UV-C: the extraordinary bacteria killer for your pool
The cleansing electromagnetic radiation called UV-C
UV-C is a cleansing form of electromagnetic radiation that kills microorganisms and gives you a crystal clear pool, free of algae and other pathogens. Perhaps this extraordinary bacteria killer sounds like something out of science fiction, with its advanced technology. But no: actually UV-C is simply emitted by the sun, and is blocked by the ozone layer, so we as humans are not affected. What we did learn from this is how to harness the power of UV-C to fight germs - above all germs in water. But what is UV-C now, and how do you use it to clean your pool or pond? Read on quickly to learn more about it!
The UV-C lamp explained through 8 questions
That UV-C is a powerful pool cleaner should be obvious. However, we also understand that you may have some questions about this product, such as "What is UV-C?", or "Does UV-C have any drawbacks?" (to which, by the way, our answer is "no"!). You can read the answers to these questions and more in this blog article, carefully compiled for you to clarify and address any concerns.
1. What is UV-C?
UV-C is ultraviolet light, or actually electromagnetic radiation, with a wavelength between 100 and 300 nm. This radiation is very powerful; it is able to destroy skin cells, as well as kill bacteria, viruses and algae. For this reason, UV-C lights are sometimes used to rid swimming pools of stubborn microorganisms. By default, these UV-C lamps use wavelengths between 240 and 280 nm, as these are most effective against pathogens. With a UV-C lamp in your pool, you need less chlorine, especially when you combine it with a salt electrolyzer. You can read more about that in our blog article on salt electrolysis.
2. For which bodies of water is UV-C suitable?
UV-C lamps are suitable for cleaning various types of water bodies, including swimming pools and (swimming) ponds. In this context, they are also referred to simply as UV lamps, although they are thus specifically UV-C. The purpose of UV-C is mainly to kill harmful microorganisms that disturb the balance of the water. This can be the case in pools with too low chlorine levels, as well as in ponds that have become overgrown or exposed to varying amounts of sunlight. The UV-C lamps you can purchase on Pool.shop are intended for installation in swimming pool and swimming pond systems. So you can swim safely in hygienic water, without the risk of pathogens.
3. What organisms are killed by UV-C?
UV-C is used specifically to kill microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae. In short, any potentially disease-causing life forms that could be in your pool water. UV-C radiation inhibits the division of these organisms, causing them to die off. Did you know that UV-C is even more effective against certain bacteria than chlorine? That means that these pathogens, which would normally survive low chlorine levels, can still be efficiently killed by UV-C.
4. What other benefits does UV-C have?
Now UV-C lamps in your pool are ideal for killing viruses, bacteria and algae, but did you consider that they are also good for both people and the environment? That's because the cleaning function of UV-C means you need less pool chlorine. From a human perspective, excessive amounts of this agent can lead to eye and skin irritation, which you obviously want to avoid as much as possible. In addition, chlorine can be harmful to the environment, so you want to keep its use to a minimum. Because UV-C lamps reduce the amount of chlorine you need to add to the pool, you are both environmentally and people friendly!
5. Is salt electrolysis a requirement for UV-C?
Some UV-C lamps do indeed require that your pool water be cleaned by salt electrolysis, but this is by no means always the case! If it does, the UV-C lamp in question is referred to as a saltwater lamp. These lamps are specifically designed to kill organisms in salt water, which is standard practice if your pool uses salt electrolysis. As long as you choose a UV-C lamp that is not labeled as a saltwater lamp, you can also use it for a normal chlorine pool.
6. Where are UV-C lamps installed?
UV-C lamps are installed in the pool pump, so that all the water filtered through them is immediately cleaned in a powerful way. The UV-C lamps in our range are designed so that you can easily connect them to your current circuit, requiring virtually no expertise. If you have a technology room, that is the ideal location for installing your UV-C lights.
7. Does UV-C have any drawbacks?
As long as you install your UV-C lamps correctly, you will not suffer any ill effects from this. Under normal circumstances, UV-C could break down skin cells, but the UV-C lamps in our range are all completely sealed. This means that no radiation can escape that could harm your skin. UV-C lamps are therefore a very safe and powerful form of water disinfection.
8. How often should a UV-C lamp be replaced?
On average, a UV-C lamp needs replacement after about 12 months. Although the lamp will still function after that period, its performance will deteriorate and organisms in your pool water will no longer be killed with full force. Therefore, it is important not to delay replacing your UV-C lamp and to purchase a substitute in a timely manner.
As we have seen, UV-C lamps are a safe, relatively inexpensive option for keeping your pool water crystal clear. With this blog article, we hope to have informed you sufficiently about how this eco-friendly form of water purification works. If not, we would also love to hear from you! If you have already made your choice, you will find UV-C lamps of the brand W'eau in the assortment of Pool.shop, for water that says wow to you. And are you looking for more pool supplies? You'll find everything you need on our site, from pool robots to sand filters. Come take a look!