From UV to AOP Pool Sanitation: How to Save Money & Energy With Rebates

What if operating your commercial pool could cost less and give swimmers a better, healthier experience? With the right pool sanitation, you can achieve both. Ensuring optimal water quality is essential not only for swimmer safety but also for the longevity of your pool’s infrastructure. 

While medium-pressure UV pool systems (or MP UV) have been the traditional secondary and supplemental sanitation choice for controlling chloramines (or combined chlorine) and improving air quality, they come with drawbacks. These systems have high energy costs and operational inefficiencies. In this blog, we’ll explore how switching to Clear Comfort’s Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems (advanced oxidation process) can reduce energy costs, enhance sustainability and unlock potential rebate incentives.

Understanding Medium-Pressure UV Pool Systems

How Medium-Pressure UV Works

Medium-pressure UV pool systems utilize ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect pool water. The MP UV pool system’s light operates in a range of wavelengths that inactivates microorganisms and, to a lesser degree, breaks down organic contaminants in the water. The primary targets of MP UV pool systems are chloramines – chemical compounds formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter such as sweat, urine and other contaminants in pool water. Chloramines are notorious for their strong chlorine smell and contribute to eye, skin and respiratory irritation for swimmers. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the MP UV process:

1. Exposure to UV Light: Water passes through a chamber illuminated by mercury vapor lamps that emit a broad spectrum of UV light.
2. Deactivation of Contaminants: UV light disrupts the DNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and breaking down chloramines in the water.
3. Inactivation of Microorganisms: This process renders microorganisms inactive, reducing their ability to contaminate the water.

Energy Use & Medium-Pressure UV

Despite their water disinfection, MP UV pool systems are known for their high energy consumption. The energy requirements of MP UV pool systems can be quite substantial:

• Energy Utilization: Only about 15% of the energy is used for water treatment; the rest is lost as heat.
• Cost Implications: Annual energy costs can range from $3,000 to $12,000, depending on pool size and operational hours.
• Smaller Pools: Systems for pools with up to 200 GPM filtration rates may consume around 3 kW of power.
• Larger Pools: For 50-meter competitive pools, energy demand can rise to 12 kW.

Operating Medium-Pressure UV

In addition to high energy consumption, MP UV pool systems face several operational challenges:

• Heat Generation:
  • MP UV pool systems’ power/control cabinets generate significant heat.
  • Requires forced air ventilation, increasing energy use.

• Corrosive Environment:
  • Cooling air often contains corrosive VOCs from pool chlorination.
  • Corrosive air can damage UV pool systems control cabinets and electronic components, leading to system failures and costly repairs.
• Maintenance Costs:
  • Corrosive pool air leads to frequent repairs, raising operational expenses.
  • Component replacements can approach the cost of new AOP technology.
  • Requires frequent maintenance, including UV lamp cleaning, quartz sleeve replacement and control cabinet servicing. 
  • High energy usage and ventilation demands drive up operational costs, notably in electricity expenses.

Understanding Hydroxyl-Based AOP Pool Systems

In recent years, aquatics facilities have sought more sustainable, low-maintenance and cost-efficient alternatives to traditional UV pool systems. Clear Comfort’s patented Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool secondary and supplemental sanitation offers just that. As a patented and legally protected technology, Hydroxyl-Based AOP is truly one-of-a-kind on the market, delivering an easier, more sustainable approach to pool sanitation.

How Hydroxyl-Based AOP Works

Inspired by how our atmosphere cleans the air, Hydroxyl-Based AOP systems create powerful hydroxyl radicals to oxidize contaminants instantly. These radicals take less than a microsecond to oxidize contaminants in plumbing – never touching swimmers or pool surfaces and equipment. 

Unlike traditional UV pool systems that primarily target existing chloramines, Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems also prevent new chloramine formation. These AOP pool systems do this by oxidizing organics before they have a chance to react with chlorine. As a result, this patented AOP technology delivers cleaner water and better air quality, working more efficiently than UV pool systems. It’s an eco-friendly, safer solution for pool sanitation that uses less energy, reduces chemical use, and provides superior water quality.

