The DEL AOP-S is an advanced water treatment system designed to provide ozonated and UV sterilized water for pools, ensuring an environmentally safe and effective sanitization process. This system aims to eliminate the unpleasant effects of traditional chemical use by combining the power of ozone and UV sterilization. Its high-quality, specially engineered components ensure efficient and reliable performance, and when installed properly, it is safe and harmless to pool equipment.
Function Description
The DEL AOP-S integrates two powerful sanitization methods: ozone generation and UV sterilization. The ozone module produces ozone, a strong oxidizer that breaks down contaminants in the water. This ozone is then injected into the pool's circulation system. Simultaneously, water passes through a UV lamp housed in a quartz tube, where it is exposed to germicidal UV light. This UV light inactivates bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by disrupting their DNA, preventing them from reproducing. The combination of ozone and UV provides a comprehensive sanitization approach, reducing the need for traditional chemical sanitizers like chlorine. The system is designed to operate in conjunction with the pool pump, ensuring continuous treatment of the circulating water. A flow switch activates the power relay when adequate water flow is detected, turning on both the ozone module and the UV lamp.
Important Technical Specifications
- Power Requirements: The DEL AOP-S operates on a flexible power input of 110-240V, 50-60 Hz, single phase (1Ø), drawing 0.3 Amps. This broad voltage compatibility makes it suitable for various electrical setups.
- Water Flow Rate: The optimal water flow rate for the system is between 5 and 20 GPM (gallons per minute). This range ensures effective ozone injection and sufficient UV exposure time for germicidal action.
- Location Requirements: The unit is designed for wall or post mounting in a clean, protected area, away from direct sunlight. It must be installed either outdoors or indoors in a forced-air ventilated room. The ambient temperature range for operation is 35°F to 120°F (2°C to 49°C).
- Mounting Orientation: The system must be installed in a specific vertical orientation to allow for proper water drainage and protection of electrical components.
- Clearance: Sufficient clearance is required in front of the unit for internal access and above the unit (13 inches) for servicing the UV lamp and quartz tube.
- Water Level: The DEL AOP-S should be installed at least one foot (1) above the maximum water level to prevent water from contacting electrical equipment. If mounted below the water line, the check valve assembly tubing must be routed to a point above the water line to prevent backflow into the AOP-S when the pump is off.
- Bonding: A bonding lug is provided on the outside of the unit for connection to a minimum No. 6 AWG (13.3 mm²) solid bonding conductor, ensuring compliance with local electrical requirements for bonding to other metal equipment within 5 feet (1.5 meters).
- Electrical Protection: The circuit must be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (G.F.C.I.) installed in accordance with electrical codes.
Usage Features
- Optimal Performance Preparation: To achieve the best results, the pool should be as clean as possible before starting the DEL AOP-S. This involves backwashing or cleaning filters one day prior, superchlorinating the pool water with a chlorine-based shock treatment, adjusting pH to 7.4-7.6, and total alkalinity to 80-120 ppm. The pool filtration should run continuously for 24 hours before activating the AOP system.
- Initial System Start-Up: After installation, with the cover off, turn on the pool pump. Verify that both the AOP-S system active indicator and the ozone module indicator are on. Confirm ozone injection by checking for bubbles at the return or in an MDV (if installed). These steps should be verified for all system conditions, including multi-speed pump settings.
- Flow Test: A flow meter assembly is provided to temporarily check the system's flow. The ball in the flow meter should float between the min and max lines, indicating adequate air flow. This ensures the injector is pulling a vacuum effectively.
- By-Pass Plumbing: The system utilizes by-pass plumbing with a variable rate check valve. This ensures adequate by-pass flow through the injector for ozone suction and limits total by-pass flow to less than 20 GPM for optimal UV effectiveness. The recommended configuration is a dedicated pool return, or a connection back to the main pool return if a dedicated return is not possible. For pools with heaters, the by-pass plumbing tee to the injector should be installed BEFORE the heater to prevent gas collection in the system.
- Safety Features: The system includes a flow switch that activates the power relay only when adequate water flow is established, preventing the ozone module and UV lamp from operating without water circulation.
Maintenance Features
- UV Lamp Replacement: For maximum UV sanitization effect, the UV lamp should be replaced after 13,000 hours of operation. The lamp is easily removable by disconnecting its power connector and gently pulling it out. When handling, avoid touching the glass with bare hands.
- Quartz Tube Service: The quartz tube, which houses the UV lamp, should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. If it becomes dirty, its ability to transmit UV rays diminishes, reducing system performance. Cleaning involves removing the UV lamp, then the quartz tube, and washing its exterior with a mild solution of muriatic acid and water (4:1 ratio). Abrasive cleaners should not be used. The sealing o-ring should also be inspected for nicks or hardness and replaced if necessary.
- Ozone Module Service: The ozone module should be replaced if its indicator light does not illuminate, or after 15,000 hours of operation (approximately 5 years for a pool system operating 8 hours/day). Replacement involves disconnecting power, removing the AOP-S cover, disconnecting the power connector, loosening nuts on the backplate, and sliding out the module.
- Check Valve Assembly Inspection: Regularly inspect the check valve assembly tubing for cracks or wear. The presence of water between the check valve and the AOP-S indicates check valve failure, requiring immediate replacement (part number 9-0770-01). Trace amounts of nitric acid may be present, so proper protective gear should be worn during servicing. CMP recommends replacing the entire check valve assembly annually due to ozone's deteriorating effect on the tubing.
- Air Intake Filter Assembly: The air intake filter assembly (part number 9-0858-01) should be regularly inspected for excessive dirt or blockage and replaced as needed.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a detailed troubleshooting guide for common issues such as the "SYSTEM ACTIVE" indicator not lighting, no gas flow, or ozone tubing becoming yellow/brown and brittle. It emphasizes that knowledge of electrical applications is required for troubleshooting, and improper servicing will void the warranty. For complex issues, users are advised to contact customer support.
- Environmental Notice: The UV lamp contains mercury and must be managed in accordance with disposal laws. Information on proper disposal can be found at www.lamprecycle.org.
The DEL AOP-S is a comprehensive and user-friendly system designed to maintain clean and healthy pool water with reduced chemical dependency, offering clear guidelines for installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure long-term performance and safety.