How do I know if my UV is still working in my pool?
On this blog, we haven't yet covered the topic of UV sterilizers for garden ponds and pools. This tool is used to treat floating harmful microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or residual algae. We will mainly focus on residual algae. How it works is very simple. The sterilizer emits very high-intensity ultraviolet light. But… how do I know if my pond's UV sterilizer is still working?
When should I turn on my UV device?
To maintain a completely treated environment, this tool must run 24/7. That said, this rule applies except in a few exceptional cases. When setting it up (before there are fish in the pond), you will likely add good bacteria to your pond water. At this moment, keep your UV sterilizer turned off, because UV light kills bacteria. We also recommend turning on your system during the season, that is to say from March to September.
Outside of these periods, the brightness around your garden pond or natural pool decreases.
Furthermore, some POND ENTHUSIASTS turn on their UV sterilizers intermittently to allow phytoplankton and zooplankton to feed. However, this also allows parasites to do the same. It is therefore illogical to turn your UV sterilizer on every other day. If you have installed a UV sterilizer, it is to protect your fish from parasites at all times.
How do I know if my pond's UV sterilizer is still working?
If you install a UV sterilizer in your pond, be sure to write down the installation date somewhere. A useful technique is to write the date on the box and keep it safely in the attic or cellar. By doing this, you will know when to change your UV sterilizer.
Indeed, bulbs must be changed about every season, i.e., after 8,000 to 9,000 hours of operation depending on the manufacturer. And to know when to change the sterilizer, do not hesitate to test your water to check its parameters: pH, kH, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, oxygen, etc.
Some garden centers systematically change their UV lamps every season to ensure they are always working optimally. You should know that their radiation decreases with hours of use, even if the lamp still lights up.
When replacing a bulb, also remember to clean the inside of the quartz tube every year, as it acts as a transparent barrier between the light and the water, and if it is covered in limescale or dirt, the light cannot penetrate as effectively.
How to clean a UV sterilizer?
Every time you change a bulb, you should spend a few minutes cleaning the sterilizer. To do this, disassemble the device, remove the bulb, and remove the foam filter to clean it completely. Then wash the inside of your UV sterilizer. Finally, add a brand-new UV bulb before reassembling the kit.
How to choose a UV sterilizer for a pond?
A UV sterilizer clarifies the water's color, reduces pathogens, and eliminates oxidants. To choose one, ensure that the tank's technical specifications are compatible with the use of saltwater or freshwater depending on the type of water present in the pond. As a general rule, they are all compatible with freshwater, but not necessarily with saltwater.
Furthermore, check that the flow rate and power of your sterilizer are sufficient. The higher the energy rating of your sterilizer, the more capable the device will be of killing germs at the DNA level. The flow rate must be proportional to the size of the container. And now, you know everything about the operation and maintenance of your UV sterilizer!
Just like the rest of your pond's components (accessories, filtration system, substrate), it is crucial to take care of your UV sterilizer. After all, it is what improves the well-being of your fish population and helps your pond water stay clear!
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