News, Applause, and Accolades
Each day, we are discovering that less is more when it comes to swimming pool and spa chemicals. We take a look at recent media coverage and hear what the experts are saying about ultraviolet disinfection. Prepare yourself.
BREAKING NEWS:
A Wall Street Journal Article highlights UV Systems by SpectraLight Technologies in both the print and online editions.
The article released Wednesday (Aug. 24) highlights SpectraLight as a fast growing manufacturer of ultraviolet pool systems.
Article Excerpts:
Lynn Trahan [SpectraLight Customer], a homeowner in The Woodlands, Texas, says he was turned off by how saltwater pools still use chlorine and picked UV-light technology when he revamped his home pool three years ago. Now, he uses only 0.2 part chlorine per million parts water—down from 1.5 ppm previously—as an added disinfectant in the water. "It's crystal clear," he says.
Daniel Lee, chief executive of Georgetown, Texas-based SpectraLight Technologies Inc., which manufactures UV-light generators, says sales have more than tripled over the past two years.
Tom Lachocki, CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation, a nonprofit that funds pool research, says about 80% of new, large water parks and aquatic facilities feature UV-light generators.
Recent Media Coverage on Chlorine
Is Swimming Pool Chlorine Fueling the Allergy Epidemic.....Reuters
Outdoor Pools Boost Child's Asthma Risk: Study.....Reuters
Infant Swimming Tied to Lung Infection, Asthma.....Reuters
Indoor Pools May Harm Infant's Lungs.....Reuters
Working Near Chlorine Pools Tied to Lung Problems.....Reuters
World's Leading Experts Applaude UV Disinfection
"UV Sytems are the strongest oxidizers available to pool operators".....
Kent Williams, Executive Director, Professional Pool Operators of America
"Ideally, UV disinfection would be the gold standard [at every pool in Utah] and we'll move toward that."
Lewis Garrett, Director of Health, Davis County Health Department
"Lower free chlorine concentrations may be health protective when UV is used".....
World Health Organization: Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments P.64
"Lower free chlorine concentrations (.5 mg/l or less) will be adequate when chorine is used in combination with UV disinfection."
World Health Organization: Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments P.xx
"Giardiasis has been associated with swimming pools. A number of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis has been linked to swimming pools. UV is also effective at inactivating Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts."
World Health Organization: Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments P.39
"UV disinfection is not considered to produce by-products, and it seems to significantly reduce the levels of chloramines."
World Health Organization: Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments P.68
"...the UV process purifies circulating water…it inactivates microorganisms and breaks down some pollutants (e.g. chloramines) by photo-oxidation, decreasing the oxidant demand of the purified water."
World Health Organization: Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments P.109
"How effective is UV? Extremely effective! So effective, in fact, that drinking water and waste water treatment plants around the world are turning to UV for help inactivating pathogens and minimizing harmful disinfection byproducts. Swimming pool system designers are getting on the band wagon. "
Professional Pool Operators of America
"What would you say if we told you that it is now possible to eliminate chloramines in your swimming pool without using chemicals? How much safer would you feel if we told you that all microorganisms that pass through the filtration system could be fully inactivated? What would you think if you were told you that the only task you had to perform to eliminate those pesky chlorination byproducts and germs was to flip a switch? Well, believe it or not, these things are possible; and it is all because of the magic of light – ultraviolet light to be specific. "
Professional Pool Operators of America
"According to the data, UV is so effective (99 percent to 100 percent) in destroying crypto, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends installing the systems "
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
More Ultraviolet Accolades
"Looking ahead, it’s a safe bet that UV will be making waves for the foreseeable future"
Aquatics International
"UV is a particularly effective supplemental sanitation when used on pools and spas. [UV] inactivates microbial contaminants and reduce certain disinfection byproducts such as chloramines, allowing for a safer, more comfortable swimming environment. [UV] has received the attention of health departments across North America. As a result, UV technology will likely become more prevalent on commercial and residential pools for years to come."
Pool & Spa Marketing, April 2010
"The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has enacted a regulation that requires recirculated water in recreational pool sprayparks to be treated with ultraviolet (UV) light."
Cryptosporidium Blog
Want Clean Water? Turn on the Lights. New York City is turning to ultraviolet (UV) technology to supplement its use of chlorine for drinking water disinfection.
Scientific American
More on the Dangers of Pool Chemicals
Chlorine Toxicity: A Matter That Should be of Concern to All Swimmers, Coaches and Parents
Swimming Science Journal
Chlorine Toxicity: A Matter That Should be of Concern to All Swimmers, Coaches and Parents
Swimming Science Journal
Hazards: Indoor Pools May Pose Danger for Young Lungs
New York Times
Organizations Currently Using UV Pool Disinfection
Indiana University
University of Buffalo
Arcata Community Pool
Children's Specialized Hospital
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Indiana University