Here’s a quick overview of how Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems work:

1. System Pulls in Air: Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems pull in surrounding air or oxygen (O2) we breathe.
2. System Treats Air: Inside the system, oxygen molecules are split into atomic oxygen (from O2 to O1). 
3. Air Injection into Water: Atomic oxygen (O1) is air-injected into the pool’s plumbing and reacts with water to make hydroxyl radicals that destroy chloramines, microorganisms, and other contaminants.

Energy Use & Hydroxyl-Based AOP

Running a commercial pool shouldn’t mean draining your budget on energy costs. AOP pool systems are significantly more energy-efficient than MP UV pool systems.

• Power Consumption: Hydroxyl-Based AOP AOP systems typically consume 360 to 680 watts (0.36 to 0.68 kW), while MP UV systems require 3,000 to 12,000 watts (3 kW to 12 kW).
• Annual Energy Saving for Smaller Pools: A pool switching from 3,000 watts (3 kW) with MP UV to Hydroxyl-Based AOP could reduce its annual energy cost from $2,890 to $366, based on a rate of $0.11 per kWh.
• Annual Energy Cost for Competitive Pools: A 50-meter pool using 12,000 watts (12 kW) with MP UV could see its annual energy cost savings from $11,563 to $559 by switching to Clear Comfort AOP.

Operating Hydroxyl-Based AOP

In addition to reducing chemical use, Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems offer several operational advantages:

• Improved Air Quality:
  • AOP systems oxidize organic contaminants and reduce chloramine formation.
  • Lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) create a healthier atmosphere for swimmers and staff.
  • Reducing VOCs helps prevent corrosion in HVAC systems, extending their lifespan and lowering maintenance costs.
• Reduced Chemical Use:
  • AOP systems decrease reliance on chemical treatments by handling organic oxidation.
  • Pools using AOP report a 30%-50% reduction in chemical use, cutting operational costs.
  • Stabilized chlorine demand and consistent pH levels slow Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) accumulation, improving efficiency.
• System Maintenance:
  • Regular maintenance is essential for optimal AOP performance.
  • Inspect the AOP reactor and monitor oxidation potential regularly.
  • Maintain water balance, including pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness, to prevent scaling.
  • Keep filters and pumps clean to avoid organic buildup and ensure efficient oxidation.

A Case Study: Energy Costs with MP UV & Hydroxyl-Based AOP

To illustrate the potential savings, let’s compare the annual energy costs for various pool sizes when switching from MP UV to Clear Comfort AOP. This case study on an aquatic facility’s 165,000 gallon pool examines the energy costs associated with MP UV pool systems compared to Hydroxyl-Based AOP systems. By analyzing two different pool setups, we can clearly see the financial benefits of switching to AOP secondary and supplemental sanitation.

Why Are Aquatic Facilities Switching From UV to Hydroxyl-Based AOP? 

As today’s commercial pool operators look for more sustainable and cost-efficient solutions, Hydroxyl-Based AOP water treatment systems are leading the way. While both MP UV and AOP pool systems come with maintenance and operational costs, Hydroxyl-Based AOP stands out in energy efficiency, reduced chemical use and sustainability. By switching from UV to Hydroxyl-Based AOP, aquatic operators can reduce costs, save time and enhance the overall sustainability of their facilities.

So why are today’s top aquatic operators making the switch? Let’s explore these four reasons:

1. Saved Time on Maintenance
2. Lower Operational Costs
3. Environmental Sustainability
4. Energy-Saving Rebates: Cut Costs of Hydroxyl-Based AOP

1. Saved Time on Maintenance

Today’s aquatic operators face uphill battles catering to staff turnover, long to-do lists and health-conscious patron demands – all under budget restraints. When evaluating the switch from MP UV to a Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool system, today’s aquatic operators look at how it saves their facility time, manpower and hassle. Here’s how:

