Ultraviolet irradiation of an aquatic environment for the purposes of sterilization, disinfection, and/or cleaning fluids and surfaces associated with the aquatic environment. The aquatic environment can be irradiated using an ultraviolet illuminator having at least one ultraviolet radiation source and at least one sensor to detect conditions of the aquatic environment including fluid conditions and/or surface conditions associated with the aquatic environment. A control unit, operatively coupled to the at least one ultraviolet radiation source and the at least one sensor, determines a presence of algae growth about the aquatic environment. The control unit is further configured to direct the at least one ultraviolet radiation source to irradiate the aquatic environment at locations where there is a presence of algae growth for removal and suppression of further growth, monitor the irradiation with the at least one sensor, and adjust irradiation parameters as a function of detected conditions.