example.
However, once installed, a pool ozone system can save you money in the long run. It reduces the amount of chlorine you need in the water. So, for example, if you have a chlorine pool, you’ll only need to keep chlorine levels at around 0.5 ppm instead of 1 to 3 ppm. This means you’ll save money on the amount of chemicals you need each month!
Besides cost, another important consideration is the quality of the water. Pool ozone systems can lead to much softer and gentler water. So, if you are sensitive to chlorine, this is a great option for your pool, as there will be barely enough chlorine in the pool for you to notice. In fact, many ozone systems advertise that chlorine is so low that the pool water is drinkable! Please, don’t drink your pool water 🙂
Whether or not the pool ozone system is worth it is totally up to you and your priorities. Personally, I think you get a lot of the same benefits and less headaches with a saltwater pool.
Need Help Building Your Pool?
I offer design consulting services to help you build your ideal pool. I'll work with your contractor, create build-ready designs and specs, and much more.
Ozone Pools: A Great Alternative
If you want to enjoy softer water without the addition of too many harsh chemicals in the pool, an ozone pool can help you achieve this. Ozone pools may not completely eradicate the need for a sanitizer in the pool, but they can significantly reduce the amount you need, not only leading to better quality water but also saving you money on chemicals in the long run.
Do you want to learn more about ozone pools and other types of sanitation methods? Reach out to me; I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
