At PPA, safety and cleanliness are top priorities — because all our patrons, from learn-to-swim through Olympians, deserve the healthiest swimming environment possible. That’s why we’ve invested in UV sanitation technology for our pool system and can proudly announce that both pools are now equipped with UV filtration units.
But what exactly is UV, and why does it matter for you and your swimmer?
What Is UV Sanitation?
UV (ultraviolet) sanitation uses light — yes, just light — to disinfect pool water. As water passes through a special UV chamber, it’s exposed to a powerful UV-C light that kills bacteria, viruses, and harmful microorganisms. This method is used in everything from hospitals to bottled water production — and now, in both our pools!
Benefits for Your Family
Healthier, Safer Water | UV doesn’t replace chlorine, but it makes it much more effective. UV light neutralizes tough pathogens like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which chlorine alone struggles to kill. That means your child swims in safer water. Typically, the primary disinfectant used in pools is chlorine, but the use of chlorine results in disinfectant by-products (chloramines) – that smell you commonly associate with pools. A UV filter enhances the disinfection process, resulting in less of that “chlorine” smell.
Less Chlorine, Less Irritation | Because UV supports the sanitization process, we can use less chlorine overall. That means fewer red eyes, itchy skin, or strong chemical smells — especially helpful for babies, young children, and anyone with sensitivities or asthma.
More Natural, Eco-Friendly Approach | UV light is a physical process, not a chemical one. It reduces the need for heavy chemical use and lowers the number of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) — substances that can form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. Fewer DBPs = cleaner, greener swimming.
Crystal-Clear Water | UV keeps our pools cleaner for longer. It helps control algae and improves overall water clarity, giving your family a sparkling, inviting place to swim every time.
Efficient and Cost-Effective | Over time, UV reduces chemical costs and maintenance needs. That helps us reinvest in better programming, equipment, and staff — giving you better value and peace of mind.
A Cleaner Future for Swimming
In recent years, multiple studies have been done on the effects of high chloramine levels and swimming performance. Significant differences were observed between those training in facilities with high levels of chloramines versus training in facilities with very low or no chloramines (PPATC!). Beyond a swimming career, the effects of high chloramines over many years have been linked to ongoing respiratory issues and even certain cancers.
We’re proud to offer UV-sanitized pools as part of our ongoing commitment to health, safety, and excellence in aquatic education. It’s one more way we go above and beyond — because your family deserves nothing less at PPA.
Have questions about our water treatment? Just ask — we love to share what makes our pool one of the best places to swim!
Rory Grigull | Director of Facilities