When we talk about water filtration, we are used to thinking about the conventional methods employing carbon filters and salt. But since you are already here, you have perhaps heard that there exists something called the best UV water filter.
You can easily combine such a system with other water filtration units to achieve maximum results. But how do you obtain the most suitable product?
Well, just take a look at the buying guide we have created along with our reviews of the top UV water filtration systems out there. Make your decision simple by reading our experts’ information.
Best UV Filtration System Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Luminor Blackcomb UV Water Purification Filter |
| View On Springwell |
 | Viqua UV Water Disinfection Filter |
| View On QWT |
 | Pondmaster 40-Watt UV Light Water Clarifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | Express Water 12-Inch Ultra Violet Light Sterilizer |
| View On Amazon |
 | Geekpure 6-Watt UV Water Filter for RO Systems |
| View On Amazon |
 | Bluonics Water Filter for Reverse Osmosis Systems |
| View On Amazon |
 | HQUA 6GMP UV Light Water Purification Unit |
| View On Amazon |
 | iSpring UV Light Filter with Smart Flow Control |
| View On Amazon |
 | HQUA 12GPM Ultra Violet Water Filter |
| View On Amazon |
Top-Rated UV Water Filter Reviews
The section below contains the top 10 units we have handpicked for you. See which ones suit your needs best.
1. Luminor Blackcomb UV Water Purification Filter
The Blackcomb UV water purification system is designed to combat harmful biological contaminants, like Giardia lamblia, E. Coli, and Cryptosporidium. The maximum water-flow this filter can provide is 15 gallons per minute, which makes it industrial-quality. There is an indicator that can tell you if your UV lamp needs replacing and several other errors.
You can also access info and videos to help you replace a part via the QR-code system. If you are sure, you would buy this UV water purifier, it’s recommended to be used after installing a sediment filter. If you have a filtration system and are buying the UV filter as an add-on to that system, you don’t need a separate sediment filter. Before installing the system, you need to carefully read the instructions, so you can do it yourself without hiring a plumber.
The materials used in the creation are high-quality and if you frequently inspect and service it by changing the lamps or quartz sleeve whenever you need to, you can use this filter for a while before you will need to buy a new one.
Pros
- The water purifier helps protect from 99% harmful bacteria.
- The maximum limit is 15 gallons per minute of water flow.
- You will get notified whenever you need to change the lamp.
Cons
- The water purifier doesn’t work well without a pre-existent filtering system or sediment filter.
- You need to be very careful when replacing the components, like UV lamp or quartz sleeve because the parts are fragile.
2. Viqua UV Water Disinfection Filter
Treating the water with UV light is the most effective way to get rid of harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Viqua offers an environmentally safe way to get rid of biological harmful organisms without changing the color, odor, pH, or taste of the water.
The UV lamp and quartz sleeve are very delicate and you need to be careful when you are replacing either one of them or cleaning the quartz sleeve. The product doesn’t work for other types of filtering, such as problems with hard water – it only disinfects harmful biological organisms. The water disinfection filter is great if you install it as the last stage of your reverse osmosis system because particles might interfere with the process if they are present.
It doesn’t treat your water for anything other than harmful biological organisms, so if you want to filter your water the efficient way you need other types of filters in the system before adding the UV light disinfection filter. The process of treating your water with UV light doesn’t add any chemicals to your water, it only uses light to disinfect it.
Pros
- High-quality help with harmful biological organisms.
- The water filter doesn’t change the taste, color, or odor of the water.
- The product is easy to install and it won’t require a plumber.
- The water filter doesn’t add any chemicals to your water.
Cons
- It won’t turn hard water into soft water.
- The quartz sleeve is highly breakable if you aren’t careful while installing it.
- You should replace the UV lamp after some time for maximum efficiency.
3. Pondmaster 40-Watt UV Light Water Clarifier
This submersible pond water filter is used for killing bacteria and algae in ponds. The maximum capacity of the pond you can install the clarifier in is 6,000 gallons and you can use it to with a pump with a maximum capacity of 3,000 gallons per hour.
Although usually used as a submerged filter, you can also install it above the surface. It weighs only a pound and it’s 23.5 inches long. You can use this filter in combination with a separate bio-filter, for maximum efficiency. The UV clarifier comes with an 18-foot power cord and a 3/4 barbed outlet and intake for flexible tubing. The vortex flow design and the slim tubing allow for the water to be exposed to the light linger, which clears the algae better.