• MP UV Pool Systems: 
  • Require frequent maintenance by professionally trained service technicians using specialized tools.
  • Facility downtime, where the pool is unavailable to patrons, is often necessary for UV servicing.
  • Tasks typically involve disassembling parts of the UV pool system, including UV lamp cleaning, quartz sleeve replacement and control cabinet servicing.
  • Corrosive pool air leads to more frequent repairs, especially for sensitive components like printed circuit boards (PCBs).
• Hydroxyl-Based AOP Pool Systems: 
  • Designed for harsh conditions, systems last longer with fewer repairs.
  • Only AOP system maintenance needed is an easy 15-minute cartridge exchange.
  • Simple maintenance with no special tools, professional training or downtime.

2. Lower Operational Costs

As chlorine and chemical costs rise in a challenging economic climate, aquatic operators are asked to do more with less budget. With resources spread thin, nimble operators have switched from MP UV to a Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool system to save money. Let’s see why:

• MP UV Pool Systems: 
  • High energy consumption increases electricity costs.
  • Frequent chemical use drives up operational expenses.
  • Requires extra ventilation, adding to energy bills.
• Hydroxyl-Based AOP Pool Systems: 
  • Uses significantly less energy, lowering electricity bills.
  • Reduces chemical use by 30%-50%, cutting operational costs.
  • No need for additional ventilation, reducing overall energy usage.

3. Environmental Sustainability 

MP UV pool systems come with high energy consumption and frequent maintenance needs. In contrast, Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems treat water effectively and more sustainably, using less energy, less chemical use and minimal maintenance. See how switching to AOP helps aquatic facilities support broader sustainability goals:

• MP UV Pool Systems:
  • Energy Use: High energy consumption increases your facility’s carbon footprint. UV lamps contain toxic mercury, requiring careful disposal.
  • Chemical Use: UV systems maintain chlorine levels but don’t typically reduce them, leading to higher chemical use than AOP.
  • Facility Reputation: Higher energy use and chemical reliance may not align with sustainability goals.
• Hydroxyl-Based AOP Pool Systems: 
  • Energy Use: Lower energy use reduces utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions. No toxic mercury, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.
  • Chemical Use: Reduces chlorine and other chemical use by 30%-50%, lowering costs and minimizing harmful runoff.
  • Facility Reputation: Shows a commitment to sustainability, attracting eco-conscious patrons and building trust with stakeholders.

4. Energy-Saving Rebates: Cut Costs of Hydroxyl-Based AOP

Last but not least, many utility companies offer “custom incentive” rebate programs to promote the use of energy-efficient technologies. These rebates can significantly offset the cost of switching from MP UV to Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems. 

To help you take advantage of these savings, we’ve outlined the process for applying for energy-saving rebates below.

How to Apply for Energy-Saving Rebates 

To apply for energy-saving rebates, you’ll first need to check if your utility provider offers a rebate program. Visit their website or contact customer service to inquire about “custom incentives” for energy-efficient upgrades. Once confirmed, you’ll need to provide documentation demonstrating the energy savings from switching to an AOP system. Review your utility provider’s specific rebate requirements, as they may vary.

Here’s what you may need:

• The model number of your existing UV system.
• The flow rate (GPM) of your pool’s filtration system to determine the correct AOP system size.
• Details about your electricity usage and your utility provider’s information.

Understanding rebate funding can be challenging. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Sign up to get free help applying for energy-saving rebates, here now.

Embrace Energy Savings at Your Aquatic Facility

Switching from MP UV to Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems isn’t just a smart move — it’s a game changer for your aquatics facility. By reducing energy consumption, lowering chemical use and cutting operational costs, you’re saving money and making your swimming environment healthier for your patrons and staff. 

If your aquatics facility uses UV, look into upgrading to Hydroxyl-Based AOP water treatment with the help of energy-saving rebate funding. Your decision makers, patrons and staff will thank you for it.

Ready to see how much you could save?

Sign up for a free consultation, and our team will help you apply for energy-saving funding to switch to Hydroxyl-Based AOP water treatment for your pool, spa or waterpark. Get started now. »