✨ AOP Systems

AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) combines UV light and ozone to create hydroxyl radicals—the most powerful oxidizers available for pool sanitation. When UV light hits ozone in water, it creates these hydroxyl radicals which are 1 million times more powerful than chlorine at destroying bacteria, viruses, algae, and chloramines. The process happens instantly as water passes through the AOP chamber.

AOP systems cost $1,500-$2,500 installed, depending on brand and pool size. Clear Comfort: from $1,800. DEL Ozone: from $1,500. Hayward HydraPure: from $2,200. Ongoing costs are minimal—just UV lamp replacement every 1-2 years ($100-$200). The reduced chlorine usage (60-90% less) offsets some operating costs.

Yes, but much less—typically 0.5-1.0 ppm vs the normal 2-4 ppm. AOP does the heavy sanitizing work, but you need a small chlorine residual for sanitation between pump cycles and for Florida health code compliance on commercial pools. The minimal chlorine means no chlorine smell, no eye irritation, and no faded swimsuits. Many AOP users pair with a small salt chlorinator for hands-free chlorine residual.

UV-only systems kill pathogens with ultraviolet light but only sanitize water passing through the chamber—no residual. Ozone-only systems inject ozone gas which oxidizes contaminants but dissipates quickly. AOP combines both to create hydroxyl radicals, which are vastly more powerful than either alone. AOP provides the best water quality and allows the greatest chlorine reduction.

Yes! This is one of AOP's biggest advantages. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are highly resistant to chlorine—Crypto can survive for days in properly chlorinated water. AOP destroys these pathogens on contact. This makes AOP especially valuable for commercial pools, pools used by immunocompromised individuals, or anyone concerned about waterborne illness.

AOP systems typically last 10-15+ years. The main maintenance is UV lamp replacement every 12-24 months ($100-$200) and ozone cell replacement every 3-5 years on some models ($200-$400). Clear Comfort systems use a proprietary cell that lasts 3+ years. Total annual maintenance cost is typically $100-$200—less than most pools spend on chlorine alone.

Yes! That "chlorine smell" is actually chloramines—combined chlorine formed when chlorine reacts with sweat, urine, and body oils. AOP destroys chloramines on contact, eliminating the smell entirely. You'll also eliminate the red, irritated eyes that chloramines cause. Many people describe AOP-treated water as feeling like fresh spring water.

Yes! AOP systems retrofit easily to existing pools. We install the unit in your plumbing line (usually after the filter) and wire it to operate with your pump. Most installations take 3-4 hours. The system needs adequate water flow, so we'll verify your pump and plumbing are compatible. AOP works great alongside salt chlorinators for a complete low-chlorine solution.

Completely safe. The ozone and hydroxyl radicals are created and consumed inside the AOP chamber—they never enter your pool water. By the time water returns to your pool, the oxidation reactions are complete and you're left with pure, sanitized water. There's no ozone smell or exposure to swimmers. AOP is certified by NSF/ANSI standards for pool safety.

We install the top AOP brands: Clear Comfort (CCW100 series—patented hydroxyl-based AOP, NSF/ANSI 50 certified), DEL Ozone (Eclipse series—corona discharge ozone with integrated UV), and Hayward HydraPure (combined UV + ozone, OmniLogic compatible). We'll recommend the best system based on your pool size, budget, and automation preferences.