Pool Guy Podcast Show: UV, Ozone, and AOP Systems

Introduction

• Host discusses UV, ozone, and AOP systems with Bob Lowry.
• Bob Lowry has tech bulletins available at PCTI.
• Bob Lowry is a leading expert in the pool industry with extensive experience.

Bob Lowry's Background

• Entered the pool industry in 1973.
• Founded Robar and Leisure Time Chemical.
• Worked at Dell Industries and Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies.
• Independent consultant with 111 chemical inventions and 21 books on pool chemistry.

Overview of UV, Ozone, and AOP

• UV Light: Alters RNA of organisms, preventing replication. Used in low or medium-pressure systems.
• Ozone: Strong oxidizer, short-lived in pools (3-18 minutes). More powerful than chlorine.
• AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process): Combines UV, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide to create free radicals, which are powerful but short-lived.

Key Points

UV, Ozone, and AOP as Supplements

• These systems supplement traditional sanitizers like chlorine; not standalone solutions.
• They can reduce chlorine usage but depend on the size of the unit.

Benefits and Limitations

• UV Light: Kills bacteria and algae, can eliminate chloramines. Two types: low pressure (kills) and medium pressure (kills and reduces chloramines).
• Ozone: Quickly oxidizes contaminants; short-lived in water, making it impractical as a standalone sanitizer.
• AOP: Produces hydroxyl radicals that are highly effective but last only milliseconds.

Considerations for Pool Owners

• Determine if you need these systems based on current pool issues (e.g., chloramines, algae).
• Consider budget and desired water quality improvements.

Challenges with UV, Ozone, and AOP

• Fixed output; doesn’t adapt to the number of bathers.
• Lack of residual disinfection means they can't prevent bather-to-bather disease transmission alone.

Maintenance and Testing

• UV bulbs last 2-3 years; ozone systems need testing to ensure functionality.
• Ozone detection can be tricky; test kits or smell (similar to wet hay) can indicate function.

Sales Pitch for Pool Pros

• Ozone and UV systems improve water quality and reduce chlorine use.
• UV is geared towards chloramine reduction and killing bacteria, while ozone focuses on rapid oxidation.

Conclusion

• UV, ozone, and AOP can enhance pool sanitation but should be used alongside chlorine.
• Industry professionals and homeowners should evaluate their specific needs and pool conditions before investing.

Additional Resources

• Bob Lowry's tech bulletins and pool chemistry courses are available for further learning.
• More podcasts with Bob Lowry are available on swimmingforlearning.com.