Maintenance

Are the UV devices easy to use and maintain?

Yes, your unit comes fully assembled and ready for installation. Once installed, all you have to do is plug it in and perform minimal annual maintenance to ensure that it is performing efficiently.

What maintenance is required for the UV device?

The lamp(s) are designed for 13,000 hours of continuous use. They are similar to common fluorescent lamps, in that their intensity will decrease as they get close to the end of their lifespan. For best results, we recommend that the lamps be replaced every 2-3 years for seasonal use, or 1-2 years for seasons that last year round. In addition, the quartz sleeve can have its ability to transmit the UV light diminished if it becomes dirty or laden with deposits. It should be removed from the unit vessel every three (3) months and inspected to make sure it is clean and that scale has not deposited on its surface. To clean, spray with an acidic filter cleaner and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Repeat the process if scale remains.

How long is the warranty?

All LC20 and LC10 electrical componenets are warrantied for two (2) years with the exception of the lamps, which come with a one (1) year warranty. Additionally, the LC20 stainless steel housing comes with a five (5) year warranty, while the LC10 PVC housing comes with a two (2) year warranty.

What parts are warrantied?

The Limited Warranty covers the UV unit, its components, and defects thereof against: manufacturing defects, material defects, plastic component degradation, lamp failure during 1st year, (pro rata).

How often should I replace the lamp?

For best results, we recommend that the lamps be replaced every 2-3 years for seasonal use, or 1-2 years for seasons that last year round.

How do I replace the lamps?

Refer to your I&O manual for the lamp replacement procedure.

What do I do if the lamp breaks?

The lamps contain mercury and need to be disposed of in accordance with local code. Disposal/cleanup regulations as well as disposal sites vary widely by state and local municipalities. EPA mercury spill/disposal guidelines can be found at www.epa.gov/mercury/spills. Additionally, local regulations and recycling information can be found at www.lamprecycle.org or www.almr.org.

How do I tell if the quartz sleeve is dirty?

The quartz sleeve will have an observable cloudy or dirty appearance on its surface.

How do I clean the quartz sleeve?

The quartz sleeve should be wiped with a soft cloth and acidic filter cleaner.

What do I do if the quartz sleeve breaks?

Carefully clean up broken glass and throw away. Contact your UV device supplier for a replacement sleeve.

What should I do if I don't see the light illuminated?

If this occurs upon initial start-up, the problem could be caused by a number of issues. Proceed with the recommended troubleshooting only after you have confirmed that the unit is plugged in, the switch is in the ON position for the LC20, and the outlet GFCI has not tripped (if so, reset the outlet).

1. The pressure switch is open. This is caused by low pressure in your system. Make sure the pump is on (the lamp will only light when there is 0.5 PSI water pressure inside your UV device's wet chamber). Verify that the pressure gauge reads 0.5 PSI or more. If it does not read at least 0.5 PSI, reduce flow exiting the UV device by partially closing the valve on the discharge piping exiting the UV device. This will increase the pressure inside the UV wet chamber.
2. The lamp has become disconnected from the lamp connector. Disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet, open the electrical enclosure hood and confirm that the lamp connector is firmly in place. At the same time, check all exposed wires for a possible loose connection. Plug the electrical cord back into the electrical outlet ONLY after the electrical enclosure hood has been re-installed on the UV device.
3. Verify that the electrical cord is plugged into a hot outlet. Test the electrical outlet and make sure that the GFCI has not tripped. You should confirm the availability of the same power as indicted on the electrical label on your UV.
4. Make sure you have not plugged your device into any power source other than that specified on your device's electrical label. If you have done so in error, the ballast has been damaged and needs to be replaced. Contact your supplier for the correct replacement ballast. (Not warrantied)

If this occurs after the device has been operating successfully for a period of time.

1. Verify that the GFCI has not tripped. To verify the operating state of the GFCI, trip the GFCI manually and reset it manually. The GFCI should reset. If it does not, it indicates a fault to ground in the electrical circuit or the UV unit itself.
2. The lamp has burned out. Replace the UV lamp. Refer back to the lamp lifespan section of your manual.
3. The ballast has burned out. Contact your supplier or BioLab^® UV for assistance in obtaining a new ballast and plug.
4. Verify that the electrical outlet where the UV unit is plugged has the proper voltage and the cord is securely plugged into the outlet. If using and extension cord, make sure that it is at least a 14/3 rated conductor that is no longer than 25 feet.

Do I need to turn off the UV device when I clean my filter?

No, the flow sensing pressure switch that is part of your device will automatically shut the UV lamp off until proper water flow inside the vessel is re-established. Should you need to turn your device off for any reason, this is accomplished by simply unplugging the LC10 device from its power outlet, or by flipping the power switch on the LC20.

What happens if the UV device makes noise when operating?

This is an indication that there is systemic vibration and the unit is not properly mounted to its base. Attach the unit correctly to a firm base as described in Section 4 of the I&O manual.

What is happening when water comes out of the electrical enclosure?

Water exiting the device through the electrical enclosure hood can be attributed to either (a) a bad quartz tube seal, or (b) a broken or cracked quartz tube. Check the quartz tube seal and quartz tube as instructed in Section 6 of the I&O manual.

When I winterize my pool, what should I do with the UV device?

Drain your UV device of all water within the wet chamber. Check the quartz sleeve for any deposits, and clean with a soft cloth and acidic filter cleaner. Store the sleeve and lamp within the unit with all connectors connected to prevent any corrosion that would occur throughout the winter months. Propylene glycol antifreeze is compatible with either system if you choose not to drain. Other antifreezes that contain a high salt content are not compatible with the LC20. Unit failure due to improper winterization will not be covered under the limited warranty. For best results, winterize through complete drainage of the unit.

Is there a difference in the amount of pool maintenance required to take care of a pool with both a BioLab UV unit and chlorine generator as opposed to just having a chlorine generator?

Not much. At the same time that you inspect and clean the chlorine generator cell, you can also inspect and clean the quartz sleeve.