Unfortunately, the bulbs don’t last that long, and you have to make sure to seal the glass tube correctly, so water doesn’t get inside of it. You can use Teflon tape beside the rubber seal on the glass tube, which holds the UV light bulb, so water doesn’t get inside of it. The newer models don’t last very long, but while they last, your pond water would be clear.
Pros
- Submerged and surface installation possible.
- Sterilizes ponds up to 6,000 gallons.
- Slim diameter and vortex flow design.
- 5-inch outlet and inlet for attaching flexible tubing.
Cons
- The clarifier isn’t long-lasting.
- Bulbs need to be replaced regularly.
- The glass tube with the bulb needs to be sealed additionally.
4. Express Water 12-Inch Ultra Violet Light Sterilizer
Express Water brings you a water sterilizer, which is designed to protect your water, appliances, outdoor wells, and homes. It’s made of stainless steel and it weighs 2.5 pounds. The sterilizer is twelve inches high, and it kills all kinds of biological contaminants, such as Mold, Microorganisms, Fungi, Salmonella, E. Coli, Algae, and others.
It sterilizes one gallon per minute and the materials used in the creation are high-quality. The longevity of your water sterilizer isn’t that long (maybe six months to one year at best) but it depends on the quality of your water, and it’s suitable for a minimum temperature of 40°F (4°C) and a maximum temperature of 100°F (38°C). If you see a red light on the ballast, you will need to replace the 10-inch bulb, but each bulb can produce up to 4,500 hours of UV protection.
The sterilizer is fully compatible with multiple under-sink filters or reverses osmosis (RO) systems. If you are installing a new sterilize, and not just replacing the old filter, you will need an install kit with brackets and fitters. You should know that the filter is designed to be used continuously, so you shouldn’t be turning it on and off all the time.
Pros
- The product is made of high-quality materials.
- It removes 99% of the biological contaminants in your water.
- It has standard 12-inch housing.
- Sterilizes one gallon per minute.
Cons
- The product isn’t long-lasting, especially with lower-quality water.
- The water may come out hot sometimes.
- The bulb sometimes needs replacing.
5. Geekpure 6-Watt UV Water Filter for RO Systems
The stainless-steel UV water filter is designed to be used as the last part in a reverse osmosis filtration system and it’s connected to the RO system via a 1/4-inch female inlet. The minimum flow rate is 0.5 gallons, while the maximum is one gallon per minute.
The filter weighs two pounds and is ten inches long. While it’s possible to connect it to an under-sink piping system, it isn’t recommended because the maximum effectiveness of the product requires the preceding removal of particulates and sediment from the water. The product lasts at least a year before you have to replace it and it’s used with a socket of 100-140 volts. The materials used in the making of the UV water filter are BPA-free and high-quality.
After turning on the filter, you should use it continuously so it lasts longer and it better filters the water. The minimum water temperature limit is 5°C/40°F while the maximum temperature allowed is 45°C/110°F. The warranty of the product is only one year.
Pros
- The water doesn’t taste differently and there are no chemicals used.
- The product is easy to install if you follow the instructions.
- The UV filter is good against biological organisms and bacteria.
- It can last up to a year before you have to replace it.
Cons
- If the filter is constantly on it heats the water a bit.
- It’s only efficient if used as the 6th part of a RO system.
6. Bluonics Water Filter for Reverse Osmosis Systems
The Bluonics ultraviolet water sterilizer (filter) can be used for any reverse osmosis or under-sink unit. The filtered water doesn’t have a strange taste or odor and there are no chemicals used during the sterilization process. The lamp is twelve inches long and the voltage is 6 watts (used for 110-volt sockets. The UV lamp lasts about nine thousand hours after you first turn it on, and its shelf life is preserved if you don’t turn it off once you plug it in.
Although some customers report that the bulbs don’t last that long, so it depends on if you installed them correctly and if you received a defective product. The package includes an extra UV bulb replacement and a ballast, mounting clamps, a glass tube, and a UV bulb. If one of the parts is damaged, you can always contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
The maximum water pressure the unit can withstand is 110 PSI and the minimum temperature limit is 35°F/1.7°C.
Pros
- The water filter can withstand 110 PSI.
- The water doesn’t have a different taste or odor after being filtered.
- It’s made of high-quality products and it doesn’t consume much electricity.
- The water filter gets rid of most biological contaminants.
- You can use it with other forms of filtration.
Cons
- The water can be warm if not used frequently.
- The bulbs don’t last long and need to be replaced more frequently.
7. HQUA 6GMP UV Light Water Purification Unit
The HQUA ultraviolet light water filter is perfect for your kitchen and it’s made of high-quality materials which will ensure that the product would last long. To ensure that the water purifier lasts longer, you need to replace the UV lamp every year and clean the quartz sleeve every six months or if you have lower-quality water, even more frequently.
