Key benefits of UV-C for fountains and water features
- Safe mist atomization: Eliminates bacteria and pathogens in the water, ensuring that the fine mist carried by the wind is safe for people and animals.
- No more green algae: Prevents the growth of suspended algae, keeping the water and surrounding stones or sculptures free of a green haze.
- Clog-free nozzles: By tackling algae and slime formation at the source, nozzles stay clean and the fountain maintains its intended spray pattern.
- Chemical-free clarity: Keeps water sparkling without the use of chlorine or other harsh chemicals that can harm birds or plants.
- Lower maintenance costs: Significantly reduces the need for manual scrubbing of reservoirs and frequent water changes.
How UV-C keeps fountains & water features clear
The challenge: Algae and bacteria in the mist
Fountains often feature shallow reservoirs located in full sun, causing the water to heat up rapidly. This creates the perfect breeding ground for algae and microorganisms. Because fountains spray water into the air, aerosol formation occurs. Without effective disinfection, harmful bacteria can be inhaled via these fine droplets. While standard pumps and filters provide movement, they do not kill invisible germs.
The solution: disinfection at the source
Xclear UV-C technology acts as a powerful barrier between the reservoir and the spray head. As the pump sends water toward the fountain, it passes through the UV-C unit:
- DNA neutralization: Ultraviolet radiation immediately penetrates the core of algae, bacteria, and viruses.
- Rendering harmless: The DNA structure is damaged such that these organisms can no longer multiply and eventually die off.
- Pure water: The result is disinfected water that is sprayed from the fountain with total clarity.
Why UV-C is essential for every fountain
With fountains, it’s not just about visibility; it’s primarily about hygiene. UV-C is the only 100% natural method that effectively kills germs without changing the water chemistry. It significantly lowers the "infection pressure" in the water reservoir, which is essential for water features in public spaces or gardens where children and pets play.
Choosing the right UV-C for your fountain or water feature
For fountains, we recommend a high-output approach due to the rapid heating of the water. A rule of thumb is 3 to 4 Watts per 1,000 liters of reservoir capacity. When choosing, consider:
- Flow capacity: The UV-C unit must be able to handle the full flow of the fountain pump for maximum effectiveness.
- Sun exposure: Fountains in full sun require extra wattage to stay ahead of explosive algae growth.
- Compact design: For smaller fountain basins, compact units or immersion UV-C systems are ideal.
Xclear products for fountains
Explore Xclear product range
Xclear Series
Versatile systems like the Jumbo Tech and Flex Inox that can be easily mounted between the pump and the fountain head.
Immersion & Module UV-C
The ideal "invisible" solution. These submersible units can be placed directly in the water reservoir or filter chamber without extra piping or pressure loss.
Xclear Xpert-Series
For large architectural fountains in public squares, these robust 316L stainless steel units offer maximum disinfection efficiency.
Xclear Pre-Filter
Protects your fountain nozzles from coarse debris and leaves, which is essential for a consistent spray pattern.
Why choose Xclear UV-C
Choosing Xclear means relying on over 40 years of Dutch expertise in water disinfection. As part of VGE B.V., our systems are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the Netherlands under the highest market standards. We support professionals in over 80 countries with innovative technology that is energy-efficient, reliable, and built for the most demanding aquatic environments.
Installation & maintenance
Installation
Place the UV-C unit preferably directly before the fountain outlet. This ensures the water is disinfected at the last possible moment before being sprayed into the air.
Maintenance
Replace the UV-C lamp annually (at the start of the season in April). While the lamp may still glow, its disinfecting power decreases rapidly after 9,000 hours.
Usage Tip
Keep the UV-C system running 24/7 as long as the fountain is in use. This prevents biofilm or algae from attaching to the inside of the nozzles.