How do UV sanitisers work?

AstralPool UV Sanitisers use a sanitation method called Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI). This method uses a short-wavelength ultraviolet UV-C light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying and disrupting their DNA. When DNA is damaged, the organism becomes unable to function normally, it's unable to reproduce and cannot cause infection. UV-C light renders it harmless!

UV-C has a very strong biocide effect, enabling it to kill microorganisms in pools that are unaffected by conventional chlorine use. In other words, UV-C is a powerful disinfectant when used in swimming pools, capable of neutralising Cryptosporidium and other nasty pathogens.

Fun fact - AstralPool UV sanitisers kill 99.9% of microorganisms and bacteria.

CAN WE USE UV SANITATION IN PLACE OF A CHLORINATOR?

Unfortunately, no. UV sanitation is an add-on system to accompany your residual sanitiser (chlorinator) for perfect pool quality. Why? 

1. Because pool water goes through the pipes only once or twice a day and the UV system can only treat water that passes through it, a residual sanitiser like chlorine is required to kill any bacteria or viruses in the pool water. So, UV makes the perfect add-on to a chlorinator, as it destroys any remaining bacteria and algae.

2. Our bodies excrete oils, fats and other wastes while we swim, which cannot be eliminated by UV-C, making it essential to use a residual sanitiser.

Did you know?

Sore and red eyes from swimming is often caused by high chloramine levels in the pool. Chloramines are the byproduct of chlorine reacting with waste brought into the pool by bathers. The use of a UV sanitiser means no more red eyes!

If you’d like to know more, or would like to install a UV system, try finding a local retailer using our Dealer Locator. Alternatively, go to the UV Sanitisers product page and click ‘WHERE TO BUY’.