If you don’t use water regularly it could get very hot (up to 140°F/60°C), especially if you haven’t used any water for more than four hours straight. To solve this problem, you would either need to install a 5-gallon tank after the purifier or open the faucet until the hot water runs out.
The UV system doesn’t use any chemicals and the taste of the water isn’t affected at all. The water filter is almost twenty-three inches long and it comes with a 1/2 inlet/outlet. The maximum water flow is six gallons per minute and the unit weighs only five pounds.
Pros
- The product installation is straightforward and explained in detail.
- There are light indicators for the condition of the lamp and power.
- Stainless steel and quartz glass materials are used.
- The odor or taste of the water isn’t affected.
Cons
- The water can get very hot if it isn’t used regularly.
- The sealants aren’t the best quality and they may leak if not sealed better.
- The quartz sleeve needs to be cleaned regularly for better effects.
8. iSpring UV Light Filter with Smart Flow Control
The iSpring UV water filter is designed with the highest quality materials – stainless steel and an 11-watt UV lamp, which is stronger than the regular 6-watt lamps used in these types of filters. It’s recommended to install the filter in combination with any reverse osmosis system as the last stage. The combination provides the best water purification method and quality.
This filter’s unique feature is the flow sensor switch, which only turns on the water filter if it detects water flow. This prevents the “hot water” issue which many UV filters have. It also saves power and lengthens the life of the filter. The unit weighs two pounds and is ten inches long. The UV lamp lasts about eight thousand hours but if turn on the smart flow sensor you can significantly lengthen the life of the lamp.
The maximum water flow is one gallon per minute and it features a 110-volt electronic ballast. You can either install it after the whole house filtration system on the main water supply line or the under-sink RO system as an add-on filter.
Pros
- High-quality UV lamp with an extended life and quality.
- It’s very effective in destroying biological contaminants and bacteria.
- It doesn’t have as many issues with the temperature of the water.
Cons
- Effective only if used with an existing RO system.
- You still need to change the parts after some time.
- All parts have to be bought from the same manufacturer.
9. HQUA 12GPM Ultra Violet Water Filter
The 40-watt HQUA ultraviolet light water filter unit pumps water at twelve gallons per minute. It is 38 inches long and it’s made of stainless steel. It is recommended to install it horizontally and it’s safe and reliable. You don’t need a plumber to install it because there is an easy-to-follow instruction manual, which is included in the package. You will still need to change the UV lamp once a year and clean the quartz sleeve every few months.
After two years you will also need to change the quartz sleeve. The UV water sterilizer ensures that over ninety percent of the bacteria and microbes in the water would decrease. Keep in mind that if you don’t use water frequently, and specifically if there was no water flow in more than four hours, you should open the faucet and let the hot water out before using it because it could get to up to 140°F. You can also install a water tank after the UV water filter to resolve the hot water issue. The bulb voltage is 120 volts.
Pros
- The product is environmentally friendly.
- There are no changes in pH, color, odor, or taste.
- 12 GPM is the maximum the filter can manage.
Cons
- You need to seal it properly or it would leak.
- The lamps need to be changed frequently.
- The quartz sleeve is highly breakable if not handled correctly.
What is an Ultraviolet Water System?
UV disinfection of drinking water is a disinfection process that uses germicidal UV. This type of light leads to the inactivation of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The water purification system is usually made of a chamber containing the UV lamp inside. As the water goes through, that lamp emits a germicidal wavelength of radiation and deactivates any living organism in the water supply, hence disinfecting it.
How Does a UV Water System Work?
Such a system works by exposing living organisms like bacteria, viruses, or cysts to a germicidal ultraviolet wavelength. The germicidal lamp produces ultraviolet C light that interrupts DNA base pairing. It scrambles the DNA of the living organism and they can no longer reproduce or cause sickness. The longer the exposure of the bacteria to UV the more lethal the effect it. UV kills bacteria very efficiently, but it is dangerous to the human skin as it can cause cancer.
It is important to have in mind here that when using this type of purification, the water flow must be moderate enough to ensure the necessary time for the UV light to do its magic. A simple test with the E.coli bacteria shows that two minutes of exposure to UV C light will kill it without a trace, one minute will leave a few colonies behind. This being said if the water flow is too fast while flowing through the chamber of the UV system it will not be as effective. This is why the size of your system is calculated based on your water flow.
What Are The Components Of a UV Water System?
