Why AOP Is the Future of Residential Pool Water Treatment
- Brian Richardson
- May 22
- 3 min read
If you’re a pool builder, service company or pool owner looking for crystal-clear water with minimal chemical use, there’s a technology you need to know about: AOP, or the Advanced Oxidation Process. Already a standard in drinking water treatment, AOP is now making waves in residential pools—offering unmatched water clarity, safety, and comfort.
In this post, we’ll break down how ozone and UV systems work on their own, and how combining them creates the incredibly effective process known as AOP.
What Is AOP?
AOP stands for Advanced Oxidation Process, a powerful water treatment method that combines ozone (O₃) and ultraviolet (UV) light to produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH)—the most reactive oxidizers used in water treatment.
These hydroxyl radicals destroy contaminants at the molecular level, offering deep cleaning power far beyond traditional chlorine or salt systems.
Ozone: The Powerful Oxidizer
Ozone (O₃) is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms. It’s a highly reactive gas used in many industries to purify air and water. In pool applications, ozone is injected into the water via a generator that uses either UV or corona discharge technology.
How Ozone Works in Your Pool:
Fast disinfection: Ozone kills bacteria and viruses up to 3,000× faster than chlorine.
Breaks down organics: It effectively eliminates body oils, sweat, sunscreen, and other organic materials.
Degreases filters (suction-side installation): By oxidizing contaminants before they reach the filter, ozone reduces maintenance and doubles filter-cleaning intervals.
Leaves no residue: Ozone reverts back to oxygen after doing its job, leaving no harmful byproducts.
🔍 Ozone is excellent at sanitizing water in the circulation system, but it doesn’t stay in the water long enough to protect swimmers in the pool itself.
UV: The Germ Killer
Ultraviolet (UV) systems use a special lamp that emits germicidal light (typically at 254 nm) to neutralize harmful microorganisms as water passes through the UV chamber.
Benefits of UV in Pools:
Sterilizes pathogens: UV deactivates bacteria, viruses, algae, and protozoa—including chlorine-resistant threats like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
Breaks down chloramines: UV helps eliminate the byproducts of chlorine that cause eye irritation and pool smell.
Eco-friendly: It doesn’t add any chemicals to the water.
⚠️ Like ozone, UV works only on water that passes through the system—offering no lasting sanitizing effect in the pool itself.
AOP: The Best of Both Worlds
When you combine ozone and UV, you create the Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP). As ozone-infused water is exposed to UV light, it generates hydroxyl radicals (•OH)—supercharged molecules that break down almost every contaminant they encounter.
How AOP Works:
Ozone is generated and injected into the pool’s circulation line.
The ozonated water passes through a UV reactor.
UV light splits ozone molecules, forming hydroxyl radicals.
These radicals instantly oxidize bacteria, viruses, and organic matter.
Top Benefits of AOP for Residential Pools
✅ Unmatched Water Clarity Hydroxyl radicals oxidize everything from body waste to trace pharmaceuticals, leaving water looking and feeling pristine.
✅ Lower Chlorine Usage AOP allows for much lower chlorine levels—typically just 0.5 to 1.0 ppm—resulting in gentler water on eyes, skin, and swimsuits.
✅ Complete Chloramine Elimination Say goodbye to “pool smell” and irritation. AOP breaks down chloramines before they become a problem.
✅ Broad-Spectrum Disinfection From bacteria and viruses to parasites and algae, AOP handles it all—even threats chlorine can’t fully eliminate.
✅ Eco-Friendly and Efficient Less chemical use, cleaner filters, and reduced backwashing mean a lighter environmental footprint—and fewer trips to the pool store.
Is AOP Right for Your Pool?
If you're looking for:
Healthier swimming conditions,
Cleaner, clearer water, and
Reduced maintenance and chemical costs...
Then AOP is a smart upgrade for your pool.
Whether you’re building a new pool or retrofitting an existing one, an AOP system can be easily integrated into your equipment pad—delivering professional-grade water treatment in a residential setting.
Conclusion
The Advanced Oxidation Process is more than just a buzzword—it’s the gold standard for residential pool water care. By combining the proven power of ozone and UV, AOP systems ensure your water is not just clean, but truly pure, safe, and enjoyable.
💧 Less chlorine. 🌿 Fewer chemicals. 🏊♂️ Better swimming.
Ready to make the switch? Contact us to learn more about how AOP can revolutionize your pool experience.
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🔷 UltraPure Water Quality LLC
📍 Serving North America since 1982
📞 1-877-281-7603
