While ozone and UV systems have been available for some time, there is still confusion surrounding the science behind these two water sanitation processes. Even more confusing is the newest innovation – Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP). AOP has been around for more than 30 years in the wastewater-treatment world, but has only recently become an affordable option for residential pools. In order to fully grasp AOP, one must first understand the nature of ozone and UV – as well as their performance.
What is Ozone?
Ozone (O3) is a gas that can be created inside a chamber by passing oxygen through either a light energy field (called UV ozone) or an electrical energy field (called CD ozone). The ozone generator uses either light or electrical energy as well as oxygen from the surrounding air. Regular oxygen molecules (O2) get split into two individual atoms (O1) when this kind of energy is added. The O1 atoms then unite with other oxygen molecules (O2), which produces O3. The only difference between ozone generated by light energy vs. electrical energy is the quantity -- electrical generation produces higher ozone output.
When dissolved in water, ozone will kill pathogens and microorganisms, destroy organics and inorganics, and also will break down chloramines through oxidation. The oxidation reaction happens when an ozone molecule collides with an oxidizable substance, such as algae, bacteria, sweat, urine, mold spores, and protozoa, which then causes the weakly bonded third oxygen atom to split off. During this reaction, organic molecules are destroyed, and dissolved metals become insoluble. The leftover byproduct is O2, which capably reduces chlorine consumption by 50-75 percent.
Ozone is a significantly stronger oxidizer than chlorine, and is able to kill chlorine-resistant cryptosporidium parvum. It’s an antimicrobial oxidizer that is a sanitizer and a disinfectant, which is highly effective in removing biofilm. Ozone also is an impressive microflocculant. It clumps organic and inorganic contaminants together during the oxidation process so they’re more easily removed by the filter.
What is Germicidal UV?
Germicidal UV systems (also known as Ultraviolet Sterilizers) pass water through a chamber and expose it to light, which kills microorganisms and breaks down chloramines using light energy. In order to sanitize water, specific UV light rays must be used – 254 nm has the greatest germicidal action. The germicidal light alters or disrupts the DNA or RNA of microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and protozoa. This essentially destroys the microorganisms as they pass through the UV chamber.
A UV lamp produces UV light in a chamber that is powered by electricity. It effectively inactivates harmful microorganisms, including cryptosporidium parvum. The process leaves no harmful byproducts and is able to reduce chlorine consumption by 25-50 percent.
How are they different?
The two forms of water sanitation are easily confused. Both ozone and UV are EPA-approved water sanitizing devices. They’re also compatible with chlorine, able to reduce chloramines, and are environmentally friendly technologies. However, ozone is able to provide oxidation and UV is not, which is a very important characteristic of ozone.
Germicidal UV uses light rays alone to disrupt DNA or RNA of microorganisms. Ozone is a gas that can effectively be created using light or electrical energy. It may then be safely dissolved in water in order to destroy microorganisms and break down chloramines through oxidation.
What is Advanced Oxidation Process or AOP?
This is where ozone and UV come together. There are many forms of AOP, but the most common one – and the one available in the pool and spa industry – is made through a combination of CD ozone and UV. Combining ozone and UV technology into one cohesive system creates synergistic sanitation, which maximizes disinfection, water clarity, and chloramine removal.
In an AOP system, ozone gas is dissolved in water and then passes through a chamber with a germicidal ultraviolet lamp. When UV energy is combined with ozone, it creates a chemical reaction resulting in hydroxyl radicals - short-lived, but very powerful oxidizers that can kill pathogens and microorganisms, as well as destroy inorganic contaminants in the water. They’re even stronger oxidizers than ozone alone.
In order to have AOP, both ozone and UV are needed. As water flows through the system, hydroxyl radicals are being formed continuously. This cannot occur without ozone. The more ozone molecules in the system, the more hydroxyl radicals are created.
After the hydroxyl radicals oxidize contaminants in the water, they quickly convert back to oxygen. This makes AOP a safe, sustainable, and green technology. It also provides the cleanest pool water with the lowest amount of chlorine needed.
Secondary vs Supplemental Disinfection
There is a common misconception that should be addressed, regarding the difference between secondary disinfection and supplemental disinfection systems.
The 2016 Model Aquatic Health Code defines the two as follows:
“Secondary disinfection systems shall be designed to achieve a minimum 3-log (99.9 percent) reduction in the number of infective Cryptosporidium parvum OOCYSTS per pass through the secondary disinfection system.” These systems must be validated by a third party, such as NSF.
“Aquatic venues that do not require secondary disinfection systems may install supplemental treatment systems for the purpose of enhancing overall system performance and improving water quality.”
They key difference: Secondary disinfection systems must prove they can achieve the 3-log reduction of Cryptosporidium parvum in a single pass. Supplemental systems do not have to meet this standard because they are meant to be used in addition to other systems, as an added boost to water quality -- therefore the label, “supplemental.”