It consists of a chamber that serves as a case for everything, a quartz glass sleeve, a UV C (germicidal) lamp, and finally a few O rings to seal everything together. The quartz glass sleeve plays an important role because it is transparent to the UV wavelength, allowing it through the glass and to the water.
How Do You Install a UV Water System?
Again, things are brought down to simplicity and the installation can be made very easily. There are a water inlet and a water outlet in the chamber. You have to interrupt the water supply line that is coming into the house and put the water UV system in. Insert the lamp into the quartz glass sleeve, then insert the latter into the chamber and link it to the supply system. Disconnecting when necessary is easy as well. Just back it out, unscrew and do whatever is necessary for maintenance or exchange and then connect it again.
What Contaminants Does a UV Water System Remove?
This type of system does not alter the water chemistry, remove taste or odor and it doesn’t add chemicals. It only deals with living organisms and works by deactivating them. Whatever the taste of the water in your supply is it will remain as it is and all the mineral, chemical, and other content will remain as it is coming from your water source.
Because of all that, we recommend that this system is connected to other water filtration devices such as regular whole house water filters. You can see the top products in the whole house water filtration category if you read our other article.
Where Does a UV Water System Apply?
This type of system is applied for a variety of purposes. It can be used in a household for disinfecting the water at its entry source regardless of whether it is a central water supply or a well. UV water systems are used throughout industry and for portable applications especially when potable water is necessary to be supplied. Like for example, huge water tanks that contain water for drinking purposes must have a UV water system for disinfection.
This is one of the best systems for municipal water when it comes to eliminating hazardous bacteria. There are a lot of cysts that are resistant to chlorine and they can cause great harm to the human intestine. Anything can happen and with the municipal supply by the time you get the memo that there was a problem, and the water is not suitable for drinking you might have already drunk some water. Had you had a UV water system installed you would have been safe. So, this is one advantage to such a method.
In order to get even better filtration, nothing stops you from also getting a premium reverse osmosis filtration product. See which ones suit you best.
How Much Does It Cost?
Offered in a lot of different sizes and shapes. Depending on the flow of the point of entry the suitable size has to be selected. A typical household would have to spend around four to five hundred dollars on such a system.
If you decide to invest in even more water purification devices, the price will go up, but you will get better effects. For instance, looking for a high-class water softener unit will solve a lot of your problems.
Maintenance of UV Water Filters
Like any other filtration or disinfection system, the UV system needs maintenance, but the upside is that it is quite simple and inexpensive. The elements that need attention are:
- The UV lamps
- The quartz glass sleeves
Once a year the UV lamp inside the quartz sleeve needs to be replaced. These lamps use mercury vapor as the fuel that ignites the wavelength, and the mercury will dissipate over time. The estimated life of such lamps is up to nine thousand hours or three hundred and seventy-five days of constant use. So, the lamp must be replaced every year. The mercury vapor is in the form of beads inside the lamp, so you can see them rolling around the lamp.
The quartz sleeve needs to be cleaned when changing the lamp and replaced every two years. It is a good idea to have a spare one because they are very brittle, and you don’t want to be in a situation where you cannot immediately replace it.
Is the UV Water System a Stand-alone One?
This type of system works best when it is the last in a chain of filtration systems or at least if there is one other filtration system before it. So having the UV system installed last in line with your reverse osmosis system or any other filtration system ensures it is fully efficient. The reason for this is that a lot of elements are contained in water and they can act as shadows over the living organisms and so the UV light might not catch them.
Suitable water filtration systems are:
- Reverse osmosis system
- Ion exchange softening system
- Distillation system
- Carbon filtering systems
Bottom Line
Treating the water is of grave importance to human health. We are no longer privileged enough to simply take what nature gives because we have put a great effort into destroying it by development. This is why science and technology play a great role in trying to save and recover what is left.
By taking preventive to disease measures like installing a UV water system we can guarantee our safety while ensuring the main source of life – water. This particular water disinfecting system has many advantages that can be listed as:
- More than 90% elimination of bacteria and living organisms that cause diseases.
- Low maintenance effort and cost
- Simple installation and high level of optionality
Wrap Up
There’s no way around it, technology will keep advancing and we have to stay up to date. This is why we hope that our thorough guide on getting the best UV water filter has helped you learn more and also get the right unit.
Speaking if this, if you still aren’t sure which one you should get, just head back to the section with our reviews of UV filters and see our write-ups of the selected products again. Share our content with others so that we can spread our user-to-user experience and help people make the right domestic purchases. Don’t forget to see our other guides on water filtration systems and the best products.
Leave us some feedback as it helps us grow and improve. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!