Several years ago an American client contacted UV Water Systems to enquire about Ultra Violet chambers for swimming pools and spa pools. Apparently utilising UV to kill bacteria in pools is used extensively in the United States but not so much in New Zealand. That is probably because the Pool and Spa installation and maintenance companies don’t push it. The reason for this is because they like selling you chemicals for your pool and spa which of course you don’t need when using UV.

At UV Water Systems we are all about the removal of chemicals we don’t like them in any form especially in drinking water but also in spa and swimming pools. Chlorine as an example loves when warm to be absorbed through the skin, your body sucks it up and that is not good for the health much like drinking it isn’t.

So we did the calculations based on water volume and flow rates and now provide a number of marine grade 316L stainless UV chambers for swimming pools and spa baths.

How it works: you install the correct size chamber inline after the pools circulation and filter system. Unlike drinking water systems as an example pool and spa systems don’t require sterilisation in one pass. In other words entry at one end of the chamber and exit at the other is one pass. With drinking water you have to sterilise all the bacteria in just one pass but with pool and spa systems you circulate the water so the UV gets more goes at the sterilisation process.

As the circulation system runs the water constantly travels through the chamber killing the bacteria. Based on turbidity, flow rate, chamber length and width, lamp wattage and pool or spa capacity we can calculate how long the circulation system needs to run to successfully push through the required volume of water.

Downside, yep there is always a compromise. UV systems work really well and clients love not having to use chemicals in the water but the bacteria sterilisation only works whilst the pool or spa is circulating the water and passing through the chamber. So if the circulation system is off then the process stops. With chemicals they sit in the water and are therefore working continually.

More and more clients now use UV systems to either entirely remove the need for chemicals or substantially reduce the need.

If you have questions give us a call and we will be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about UV water filtration systems and the purchasing process.

Which UV Filtration System should I get?

Each system is designed for specific needs. Below is a summary of these systems:

  • WSC4 200W UV 4- Filter System:
    Designed and tested for rain and ground water (bore, lake and stream).

    The 4 filters, a 20 micron pleated paper for broken down leaf matter, heavy sands and sediment, 5 micron pleated paper minor sands and sediment, 5 micron coconut shell carbon for taste, smell, discolouration and chemicals that may get in the water like for example roundup off the roof. Then a 1 Micron melt blown filter for small floating matter. All designed to perfectly clean the water.

    Then an off set dual 100 watt UV sterilizer for the bacteria like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
    This is a light commercial system for very large houses, food manufacturers, breweries, clinics, hospitals and schools etc.

  • (WSR3) 80W UV 3-Filter System):
    Designed and tested for rain and ground water (bore, lake and stream).

    The 3 filters, a 5 micron pleated paper for sands, sediment and broken down leaf removal a 5 micron coconut shell carbon for taste, smell, discolouration and chemicals that may get in the water like for example roundup off the roof. Then a 1 Micron melt blown filter for small floating matter. All designed to perfectly clean the water.

    Then an off set UV sterilizer for the bacteria like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

    Our most popular system with over 5000 in homes around New Zealand.

    Ideal for medium to large houses or properties with known water issues.

  • (WSR2) 40W UV 2-Filter System:
    Designed and tested for rain water.

    The 2 filters, a 5 micron pleated paper for sands, sediment and broken down leaf removal a 1 micron melt blown filter for small floating matter.

    Then an off set UV sterilizer for the bacteria like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

    This system is designed for smaller houses with no perceived water issues.

  • (WSBS) 80W UV 1-Filter System:
    Onsite grey water secondary Treated Septic Tank Discharge: Uses a coarse 50 micron pleated paper filter with a high-output 95W lamp; ensures safe water discharge into streams or gardens.

Can I install a system myself?

Yes, it comes with a full instruction manual, however we do advise that you have it checked and signed off by a registered master plumber.

Can these systems be installed outside?

We offer a variety of systems tailored for different applications, and according to plumbers, ours is the only truly 'outside compatible' option available.

Our systems feature an all-weather impervious alloy cover, ensuring durability. Additionally, the power supply is fully encased within its waterproof box, preventing moisture infiltration. We use Gel-filled ballasts to isolate the circuitry effectively.

Moreover, our systems come with added protection, including surge protectors and RCBOs. These features not only prevent electrical damage but also assist in identifying faults.

Does it need 240 Volts?

Yes, it has a UV lamp to kill the bacteria, which requires input voltage of between 110 to 240 volts, which is stepped up by the ballast to over 400 volts.

How long does the whole UV system last?

Depending on its location, the system should provide a minimum of 20 years of service. It's essential to understand the three component groups:

  1. Consumables: Includes seals and lamp cartridges, typically replaced every 6 to 12 months.
  2. Replaceables: Involves items like quartz sleeves, filter o-rings, power supply, and jumbo filters, which are typically replaced every 3 to 10 years.
  3. Durables: Long-lasting components such as backing boards, covers, chambers, brackets, and pipe fittings, designed to last up to 20 years.

Each component group plays a vital role in the system's functionality and longevity.

How much does it cost to install a filtration system?

Depending on where the system is to be installed and the type of connection piping used, it can be from as little as $250+GST.