Another way to sanitize pool water without using more chemicals

Installation procedures

As mentioned earlier, UV systems can be easily added to the pool’s existing circulation system, after the filter and before other accessories such as heaters or chlorinators. It should be plumbed in at the bottom inlet so the UV system properly fills with water in relation to the unit’s flow rating. Units come with tailpieces that plumb into the pipes completing the circulation system with the UV sanitizer by using a few elbows and valves to bypass the unit.

The system will likely take up a 254-mm (10-in.) footprint on the equipment pad; therefore, it is important to ensure there is enough space to remove the lamp straight out of the UV system as the glass lamp or quartz tubes cannot be bent. The system’s ballasts are plugged in or hard-wired to the filtration control in either 110/220 volt so the UV system operates in conjunction with the pump turning on/off.

The idea of plumbing in a bypass is to make servicing/maintenance (e.g. winterizing) easier by separating the UV system when necessary. As the UV lamp and quartz tube are made of glass, they need to be brought inside to avoid winter damage (i.e. freezing) when the pool is not being used.

A few last words

It is important to know, like any equipment, not all UV systems are created equal. Therefore, retailers should check the following:

• Are the UV systems truly environmentally friendly?
• Are the units energy efficient?
• Can the unit selected for the job accommodate the pool’s flow rate? Every reliable UV system is designed to handle a maximum flow rate.

Retailers should also check with the manufacturer about each system’s certifications. Pool professionals installing a UV system on a commercial pool can consult the NSF International website for a list of approved UV water treatment units for commercial applications.

UV systems provide an excellent upsell opportunity for pool professionals and offer many benefits to the consumer. Not only will customers be pleased with their improved water and air quality, but retailers will also have another product that helps make pool maintenance easier for their customers.

Jeff Boynton is the general manager of Delta Ultraviolet Solutions, a manufacturer of UV-C technology in Gardena, Calif. He is responsible for managing the company’s existing customers as well as growing sales in North America. Boynton has worked in the swimming pool and hot tub industry, primarily in Europe, for more than 25 years. He can be reached via e-mail at jeffb@deltauv.com. For more information, visit www.deltauv.com.