swimming pool uv sterilizers vs chlorine: Which is better for keeping your pool clean?

Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with my pool lately, trying to get the water just right. You know, not all cloudy and full of who-knows-what. It’s been a bit of a headache, honestly. I wanted something that would keep the water clean without having to dump a ton of chemicals in it all the time. That’s when I started looking into UV sterilizers. I heard they were good for killing off all the nasty stuff in the water, like bacteria and algae.

I did a bunch of reading online, trying to figure out how these things work. Basically, the UV sterilizer shines a special kind of light through the water as it circulates. This light is supposed to mess up the DNA of those little microorganisms, so they can’t reproduce or make you sick. Sounds pretty cool, right?

So, I decided to give it a shot. I ordered a UV sterilizer online – there are a bunch of different brands and sizes out there. I ended up getting one that was the right size for my pool. Installation was a bit of a pain, I won’t lie. I had to cut into the pipes that carry the water back to the pool and then the UV sterilizer gets hooked up in between.

Once I got it all set up, I turned on the pump and let the water start flowing through the sterilizer. There’s this little window on the unit where you can see the UV light glowing. It’s kind of a weird blue-ish color. Pretty neat, I thought.

Now, I’ve been running the UV sterilizer for a few weeks now, and I gotta say, I’m pretty impressed. The water is definitely clearer, and I haven’t had to use nearly as much chlorine as before. I still use some, but it’s way less.

Here’s what I’ve noticed so far:

• Clearer water: Like I said, the water just looks cleaner. It’s more inviting to swim in.
• Less chlorine smell: This is a big one for me. I hate that strong chlorine smell, and now it’s barely noticeable.
• Less irritation: My skin and eyes don’t get as irritated after swimming. I think it’s because there’s less chlorine in the water.
• Easier maintenance: I’m not having to constantly adjust the chemical levels in the pool. It’s more of a set-it-and-forget-it situation.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about getting a UV sterilizer.

The system was a little expensive. And like I said, the installation was a bit of a hassle. Also, the UV bulbs need to be replaced every so often, which is another expense.

Overall, though, I’m happy with my decision. I feel like the UV sterilizer is a good investment for anyone who wants a cleaner, healthier pool without all the harsh chemicals. I love swimming with my family, so I feel that the safety of them is also an investment. If you’re on the fence, I’d say go for it. Just do your research and make sure you get the right size for your pool. And maybe hire a professional to install it if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.