Why swimming pool need UV light to treat water?
Why swimming pool need UV-C light to treat water?
Many efforts have been made to replace chlorine, but few of these have gained substantial ground. This is because the solutions have been found to have the same drawbacks (e.g. bromine), or are expensive (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) or are less effective (e.g. metal ion-based processes, hydrogen peroxide).
UV radiation: an extremely powerful disinfectant
Ultraviolet radiation of a particular wavelength (UV-C – 253.7nm) that, when used to treat water, has a very strong biocide effect. It renders harmless microorganisms in the water, particularly those that are unaffected by chlorine. UV-C light is the most damaging part of sunlightthat doesn’t reach the earth, so a special electric lamp is needed to generate this radiation.
This means that in swimming pools, UV is an extremely powerful disinfectant. It is even effective against Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia, for example. These are particularly nasty microorganisms that can survive in a swimming pool despite the use of chlorine.
In addition to its biocide action, UV-C has an extremely strong oxidizing effect. This means that it effectively removes organic pollution from the swimming pool water. When either ozone or UV-C is used in conjunction with chlorine in a swimming pool, the harmful chloramines that cause i.e. eye and skin irritation are destroyed.
The benefits of using a UV-C purifier in a swimming pool
- The protection of bathers against illnesses caused by microorganisms that are unaffected by chlorine.
- The virtual elimination of the eye, nose, skin, and respiratory system irritation caused by chloramines in the water.
- The elimination of the unpleasant “swimming pool smell”.
- The increased preservation of the fabric of the pool and pool hall by the reduction of the chloramines in the pool water.
So, if UV-C is that effective, why not stop using the chlorine altogether?
UV-C purifying does not add anything to the water to prevent further new infection. Although the water is disinfected, it is not disinfectant. The water from the UV-C purifier returns to the pool. Typically, it will remain for four hours in the swimming pool until it is treated again. So, any pathogens instantaneously introduced by bathers in the pool would not be treated until that water arrives back at the UV treatment unit in four hours’ time. This presents a threat to the health of pool users.
For that reason, it is always necessary to maintain a small residual concentration of a secondary disinfectant (such as chlorine) in the pool. For public pools, in most countries, this is in any case a requirement imposed by the regulatory public health authorities. The addition of a secondary disinfectant ensures that the water in the pool remains disinfectant as well as having been disinfected.
Although the use of UV-C does not remove the need for a secondary residual disinfectant such as chlorine, its total concentration in the pool water can usually be significantly reduced (in public pools to the minimum legally allowable concentration). Most of the disinfecting and oxidising load will be borne by the UV system. In particular, the destruction of harmful pathogens and the significant reduction of unpleasant chloramines in the pool water would be handled by the UV system.
- Published in Pool Maintenance
Advantages Of Installing Swimming Pool Covers
The Main Advantages Of Installing Swimming Pool Covers
Maintain temperature
One of the main reasons people install swimming pool covers is for its ability to maintain and even slightly increase the water’s temperature. If a warm pool is a must-have for you, a pool cover can help to significantly reduce your heating bills.
Reduce water loss
It’s not just leaks or excess splashing that cause a drop in your swimming pool water level. Evaporation is a substantial contributor to water loss and if not controlled, it can lead to damage to your skimmers and pump system. Installing pool covers will reduce the water loss that occurs when the pool isn’t in use.
Minimize chlorine consumption
Pool covers reduce the amount of UV light coming into contact with the water. This is an important advantage as the pool chemical chlorine is degraded when exposed to UV light. This means you won’t be required to add as much chlorine, which can save you time to refill and money purchasing the chemicals. For those considering a saltwater pool, this will mean the chlorinator system will use less energy.
Reduced amount of leaf litter
Another advantage of a pool cover is that they reduce the amount of leaf litter in your water. This not only reduces the number of times you’ll need to empty your automatic cleaner but also reduces the load off your skimmer net, filter and pumps. The amount of chlorine you’ll need will also reduce, saving you both money and time.
The Main Disadvantages Of Installing Swimming Pool Covers
Aesthetics
One of the main reasons people avoid installing a pool cover is its impact on the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Pools are now considered features of a garden and are designed to create a visually cohesive environment. The stock standard off-the-shelf pool cover can be unsightly and even if you have a modern, well-designed product when covered you eliminate the view of the water from inside your home.
The hassle
If you have a standard manual roller cover, the time and effort it takes to take the cover off can make them less appealing. However, modernized rigid designs can be a solution to this.
Lack of space
Depending on the design of your pool cover, you’ll require some space to store it safely out of the way. Most covers now can be built under a deck or even as part of the deck, but if your space is restrictive this can prevent you from installing any form of cover.
Pool design
Today, pools aren’t just designed as simple rectangles. Pools coming in all shapes and sizes which can prove restrictive if considering a cover. You’ll need to find one that fits the dimensions of your design or get a custom pool cover made.
- Published in Pool Maintenance