BIO-UV unveils recreational water treatment

Focused on the cruise and ferry markets, BIO-UV Group has adapted its BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system to develop a new range of marine UV reactors designed for disinfecting swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and potable water onboard vessels.

“Warm pools, spas and hot tubs are particularly attractive to waterborne pathogens like the Legionella bacteria, and the Cryptosporidium parasite, both of which can be very harmful to human health, but the often-overlooked problem is chloramine, a by-product of the chlorine typically used to disinfect the water,” said Simon Marshall, BIO-UV Group’s deputy managing director.

“This is a major concern for cruise lines,” he added.

UV disinfection, unlike chlorine-based methods, eliminates by-products like trihalomethanes and chloramines, which can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

BIO-UV Group’s NSF 50 Cryptosporidium-certified UV CF-TS reactors use medium-pressure UV-C light to disinfect all recreational water on board ships.

“The reactors are specifically designed to disinfect recreational fresh and seawater, killing a minimum of 99.99% of all microorganisms, a kill rate far beyond the efficacy of chlorine,” said BIO-UV Group’s solutions director Maxime Dedeurwaerder.

“The technology also reduces chlorine levels by 75%, resulting in a better bathing experience, reduces water renewal times, reduces water heating and dehumidification costs, and limits corrosion.”

Additionally, the company has adapted its land-based UV technology for marine use, ensuring safe potable water by eradicating harmful microorganisms in drinking, cooking and bathing water.

“Access to clean drinking, cooking and recreational waters is vital for passengers and crews onboard and it must be free of any impurities before consumption,” said Dedeurwaerder.

“While there are stringent regulations in place to ensure that a ship’s fresh and sea water supplies are of the highest standard the most cost-effective way of achieving and maintaining water quality is with UV technology.”