How to Use Ultraviolet Water Treatment for Swimming Pools

Swimming pool maintenance requires a delicate balance of chemicals to ensure water safety and clarity.

While traditional chlorine treatments remain popular, ultraviolet (UV) water treatment systems offer an innovative approach that can significantly enhance your pool's water quality while reducing chemical usage.

At Algaefree Australia, we've seen firsthand how UV systems like our YooVee™ technology transform pool maintenance for both residential and commercial applications.

What is Ultraviolet Water Treatment?

Ultraviolet water treatment uses UV-C light to destroy harmful microorganisms in pool water.

As water passes through a UV chamber, the light penetrates the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, damaging their DNA and rendering them unable to reproduce or cause infections.

Our YooVee™ UV sterilisers destroy 99.9% of harmful pathogenic microorganisms at a flow rate of 180 L/min, providing powerful protection for swimmers while maintaining crystal clear water.

Benefits of UV Treatment for Swimming Pools

UV water treatment offers several advantages for pool owners:

• Reduces chlorine usage by up to 50-70%

• Eliminates chloramines that cause red eyes, skin irritation, and that distinctive "pool smell"

• Improves water clarity and quality

• Provides an additional layer of protection against chlorine-resistant pathogens

• Creates a more comfortable swimming environment

• Reduces the environmental impact of pool chemicals

How UV Systems Work with Your Pool

UV treatment works as a complementary system to traditional pool sanitation. Here's how it integrates into your pool setup:

Installation

The UV system is installed in line with your pool's filtration system, after the filter and before water returns to the pool.

Water Flow

Pool water circulates through your filter as usual, then passes through the UV chamber where microorganisms are neutralised.

Continuous Protection

As water continuously cycles through the system during filtration, the UV light provides ongoing disinfection.

Chemical Reduction

While you'll still need to maintain some chlorine in your pool, the levels can be significantly reduced since the UV system handles much of the sanitisation work.

Real-World Success with YooVee™

At Seadragonz Swim School in Western Australia, our YooVee CRS (Chemical Reduction System) has transformed their 100,000-litre indoor heated pool.

Owners Lari and Bill McDonald report that "everyone, including staff and students, has noticed less smell and no itchy skin. The water is also clearer, and our chlorine levels are easier to control."

This experience is common among our commercial clients, who find that UV treatment creates healthier environments for swimmers while simplifying pool maintenance.

Choosing the Right UV System for Your Pool

When selecting a UV system, consider these factors:

• Pool Size: Larger pools require systems with higher flow rates

• Usage Level: Heavily used pools benefit from more powerful UV systems

• Integration: Ensure compatibility with your existing filtration system

• Maintenance Requirements: Look for systems with easy lamp replacement and cleaning

Our YooVee™ systems are designed with these considerations in mind, featuring unique polycarbonate chambers that use hydrodynamic forces to increase pathogen irradiation while reducing shading or blinding effects.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing a UV system is relatively straightforward for qualified pool technicians. The system connects to your pool's plumbing after the filter and before water returns to the pool.

Maintenance is minimal but important:

• Replace UV lamps according to manufacturer recommendations (typically annually)

• Clean the quartz sleeve that protects the lamp as needed

• Monitor system performance through the clear chamber (a feature of YooVee™ systems)

Is UV Treatment Right for Your Pool?

UV water treatment is particularly beneficial for:

• Indoor pools where air quality is a concern

• Pools used by people with sensitive skin or respiratory issues

• Commercial facilities looking to reduce chemical costs

• Environmentally conscious pool owners

While the initial investment is higher than traditional chemical-only approaches, many pool owners find that reduced chemical costs, improved water quality, and enhanced swimmer comfort make UV treatment worthwhile.

If you’re ready to explore how UV water treatment can transform your swimming pool experience, our team at Algaefree Australia can help you select the right YooVee™ system for your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our Australian-made UV systems and how they can help you maintain a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable swimming environment.