Ozone, or activated oxygen, is clean, chemical-free and makes up about 20% of the air we breathe daily. For years, ozone has been used to purify water in swimming pools, hot tubs, and bottled water plants, and is now becoming more popular for salon foot baths.

Design X incorporates the ozone technology in each of its manufactured pedicure stations for sanitation. Ozone is created naturally through electricity, photosynthesis, or by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The company’s Six Jet System has an ozone generator that sits under the seat of the pedicure station, using a corona discharge that enters through the pipes to oxidize the water.

“The water flow sucks the ozone gas (through the pipe) into the water stream,” says Robert Rosenberg, vice president of Design X.

Ozone released from the generator is effective in eliminating about 99% of the bacteria in the water as well as odors in the air such as nail polish, acetone, hair dyes, mold, or mildew. The blue light indicator will let you know when the ozone generator needs replacement, but in general it should be good for about 2,000 hours of use.

Though ozone kills the majority of germs (except algae) found lurking in pedicure stations, Rosenberg strongly recommends that nail techs still perform additional daily and weekly disinfecting procedures.