The Desert Pain Institute of Mesa, Ariz., wanted an
ecologically sound disinfection option for the therapeutic pools and spa in its
new facility. Ultraviolet (UV) systems from Aquionics were paired with peroxide
disinfection to provide a sanitary pool environment for the facility's aquatic
rehabilitation services.
The Desert Pain Institute of Mesa, Ariz., wanted an
ecologically sound disinfection option for the therapeutic pools and spa in its
new facility. Ultraviolet (UV) systems from Aquionics were paired with peroxide
disinfection to provide a sanitary pool environment for the facility's aquatic
rehabilitation services.
The facility wanted to protect bathers from the risk of skin
and respiratory tract infections while avoiding excessive use of hazardous
chemicals. A UV-peroxide system met this requirement better than traditional
chlorine or ozone systems. Peroxide systems generally are considered to be less
environmentally damaging. Like chlorine systems, they can leave unpleasant
chemical byproducts in the water. However, the addition of the UV system
provides further disinfection and activates hydroxyl radicals that break down
these byproducts.
Aquionics' systems were chosen for each of the facility's
therapy pools and spa. The main therapy pool and deep therapy pool have flow
rates of 450 gpm and 125 gpm, respectively. Both pools have a turnover of
approximately two hours. The spa has a flow rate of 36 gpm with a turnover rate
of 20 minutes. Approximately one 55-gallon drum of 35 percent grade peroxide is
consumed by the system each month. Sodium bisulfate is utilized to maintain
optimum pH levels.
The Aquionics systems were selected because of their high
intensity, medium pressure UV lamps, direct monitoring of actual dose and
variable power control. The self-cleaning quartz sleeves would keep the lamps
free of organic deposits from the pool water, resulting in more consistent
system performance with little maintenance.
The units were installed in August of 2002 and have provided
the facility with several benefits due to the unique design of the system
compared to traditional chlorine pools. Equipment life is increased as there is
no degradation of exposed metal material due to chloramines, a natural
byproduct of the interaction of chlorine and bodily fluid.
The facility also has enjoyed an overall healthier pool
environment due to the lack of eye and skin irritation or pungent chemical
smell also associated with chloramines.
Finally, the systems have a fast turnover rate for quicker
recovery after a contamination event, reducing pool down time.
"Air quality and reduced skin sensitivity are the two
greatest benefits of the system," says Lynette Jamison, director of
Rehabilitation and Aquatics. "This is especially important in our rehab
facility where bathers often are more susceptible to irritation and therapists
work in the treated water for extended periods of time."
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