Save yourself time, money and guesswork by understanding the two leading AOP pool sanitation methods.
As a pool professional, you know AOP is a game-changer that can’t be ignored. But did you know there are two different AOP pool sanitation methods?
While the pool industry evolves after chlorine shortages, AOP remains the go-to alternative for keeping customers happy and pools clean with minimal chlorine use. But, here’s the big misconception: not all AOP methods use ozone and UV.
Let’s sort out any confusion on the two prominent AOP pool sanitation technologies: Ozone + UV AOP and Hydroxyl-Based AOP.
Ozone + UV AOP
- Uses a combination of ozone and UV technologies
- A wet system that water flows through contacting two key elements (ozone and UV)
- A common two-part process that injects ozone gas in pool plumbing before passing water over a UV lamp
- Offered by multiple manufacturers
Hydroxyl-Based AOP
- Uses a proprietary, one-of-a-kind AOP technology
- A dry system with no water flowing through it, for less wear-and-tear and an easy install
- A one-part process that injects treated air into plumbing to directly create hydroxyl radicals
- Trusted from spas to waterparks by a cohort of industry leaders
- True full-flow treatment rated for higher flow rates
What to consider when choosing an AOP for your customer
To save yourself time and guesswork, use these three areas to determine the AOP that fits your customer’s needs – and have the confidence to do it.
1. Power of performance
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 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 pool to high bather loads, they need higher water flow capabilities.
While all AOP methods improve water quality, not all methods can offer:
- Minimal need for chlorine
- One system that treats up to 2,000 GPM
- Proven effectiveness on waterparks
- Reassuring money-back guarantees
2. Maintenance matters
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. Installing a 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
AOP: The key to happy customers
In today’s market, customers expect AOP pool systems to meet their needs without trial and error. Wasting time and money on ineffective options is no longer acceptable.
As pool businesses rush to meet customer demands for AOP, those who understand the difference between the two leading AOP technologies will stay ahead.
To give your team the proven framework for selling AOP, download our free guide here.
*Originally published on Pool & Spa News.
