How to change the UV lamp in your spa

UV systems in spas can kill 99.9% of water borne viruses and bacteria, including the real tough bad guys like Giardia and Crypto sporidium viruses. This helps to keep water crystal clear while reducing the amount of spa chemicals used.

In this article, you'll learn:

• A step-by-step guide in changing the UV lamp in your spa
• How long does a UV bulb or lamp last?
• Which spa pools have UV sanitisers?
• What is Jacuzzi^® ClearRay^®?
• How does UV disinfection work in a spa?
• Does a spa pool need a UV steriliser?
• Do I still need to use sanitise in my spa if I have a UV system?

A step-by-step guide in changing the UV lamp in your spa

As with most things UV steriliser systems may require maintenance from time to time to keep benefiting from their advantages. Typically there is one only thing that goes wrong with UV systems and that is the ultraviolet lamp which needs to be replaced every 2 years to keep it running effectively.

The video below shows you how to change the UV lamp in your Vortex™ spa.

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How long does a UV bulb or lamp last?

The UV lamp in your spa should be replaced every 12 to 18 months to get the optimal performance and best sterilisation impact.

No lamp (bulb) lasts forever and UV bulbs are no different. Eventually UV lamp will exceed their life span and go dark at which time the sanitising effect stops and chemical usage increases in an attempt to maintain clear water.

With most systems, failure of the ultraviolet lamp will be indicated by shrill whistle coming from under your spa. This is your indication that it is time to replace your UV lamp. Once you open the cabinet to your spa you may find an additional indicator light.

Please note: If you adjust the factory settings on the UV function in your spa, the lamp may not last as long and should be replaced every 12 months.

Which spa pools have UV sterilisers?

Many popular spa pools hot tubs brands now come with UV sterilising systems including Vortex^®, Jacuzzi^® and many others.

What is Jacuzzi^® ClearRay^®?

Jacuzzi^® ClearRay^® is the UV sterilisation system that is used in Jacuzzi^® spa pools. It uses similar technology to other UV water purification systems that are used in other spas. Jacuzzi ClearRay^® UV bulb replacement.

What do the lights mean on the Clearray^®?

Determining if your Clearray^® system is functioning properly is essential to maintaining clean and clear water in your spa. Here are some indicators to help you determine if the Clearray^® system is operational:

• Green & Red Light ON - Normal Operation
• Green & Red Light OFF - Unit is OFF
• Green Light ON & Red Light OFF - Bulb is completely burnt out and must be replaced.

How does UV disinfection work in a spa?

Ultraviolet(UV) spa sanitisers deploy a non-chemical process that uses germicidal UV light rays to sanitise water in spas. Think Death Ray for microbes.

Maybe it is an accident of evolution or just bad luck for microbes but the energy of some chemical bonds in DNA and RNA matches that of the UV radiation. The energy from the radiation is just right to break some of the chemical bonds. The result is that the micro organisms, such as algae, bacteria, viruses, cysts and protozoa, cannot reproduce and are killed.

What is sad news for micro-organisms, is great news for spa owners everywhere. Additionally the highly concentrated electromagnetic energy also destroys organic matter, eliminating the formation of dangerous chlorine by products.

Although the science behind UV spa sanitisers sounds like it is out of your favourite futuristic science fiction movie, in fact you will find it has been purifying drinking water and public swimming pools around the world for nearly 60 years.

UV sterilization kills 99.9% of water borne viruses and bacteria, including the real tough bad guys like Giardia and Crypto sporidium viruses. For this reason, it is now mandatory on public swimming pools in many states in the US.

Does a spa pool need a UV steriliser?

A UV sanitiser is not absolutely essential in a spa - and many lower end spas on the market do not include a UV system. Without UV, more attention and care is needed with your normal sanitising chemicals and water maintenance to ensure your water is kept crystal clear and free from bacteria.

It is possible to retrofit a UV steriliser to some spas if they don't currently have it fitted.

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Do I still need to use sanitise in my spa if I have a UV system?

Yes, you definitely need to sanitise your spa even if you have a UV system installed. UV can help kill some of the bacteria and microorganisms in your spa water, but it is not sufficient as a the only disinfectant in your spa water, so you'll still need to use some form of chemical sanitiser alongside UV.

Please note, you should always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the back of your chemical labels.

Need help replacing your UV lamp?

Please note, if you have a Vortex Neon spa, or are not comfortable opening up your spa cabinet, you will need to call a spa technician to help you change the lamp.

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Got more questions?

Talk to us or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to help!