What Is A UV/Ozone System?

Pool maintenance can be one of the biggest struggles when owning a swimming pool, particularly when it comes to the sanitizer. In years past, we saw the demand for salt water pools rise in the pool industry. Well, we are here to tell you that the way you sanitize your pool has been revolutionized! If you have ever researched different ways to sanitize your pool, you may have come across the terms “UV and Ozone” and thought it sounded like something from outer space! In this article, we will discuss exactly what a UV/Ozone System is, what a UV/Ozone System does, as well as some the common pros and cons that we see on the hundreds of pools we have installed over the past 20 years.

What is a UV System and What Does it Do?

A UV system is a sanitation system that uses an ultraviolet light to eliminate chlorine-resistant micro-organisms with a kill rate of 99.9%. The UV system uses a powerful lamp to produce UV radiation inside a light chamber.

What is an Ozone System and What Does it Do?

Similar to the UV System, an Ozone system is also a sanitation system. It kills or removes viruses, bacteria, spores, mildew, and fungi. It actually oxidizes the water, which is a safe alternative to chlorine. Ozone can do almost everything chlorine can do but also performs at a higher efficiency, specifically 3,000 times faster to be exact. Ozone systems draw oxygen into the ozone chamber that comes across a high output UV germicidal bulb which results in what is called ozone generation. Simply put, ozone quickly kills the germs it comes in contact with at the molecular level by ways of oxidation. After oxidation is complete, or if the ozone finds nothing to oxidize, it returns to molecular oxygen and dissipates. Using a tube injection method, the ozone flows back into the pool’s equipment, mixing the water with ozone and sanitizing.

What Happens When You Combine UV and Ozone?

Put them together, and what do you get? Pure magic! Because these are two of the most powerful sanitation systems out there, when you combine them, you get a sanitation system that works together in attacking and eliminating bacteria, viruses, and even those nasty water-born illnesses. Those recreational water illnesses, or RWI’s, are actually the #1 health risk related to the swimming pool industry today, such as cryptosporidium parvum, pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. Coli and even corona virus. Chlorine by itself does not work as effectively against RWI’s than in combination with UV and Ozone.  UV and Ozone work together with trace amounts of chlorine to kill more bacteria and faster than chlorine alone.

UV.Ozone Pools Vs. Chlorine Pools

When it comes to traditional chlorine pools vs. UV/Ozone pools, the only major difference is that you typically use about 80% less chlorine in a UV/Ozone pool. Which brings us to our Pros and Cons.

Pros:

  • You will typically use 80% less chlorine than a traditional chlorine pool
  • UV alone reduces chemical usage by up to 50%
  • On average it costs less than a salt system
  • No automation is required

Cons:

  • Still have to handle chlorine (only 1 ppm to prevent algae)
  • Have to change the UV bulb
  • Flow rate actually affects the production of ozone

So now that you know some of the secrets to really keeping that pool clean, hopefully you feel better knowing that your pool contractor is really only trying to educate you on sanitizing your pool rather than working on a spaceship in your backyard! Knowing what a UV/Ozone System is, what a UV/Ozone System does, and know some of the pros and cons should really help you decide what type of sanitation system you would like most for your pool.