What is a UV-Ozone sanitising system? Read this article to learn all about UV-Ozone sanitising systems, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Spa pools are a great way to relax and unwind. When it comes to looking after your spa, it's important to know how to keep the water clean, clear, and healthy.
There are various water treatment methods available – from DIY sanitisers to automated water care systems. But, in our opinion, for the ultimate in water clarity and purification, you can’t go past a combined UV-Ozone auto sanitising system.
So, what exactly is a UV-Ozone sanitising system? And why should you consider getting one?
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about UV-Ozone sanitising systems, so you can decide if it’s right for you. Let’s dive in!
Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that is capable of destroying bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants in the water.
Ozone automatic sanitiser (or oxidizer) systems have been used in spas for almost as long as spas have been around. They help to keep spa pool water clear by producing and injecting ozone gas into it.
Ozone is renowned for its strong oxidizing capabilities, possessing an oxidizing potential of 2.07 eV, making it the most potent commercially available disinfectant worldwide.
Ozone water treatment has been widely used for over a century. In fact, it's likely your city's tap water has had ozone treatment to ensure it's safe to drink! It's also used in food processing and industrial laundry because it's so effective in killing bacteria.
Spa pool ozone sanitisers produce ozone gas using a corona discharge, which is an electrical discharge that creates ozone by splitting oxygen molecules into individual atoms.
The ozone gas is then injected into the water through a venturi injector. This creates a vacuum that pulls the ozone gas into the water stream, which then dissolves into the water, sanitizing it as it circulates through the spa pool.
Ozone sanitisers also reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the spa pool water clear as the ozone gas can kill micro-organisms much faster than traditional chemical treatments. This means fewer chemicals are required, which saves you time, money - and makes your spa more pleasant to use.
In summary, an ozone sanitiser is a device that produces ozone gas, which is injected into the water of a spa pool and removes organic particles and other contaminants. It can save you time and money and provide a more pleasant spa pool experience for users.
It is worth noting that ozone will not replace the need for chemical sanitisers.
The UV technology found in spa pools is not new. It has been purifying drinking water and public swimming pools around the world for nearly 60 years.
UV sanitising systems are a safe, natural and eco-friendly way to sterilise spas
They are designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water through the use of ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light penetrates the cell walls of nasty microorganisms, so they can’t reproduce.
Ozone treatment also leaves no residual odours and helps to remove contaminants that can cause cloudy water.
These systems consist of a UV lamp enclosed in a clear quartz sleeve that is mounted inside a stainless steel chamber.
Water from the spa pool or swim spa is pumped through the chamber, passing by the UV lamp where the UV light is emitted, before returning to the spa. The UV treatment process occurs as the water passes through the chamber, with the exposure time being dependent on the flow rate of the water and the intensity of the UV radiation.
UV sterilization kills 99.9% of waterborne viruses and bacteria, including giardia and cryptosporidium viruses.
UV treatment systems are often used in conjunction with other spa pool treatment methods, such as chlorine or bromine, to provide a multi-layered approach to water sanitation. This is because while UV treatment can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, it is not effective in removing other contaminants such as organic matter and debris.
Overall, UV treatment systems offer a safe and effective way to keep spa pools clean and free of harmful microorganisms. They require minimal maintenance and can have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for any spa pool owner. They can also help to reduce maintenance.
You will still need to use some sanitisers, however it will be a lot less than if you did not have a UV system. Always remember to follow the dosing instructions on the chemical container.
A combination UV and ozone sanitizing system combines the two methods to help keep spa pool water clean and free from harmful microorganisms.
By combining these two sanitation methods in series, the system can provide a more complete and efficient way to keep spa pool water clean and safe.
The combination of ozone and UV light effectively eliminates organic contaminants due to the exceptionally high oxidation potential of hydroxyl radicals (2.8 eV).
During ozone/UV reactions in an aqueous solution, ozone is energized and reacts with water to generate hydroxyl radicals, which exhibit stronger and less selective oxidation properties than either individual chemical oxidant.
As ozone interacts with organic contaminants, residual ozone is converted into two hydroxyl radicals per ozone molecule. This multiplies the attack on oxidation targets, significantly altering the oxidation landscape.
The increased reactivity and non-selectivity of hydroxyl radicals facilitate the more efficient action of ozone molecules. Notably, AOPs like ozone/UV can partially oxidize stubborn organics, making them more biodegradable even when they resist degradation.
Click the button below to learn more about Ozone-UV system spa sanitisers.
One highly effective UV-Ozone system on the market today is the Purezone™ Advanced Oxidation System or Purezone AOS™.
Purezone AOS™ is an automatic sanitising system that combines UV-Ozone technologies to purify spa water, eliminate bacteria and reduce water maintenance. It is available on Vortex™ Spas and Swim Spas from 2023.
Purezone AOS™ consists of a series of components, including an Ozone generator that produces the oxidant, a UV Lite Chamber where the oxidant and UV Light are combined to form the hydroxyl radicals and a filtration system that removes particles from the water to maintain optimal water conditions.
As mentioned above, Purezone AOS™ is only available on Vortext™ Spas and Swim Spas. At the time of writing, it cost about $1,000. Check the latest prices with Spa World, the exclusive distributor of Vortex Spas in Australia and New Zealand.
Vortex Spas™ recommends customers purchase Purezone AOS™ with the spa or swim spa, although you can install it later.
Overall, a combination UV and ozone sanitising system such as Purezone AOS™, can provide a reliable, low-chemical way to keep spa pool water clean, clear, and safe for users.
You will still need to use some sanitisers however it will be a lot less than if you did not have a AOS system. In addition, AOS systems can reduce your chemical levels, allowing you to enjoy clear, safe and healthy water.
Compared to traditional chlorine-based water treatments, advanced oxidation systems such as Purezone AOS™, are often more effective at removing stubborn contaminants and require less maintenance.
However, be aware that they can be more expensive to install and operate, and may require more frequent monitoring and upkeep to ensure optimal performance.
Purezone AOS™ systems not only helps to ensure water safety in spa pools but can also reduce the amount of chlorine you need to use. Always follow the reccomended dosing instructions on the santiser label to maintain an adequate level of of residual chlorine.
They are easy to use and also require minimal effort, making them a great choice for busy people looking to keep their spa pool or swim spa in top condition. As mentioned above, they can be costly to install and operate - depending on the system you choose.
The top two benefits of Ozone-UV systems are:
Always follow the reccomended dosing instructions on the santiser label to maintain an adequate level of of residual chlorine.
For more information on spa water quality or the Purezone AOS™ system please visit your local Spa World showroom or contact our customer care team. We’re here to help.
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