Plumbing in UV sterilizer

[jrawk1120]

So I hard plumbed my return. I left a cap so if I ever wanted to hook equipment up to my return line, it would be simple.

So I’m adding UV.

I then thought, if I’m plumbing from my return and dumping back into my return, how effective is this going to be in reality, I’m sure I’ll be cycling through the same water.

So then I thought, I have an extra return pump. Hook it up earlier in the sump and dump it right before the return chamber baffles.

Now I go to plumb and that pump is no longer working for whatever reason. Maybe needs a cleaning, maybe just dead.

So before I buy a new pump, how is yours hooked up?

 

[nezw0001]

I plumbed mine using the tank drain as the input and dumping into the return. Even if you are just recycling some of the water I'm sure you are turning over water too and if its running all the time there is going to be an impact.

 

[jrawk1120]

I plumbed mine using the tank drain as the input and dumping into the return. Even if you are just recycling some of the water I'm sure you are turning over water too and if its running all the time there is going to be an impact.

I was thinking that but wasn’t sure. It would be nice to not need an additional pump.

I know I cant do the drain line. I have the pool lines and it would be an insane headache to switch it all. Plus, the stand for a half moon gets cluttered very quickly, so finding somewhere to mount this is also hard.

 

[kboogie]

I've spent decades using and researching UV sterilizers. There are several things you want to consider when plumbing your UV sterilizer.

1. Ensure All Water From Your Filtration System Flows Through the Sterilizer​

In my experience, the best way to ensure all water from your filtration flows through the UV sterilizer is to have it as part of your return stage. This ensures all system water flows through the UV.

2. Allow Easy Access For Service​

In order for your UV sterilizer to perform at its intended level, you must frequently service the unit at least every six months ( I did mine every three months). This service involves replacing the bulb (regardless of brightness) and cleaning the quartz sleeve. You will want to have easy access to the sterilizer and the ability to completely remove it. I typically use true union ball valves before and after the sterilizer. This minimizes spillage and simplifies removal. When that is not possible to use true union ball values, I will use simple unions before and after the sterilizer. I learned the hard way that you really want to put in the time now to make it easy on yourself in the future.

3. Avoid Air and Debris In the UV Chamber​

It is critical to ensure the UV light can reach all microorganisms in the water column. Debris and air bubbles will block that light, reducing the effectiveness of your sterilizer. You should avoid plumbing your sterilizer in places where air and debris are common. This makes using the drain as a less-than-ideal location.


I'll avoid discussing sizing to allow all focus to be on the best place to plumb the unit.