UV treatment
Definition
An ultraviolet disinfection step in a recirculated splash pad's treatment loop that inactivates chlorine-resistant pathogens like cryptosporidium without adding chemicals.
UV treatment is the modern complement to chlorine in recirculated splash pads. Water passes through a chamber where UV-C light damages pathogen DNA, killing organisms (especially cryptosporidium) that tolerate chlorine doses for hours.
Most CDC-recommended Model Aquatic Health Code installations include UV. Bulb life is roughly 9,000 hours, after which output drops below germicidal levels — a maintenance item operators must track.