Pond UV lights have become an important part of pond maintenance for pool owners.
Installing pond UV lights has always been a headache for a lot of folks. One thing I found is the life of the pond UV bulbs matters more than one might have thought.
On average, pond UV lights will last for 9,000 hours or approximately 12 months.
If you are looking to purchase pond UV lights, then it is important to know how long they last, and what makes them work best.
Knowing this can help understand the best way to maintain them.
This article will help guide you in your pond UV light decision by providing some helpful information on pond UV lights longevity, as well as offer tips on using the pond UV light correctly.
Table of Contents
What does UV light do to pond water?
When people hear about ultraviolet rays, they tend to think about sunburn.
Although an easy thing to notice, there is much more to understand in the UV rays than meets the eye.
I always imagine how beautiful it would be having my own house with a pond that utilizes ultraviolet light.
I began to understand how ultraviolet rays could account for such growth and prosperity in the ponds.
Scientists have studied UV light’s bacteria and algae fighting properties for years.
UV light has been found to kill bacteria, algae, viruses and other pathogens in a pond just as effectively as chlorine does.
The bacteria is killed by the ultraviolet rays while the electric current generated kills any algal spores that are present on surfaces or water plants.
This means you can use it without worrying about bacteria or algae.
UV light is not only effective for bacteria and algae, but it also helps improve the quality of your water by killing off any pathogens in it as well.
It does this by breaking down compounds that make the water cloudy such as oils, soap scum and other organic materials which are then eliminated from the pond through bacterial action.
What to consider before relying on a UV filter?
I know we all want our fish happy and healthy.
When it comes to protecting your fish from disease-causing pathogens, UV filters are not always the complete option.
The filter should be changed monthly to keep up with the growth of algae and bacteria, so you can get a constant level of protection.
When choosing your pond’s filtration system, make sure it includes both mechanical and biological processes that will remove debris and fish waste and control the levels of dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates and ammonia.
Do not forget about other factors such as a pond’s depth or fish species before trying to select a filter system for your outdoor living space.
An improperly used UV filter will do more harm than good in your water garden since it does nothing to improve fish health.
How long do pond UV lights last?
It is not unusual for pond owners to install pond lights as a way to light up their pond at night.
Pond lights are often used to attract wildlife and provide safety for nighttime activities around the pond.
They can also be used to clear up water and increase the amount of usable space in a body of water.
But like many things that have stood the test of time, they may not be forever.
Pond owners should make sure their light fixture is kept clean from bugs and algae because light bulbs will not last as long when they are dirty.
When light fixtures break, it is important to replace them with the same, if not a more powerful light fixture. UV lights work best in clear water but also need help from other factors like dissolved oxygen, pH and nitrates just to name a few.
It can take anywhere between five to ten years for light fixtures to break down depending on the pond size, type of light fixture and where it is located.
I’m sad to say, the light that comes from UV lamps will eventually stop working because they are not designed to last forever.
Soon enough, you may need a new light in order to keep your pond clear and usable.
UV light fixtures should be replaced on average every 12 months depending on the type of light fixture, size of pond and where it is located in the water body.
When to change your pond UV light
Just like when you first purchased a new car, or a new computer, or when you first bought your home, most people first purchase their pond equipment from the pond store.
They order up a new pond filter, too – and then 9 months later, they’re ready to say, “This is it, I need a new filter!” and then they’ll just go ahead and order a light, too.
The light is on its way out!
UV lights will eventually stop working and need replacing.
It’s important for homeowners or pool lovers to consult manufacturers for proper replacement intervals. Manufacturers will provide an estimate that includes anticipated bulb life with a given light fixture and type.
A pond filtration system should be changed on average every six to 12 months, depending on the quality of water in your pond.
After 12 months, you should consider changing your pond UV light.
The manufacturers will also provide an estimate for this with a given light fixture, as well as any other types that you may have such as protein skimmers or UV clarifiers.
Tips for increasing the pond UV light longevity
All ponds need some type of UV lighting, and can be used for a variety of purposes.
In the past, the main purpose was to foster breeding and fish production, and most pond owners have spent little time on utilizing this technology to its full potential.
Nowadays, there are additional benefits that UV lights can provide for your pond, such as preventing algae from growing.
UV lights under water need to be protected from the surrounding environment in order for them to last longer than one year, and this is accomplished by installing quartz crystal sleeve protection on the fixture that are stronger than what are typically found on underwater lights.
Another option is to install a water-cleaning device such as pond skimmer or UV clarifiers in order for the underwater light fixture and its surrounding environment to stay clean.
As water gardening enthusiasts and pool owners, we should always be looking for ways to increase the longevity of underwater lights.
It is important to consult manufacturers, who will provide an estimate that includes anticipated bulb life with a given light fixture type. For example, if you have a metal halide pond light system, your manufacturer should be able to provide estimates on how long this particular underwater light is expected to last.
Jumping on the underwater light bandwagon is a great way to add safety features and beauty to your backyard pond.
But, it’s important for underwater lighting owners to be mindful of their underwater lights’ lifespan in order to keep these products from becoming obsolete too soon.
How long does it take for a UV light to clear a pond?
Many of us who want a clean pond water look for a UV light to clean the pond.
The duration of time for a UV light to clean a pond depends on the size of your pond and is subjective to a number of other factors.
However, you can expect a UV light to bring a difference to your pool for 1 to 2 weeks.
Unfortunately, the lights are not a complete solution for every pool.
A UV light alone will not make a dirty pond any cleaner.
The best way for your underwater lights to last as long as possible is to keep bacteria from building up on them.
UV lights can last for a long time but it’s important to clean the pond because in some cases, algae will build up and clog your filter system which may lead to pump failure due to increased pressure on the motor.
Algae doesn’t just look gross; it obstructs sunlight from getting as far as the plants under water that require photosynthesis to grow.
If you have a pond that is completely free of algae, plants will provide natural shade for your pump and filter which reduces the strain on them.
A clean pond and good filtration system will help increase the effectiveness of your UV lights.
Whenever your pond condition changes, such as a change in the water temperature or after adding chemicals, it’s important to wait before turning on your underwater lights.
In order to keep your underwater lights working properly, it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions which includes not using them when water temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and waiting a few hours after chemical treatments before turning on these products.
This is because it may take time for these products to reactivate and resume their normal function of killing bacteria that pose a threat to fish health.
Can you touch a UV bulb?
There’s no such thing as a “touch safe” UV bulb.
So, it’s best not to touch the actual glass of an underwater light.
Even though you can’t see UV light, it can still affect you.
UV light is harmful to human skin cells and can cause DNA damage that will not be seen for many years.
So, it’s best not to touch the actual glass of an underwater light with bare hands!
If you need to change or clean out your lights, use gloves or a cloth.
Keep your pond clean with UV light bulbs!
Pond UV lights are a great way to keep your pond healthy and clean.
As a result, it is important that you know how long they last.
UV light bulbs generally have an average lifespan of around 9,000 hours before they need to be replaced again with new ones.
This means that if you install the bulb in early May then by late April it will be time for another one!
Pond UV lights last for about a year.
The lifespan of the pond light will depend on how often you use it, and if you maintain your pond properly during that time.
If you are looking to keep your water clear with less effort, consider installing a solar-powered UV lamp in your backyard or garden!
