How Long Does an Ultraviolet or UV Lamp Last?

Typically, an Ultraviolet or UV lamp lasts 12 months or about 9000 hours of use. The light stays lit longer than 12 months but after one year of use it’s ability to kill bacteria will slowly diminish and it will no longer kill bacteria, leaving your family vulnerable. If the Ultraviolet or UV system is used seasonally, let’s say for 6 months this year and then it’s drained and unplugged, you can use it for next years season for another 6 months before needing to replace the light with a replacement. There are some high end Viqua Pro series UV systems where the lamp will last for two years at a time but to make sure, check your manual becasue most only last one year.

You should also be aware that if you use your lamp for longer than the specified replacement period the ballast or controller will malfunction and it will need to be replaced.