What is the function of UV light when used in swimming pool disinfection?

The function of UV light in swimming pool disinfection is primarily to inactivate pathogens. When UV light is passed through pool water, it disrupts the DNA of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, rendering them incapable of reproduction and effectively neutralizing their ability to cause infection. This method of disinfection is highly effective because it does not rely on the use of chemicals, reducing the risk of chemical byproducts that can result from traditional chlorination.

Other functions such as providing warmth or balancing chemical levels are unrelated to the disinfection process. UV light does not provide heat to the water like traditional heating systems. Moreover, while UV light can help control water clarity, it is not designed to specifically eliminate visible algae; that is typically managed through other sanitation methods. Lastly, balancing chemical levels involves maintaining proper pH and alkalinity, tasks that are beyond the scope of UV disinfection and are typically handled with chemical additives. The focus of using UV light is squarely on improving the microbial quality of the pool water through effective pathogen inactivation.