UV and Ozone Systems

What is a UV System and What Does it Do?

A UV system is a sanitation system that uses an ultraviolet light (UV) to eliminate chlorine-resistant micro-organisms with a kill rate of 99.9%. In essence, 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 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.

Combining UV and Ozone

When combined, you get a sanitation system that works together in attacking and eliminating bacteria, viruses, and even those nasty water-born illnesses. 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.

If you are considering a UV/Ozone system it is best to consult your local Colley’s location with any questions or inquiries!

A General Guide to Pool Chemicals

Pool season is here! We’ll be going through a general overview of the main chemicals used in pools and spas and what they do. Not every pool and spa is the same so it is always best to consult Colley’s knowledgeable pool experts when looking to purchase chemicals from us!

Chlorine: Probably the best-known pool chemical, chlorine is a sanitizer that keeps algae and bacteria at bay. It comes in liquid, powder, and tablet forms. When water reacts with chlorine, it forms hydrochloric acid, which is the compound that fights bacteria.

Shock: Shocking a pool is the act of "unbinding" or oxidizing the inactive chlorine (chloramines). Shocking can be done with increased dosages of chlorine or MPS (sodium monopersulfate) non-chlorine shock. When added to the pool, whatever chemical is used starts a process called superchlorination. Shocking the pool helps kill all the bacteria and sanitizer byproducts. Usually sold as a separate product, shock is used about once a week or every two weeks, depending on pool usage.

Bromine: This is an alternative to chlorine, but typically used in warmer water such as that used in hot tubs. Because hot tubs tend to have a higher pH level (alkalinity), and bromine works better at a higher pH level, bromine is more effective in warmer water.

Cyanuric Acid: The sun’s ultraviolet rays can speed up the decomposition of chlorine in the water. Cyanuric acid helps slow that process down by stabilizing, or protecting, the chlorine. However, there is a limit to the amount of cyanuric acid that can be in the pool: too much can also slow the destruction of bacteria. Some chlorine products come with cyanuric acid added; be sure to check before adding cyanuric acid separately.

Algaecide: Often copper-based, these polymers serve as a preventative barrier against algae. After the pool has been shocked, algaecide is added to keep the algae from returning.

Calcium chloride: Your pool requires a minimum level of calcium hardness before molecules start to look elsewhere for its minerals and eat away at your tile and metal. Calcium chloride will increase calcium hardness.

What to Know When Considering a Salt Chlorine Generator

Are you thinking about transitioning from a chlorine-based pool to a salt chlorine generator? Here are some things to know when deciding which salt chlorine generator to purchase:

1. Power Supply- The power supply takes high voltage and changes it to low voltage, which energizes the cell and allows it to generate chlorine. A control board lets you control how much chlorine the cell is generating. Using either a dial or push buttons, you can set the chlorine output level anywhere from 0-100%.

   Some systems allow you to adjust the level in small increments, while others allow adjustments in larger increments. Naturally, the 1% incremental control will allow a much finer tuning of the salt system to match the pool equipment’s normal operation. The higher increments may require some adjustments of the pump run times to ensure that you maintain the proper chlorine level.

2. Cells- All cell designs are generally similar and usually consist of a PVC housing and titanium blades with ruthenium oxide coatings. The number of blades and the amount of power going to the cell determines how much chlorine the cell generates. The amount of ruthenium oxide on the blade determines how long the cell will last.

   Important to note, calcium scale formation on the blades is detrimental to cell life and should be prevented. Allowing calcium scale build up on the blades will shorten cell life and reduce chlorine output and efficiency. Power Supplies are designed with a self-cleaning mode for the cells to help prevent calcium scale buildup. However, if water chemistry conditions are not maintained properly, calcium scale will build up and will require manual acid washing to rid the cell of calcium.

3. Flow Protection- Two methods of flow protection are available: mechanical flow switch and electrical gas trap. The mechanical flow switch is a device that senses water flow prior to the cell, and pushes a flow paddle towards a magnetic switch. When water flow is correct, the switch sends a signal to the power supply to let it know there is sufficient flow.

   The gas trap design requires there to be sufficient flow to evacuate any air or gases that can accumulate within the cell body. Gas traps typically require an initial high flow rate to rid the gases, and then it can operate at lower RPMs. However, the gas trap may still require a higher flow rate than that of a flow switch.

   Flow switch designs allow for flexibility in the cell orientation, whereas the gas trap requires the cell to be mounted horizontally. Flow switch designs will work better with variable speed pumps (remember this from the 3rd blog?!) by allowing a lower RPM, and lower flow rate, to activate the flow device.

A salt chlorine generator is not for everyone- but if it’s something you are considering, it is always best to consult with your local Colley’s expert!