View Cart
  Log in
  Log out

Through the support of two Western New York companies and a third from Vermont the University at Buffalo Natatorium in Alumni Arena is being cleaned in a whole new light. Ultraviolet light, that is.

Final Filtration, Inc. of Amherst, Environmental Resources Management of Pittsford and Wedeco/Ideal Horizons of Poultney, VT, have donated a UV system that sterilizes the pool in a more efficient manner than chlorinating. The equipment costs more than $55,000 and the system is modeled after a system used in last year's Summer Olympics in Australia.

UB swim coach Budd Termin and Fred Smeader of the University's Facilities Planning and Design division, convinced UB officials that the system would lead to a marked improvement in the 15-year-old facility. The residual effect of chlorine to indoor natatoriums include discoloring or a yellowing of the walls, wear and tear that means higher maintenance costs.

The UV system also works faster than chlorine and can purify water in just three-to-five seconds. Termin said that the new system at UB also acts a healthier alternative to traditional methods.

"It totally cleans up the environment, not only for the athletes, but also for the recreational users," said Termin, who is in his 14th year at UB. "From a skin absorption standpoint, it is a huge health benefit."

UB is the first facility in the state to test the system, though officials say it is widely used in Europe and at several other college natatoriums in the United States.