How To Differentiate the 2 Types of AOP Pool & Spa Systems 

In the pool and spa industry, AOP alternative sanitation is known as a must-have upgrade. Yet, it might surprise you that AOP pool and spa systems come in two very different technologies.

Whether you offer AOP or not, your customers come to you for advice. It’s important to know the two types of AOP, especially with the growing demand to lower chlorine in today’s health and sustainability era.

While “AOP” has one name, it comes in two very different types. 

What is AOP?

In short, AOP (advanced oxidation process) is a method used to clean pool and spa water with less need to use, buy and handle chlorine or salt. AOP methods create “hydroxyl radicals” in different ways to clean water. AOP offers a healthier swimming experience that’s gentle on eyes, skin and lungs. 

Remember, alternative sanitation should help chlorine and not replace it. Like chlorine, AOP’s “hydroxyl radicals” are “oxidizers.” Picture those TV commercials for home cleaning products that erase tough stains on clothing. That’s oxidation at work. But unlike chlorine, these radicals last less than a microsecond in plumbing – so they never touch swimmers or surfaces in the pool or spa. 

In today’s health- and eco-conscious world, the rising demand to minimize chlorine use has made AOP pool and spa alternative sanitation more popular than ever. When your customers ask about alternative sanitation, it’s important for you to know how the two types of AOP compare. 

What Are the Two AOP Types?

Contrary to online myths, “AOP” isn’t limited to traditional ozone and UV technologies, staples in the pool and spa industry for decades. A little research can quickly debunk this misunderstanding.

Let’s clear up the confusion on the two types of AOP pool and spa sanitation.

Hydroxyl-Based AOP 

• Patented AOP 
• Unique Hydroxyl-Based AOP 
• Air is treated in the system
• Air is UV treated
• A dry system with no water flow wear-and-tear 
• Available from one manufacturer

Ozone + UV AOP

• Not patented AOP 
• Common ozone and UV AOP 
• Air and water is treated in the system
• Water is UV treated
• A wet system with water flow 
• Available from multiple manufacturers

How to Choose the Right AOP for Your Customers

Choosing the right AOP system for your customer’s pool or spa needs can give your business more loyal customers, referral sales and happy 5-star reviews. 

Here are three ways to help you pick the best type of AOP pool and spa sanitation for your customers:

1. Performance: Water Quality Results

When it comes to AOP pool systems, don’t overlook the importance of water flow rate. This often neglected factor plays a crucial role in AOP performance. The maximum gallons per minute (GPM) of an AOP pool or spa system indicates the highest volume of water it can properly treat in one minute. 

If your customer has a seasonal pool that sees few bathers, their water flow rate shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. But, if your customer hosts pool parties and exposes their water to high bather loads, they need higher water flow capabilities.

While all types of AOP can improve water quality, not all types can offer:

• Minimal need for chlorine
• One system that treats up to 2,000 GPM
• Proven effectiveness on waterparks 
• Trusted quality with money-back guarantees 

2. Maintenance: Keeping It Simple

An AOP system should fit into your customer’s lifestyle, not the other way around. Maintenance is a key distinction between the two top AOP methods. Remember, your relationship with the customer doesn’t end after the sale. Their experience could mean the difference between a 1-star or 5-star review – influencing your potential customers.

Here’s what an easy-to-use AOP system offers:

• Easy-to-read indicator lights
• Maintain in 5 minutes or less each year
• Tool-free maintenance
• No system wear-and-tear from water flow
• Zero disassembly maintenance
• No fragile lamp handling or lengthy training needed 

3. Installation: The First Impression

An AOP installation sets the stage for a happy customer. Despite AOP’s popularity, many pool pros are unfamiliar with installing the two AOP methods. While new builds offer flexibility, aftermarket installations can be trickier. Choosing the right AOP method can save you hours or even days of installation headaches.

Key factors for a smooth AOP installation:

• A compact wall-mounted system with zero equipment pad footprint 
• Install in 12” of pipe to avoid plumbing gymnastics
• Weatherproof aluminum material
• No supplemental bypass needed for bottlenecked high-flow rates
• No winterization system requirements
• Live support for you and your customers

Making Your Customers Happy with AOP

In today’s market, pool and spa businesses must sell the upgrades, like AOP, that customers will invest in – no matter the economy. Keep in mind that buying the cheaper option often leads to buying the more expensive option too later on. It’s important to understand your customers and offer the AOP that best fits their needs without trial and error. 

As the industry rushes to meet customer demands for AOP pool or spa alternative sanitation, those who know how to differentiate the two top types of AOP will win more business.

To save your team the time, money and guesswork out of selling the AOP pool sanitation, download our free guide at: clearcomfort.com/aop-sales-guide

Originally Published in The Edge Magazine by the Northeast Spa & Pool Association. 

Tom Schaefer

Technical Sales Director

Gabrielle Palumbo

Marketing Director