POU Cooler Sanitization

The charts below list advantages and disadvantages of the various common methods for sanitizing POU coolers.

Automatic Sanitization Methods

Sanitizing Method	Pros	Cons
UV light (in-tank, re-circulating or in-line)	NSF certification UV light has been proven to inactivate 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and parasites Automatic and continuous Harmless, tasteless and odorless Environmentally friendly	Requires bulb replacement every 6 or 12 months Should not be viewed by the naked eye In-line method does not provide exposure to filtered water that rests in the cooler reservoir
Ozone (“built-in”)	Programmable (can be applied when users are least likely to use the cooler) Frequent application (ideally once every 24 hours)	Can create taste and odor problems if not done properly

 

Manual Sanitization Methods

Sanitizing Method	Pros	Cons
Bleach (spray or pour-in)	Effective when completed correctly	Labor- and time-intensive Can create taste problems if not done properly
Ozone (via portable ozone generating equipment)	Effective when completed correctly  Does not produce residues Completely water-soluble	Labor-intensive Ozone can create taste and odor problems if not done properly
Hydrogen peroxide	Effective when completed correctly  Completely water-soluble	Labor-intensive