The 4 golden rules for effective UVC disinfection in the pool

A UVC disinfection system improves the water quality in the pool and reduces the use of chemical additives. However, some important measures are necessary for it to fully perform. The following four golden rules help ensure hygienically clean water in the long term and make optimal use of UVC disinfection.

1. Optimal Circulation of Pool Water

Efficient circulation is crucial for the effectiveness of UVC disinfection. Without sufficient circulation, algae, bacteria, and other contaminants can accumulate in poorly circulated areas.

• The entire pool content should circulate through the UVC disinfection system at least three times a day.
• Increased algae formation, such as after heavy rain or intense sunshine, it is advisable to increase the circulation rate to 3.5 to 4 times.
• Insufficient circulation can lead to parts of the water not being adequately irradiated, reducing the effectiveness of UVC disinfection.
• The pump performance must match the pool size. Larger pools require correspondingly stronger pumps.

Additional Tip: Cloudy or foul-smelling water may occasionally require filter optimization or shock chlorination.

2. Regular Cleaning of Walls and Floor

Effective water treatment also includes the maintenance of the pool structure itself. Algae, biofilms, and other deposits can adhere to walls and floors, especially in corners and hard-to-reach areas.

• Brush pool walls and floor regularly to prevent biofilms and deposits.
• A pool robot reduces effort by independently cleaning walls and floors.
• Alternatively, manual cleaning with a brush or pool vacuum can be done, especially in smaller pools.
• If dirt particles quickly settle again, there may be a problem with the filter system or a high organic load.

Additional Tip: After storms or heavy use, thorough pool cleaning is particularly important because additional particles often accumulate then.

3. Ensure Efficient Pool Hydraulics

The positioning of inlet and outlet openings has a significant impact on how evenly the water is circulated in the pool. Unfavorable flow conditions promote deposits in certain areas.

• Place inlet and outlet openings as far apart as possible at opposite ends of the pool to achieve even water circulation.
• Avoid dead zones: Align inlet nozzles so that areas behind stairs or in corners are better circulated.
• With poor pool hydraulics, not all water is adequately exposed to UVC radiation, which impairs disinfection.
• If possible, adjust the flow direction so that impurities are directed towards the filter system.

Additional Tip: Repeated algae growth despite UVC disinfection may indicate unfavorable flow conditions that should be checked and optimized.

4. Demand-Oriented Backwashing and Rinsing

The filter system plays a central role in water treatment. Without regular backwashing, dirt accumulates in the filter medium, causing the filter performance to decrease significantly.

• Adjust the frequency and duration of backwashing according to the actual water pollution and pool usage.
• Perform a rinse after each backwash to completely remove fine dirt particles from the filter.
• A dirty filter system affects water quality and reduces the efficiency of even a high-quality UVC disinfection.
• If the filter performance noticeably decreases despite regular backwashing, a replacement or refilling of the filter medium may be necessary.

Additional Tip: Sand filters should be flushed with a special cleaner at least once per season to remove grease and lime deposits.

Conclusion

UVC disinfection is an effective, low-chemical method for pool hygiene. To fully unleash its potential, optimized water circulation, thorough cleaning of pool surfaces, well-thought-out pool hydraulics, and demand-oriented filter maintenance are essential. Those who follow these four golden rules can look forward to crystal-clear pool water in the long term and significantly reduce the use of chemicals.