UV water treatment offers an effective, natural disinfection solution. It produces healthy, pure, non-chemical water. This technique is applied to waters used for spa treatments, thalasso (seawater) or balneotherapy (freshwater).
UV disinfection system applied to thermalism, thalassotherapy, balneotherapy
To guarantee optimum water disinfection, the principle of the UV treatment system is based on :
- A UV-C disinfection device, installed on the filtration circuit, and through which the water circulates. Subjected to the radiation of the UV-C lamp, bacteria, viruses and algae are eliminated and no harmful by-products are produced.
- A dosing pump also installed on the pool’s water treatment circuit.
- Automatic pH control, to be added as an option, depending on pool volume or water temperature.
If you’re looking for an effective disinfection system for your spa, our complete range of saltwater UV reactors can be consulted online, and design can be carried out on this page.
Disinfection system benefits
In addition, producing healthy water, without any risk of contamination by microorganisms, UV water treatment is also part of an environmental approach:
- For your health, water treatment without the addition of harmful pool products guarantees allergy- and respiratory-risk-free swimming (non-chemical).
- It also provides additional value for the environment, ensuring crystal-clear, odor-free water.
- The absence of chlorine makes for a safe, environmentally-friendly process.
- UV treatment represents cost savings, thanks to extended plant lifetimes and simple, reliable, long-lasting equipment.
- Last but not least, the system can be installed and maintained quickly and easily.
Sizing advice: UV disinfection applied to swimming pools and spas
On the UV reactors for fresh water page, many solutions are proposed (up to a unit flow rate of 130 m3/h). For higher flow rates, up to 130 m3/h, please contact us!
- Select ““.
- Select the water source to be processed, e.g. “Thermalism, thalasso, balneotherapy”.
- Enter the flow rate to be treated (for example 25 m3/h)
- Adjust the cost of electricity in your country (for example 0.09€ for France; 0.23€ for Germany)
- Let 30 mJ / cm² (or adapt)
- Specify the temperature of the water (normally, between 5 and 40°c is sufficient)
- Please enter your email address, we will send you the design right away
In any case, to ensure optimal disinfection and to determine whether prefilters are necessary, it is recommended that a source water analysis be performed with these parameters:
- Iron
- Hardness
- Turbidity
- Manganese
- Suspended solids (TSS)
- UV Transmittance
FAQ
Is UV treatment compatible with mineral-rich thermal waters?
Yes, UV treatment is compatible with thermal waters, including those that are rich in minerals. However, highly mineralized water can reduce UV transmittance, which lowers disinfection efficiency. It is therefore essential to pretreat the water to remove suspended particles and to choose a UV system suited to the water’s specific quality.
What is the lifespan of a UV lamp in a thermal spa, and how can you tell when it needs to be replaced?
The lifespan of a UV lamp is generally around 9,000 hours, or about one year of continuous use. Even if the lamp is still emitting light, its germicidal effectiveness decreases over time. It is recommended to replace it annually to ensure optimal disinfection. Certain signs—such as less clear water or an increase in diseases—may indicate a drop in the lamp’s effectiveness.
Is UV treatment sufficient to eliminate all pathogenic microorganisms in thermal facilities?
UV treatment is highly effective at inactivating a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. However, it’s important to note that effectiveness depends on water quality and system design. In some cases, combining it with other treatment methods may be necessary to ensure complete disinfection.
What are the annual maintenance costs of a UV system in a thalassotherapy facility?
The maintenance costs of a UV system mainly include the annual replacement of the lamp (around €50 to €150, depending on the model) and the regular cleaning of the quartz sleeve to prevent deposits that reduce UV radiation effectiveness. Overall maintenance of the water treatment and filtration system can represent about 10% to 15% of the total operating costs of a thalassotherapy facility.
How do you properly size a UV system for a thermal or thalassotherapy facility?
Sizing a UV system depends on several factors: the water flow rate, the system’s total volume, the organic load, and the specific disinfection objectives. It’s essential to choose a UV reactor matched to your installation’s flow rate to ensure microorganisms receive sufficient UV exposure. Online sizing tools or a professional’s advice can help determine the appropriate model for your system.
