Bromine is a sanitizer, and it’s a good alternative to chlorine in swimming pools. It’s also an excellent alternative to chlorine-based chemicals because they’re free from chlorine’s harsh, unpleasant smell. Bromine Tablets are also gentler on both skin and hair than traditional forms of chlorine.
This article will answer what bromine is, how it affects pool water, and bromine vs chlorine so you can make an educated choice on which chemical is right for your pool.
What Is Bromine?
Bromine is the most often used chlorine substitute. This chemical is well-known as a pool sanitizer, oxidant, and algaecide. Bromine is preferred by spa and hot tub owners over chlorine because it works better at warmer temperatures.
Why Do I Need Bromine Tablets?
Bromine is an effective sanitizer and is just as safe as chlorine. However, it has a lower incidence of skin irritation, doesn’t smell as bad, and doesn’t release nearly as much of its active ingredient into the air as chlorine does.
Bromine vs. Chlorine
Chlorine
Chlorine is the most common pool chemical pool owners use. It dissolves fast in the water, so it sterilizes quickly and has various forms of distribution. However, its potency is easily diminished by the sun’s UV rays or very hot temperatures, so it needs cyanuric acid to stabilize to these environments.
Also, chlorine has the power to kill certain forms of algae. Chlorine also creates chloramines, which emits the unique, strong “chlorine smell” and eventually renders chlorine ineffective. They can usually irritate the skin and eyes at high concentrations.
Bromine
Bromine is available in tablet form, so there is only one method for dispersing it into the water: a feeder. Unlike chlorine, bromine dissolves slowly, making its disinfection properties take longer to take effect.
Bromine tablets produce bromines in place of chloramines, but they do not render the bromine useless. Also, unlike chloramines, you can use shock treatment to reactivate bromines, whereas chloramines just dissolve over time.
Bromine is significantly more stable at hot temperatures than chlorine, making it an excellent choice for hot tubs.
Also, bromine volatility is not as adversely affected as chlorine by high or low ph concentrations.
Why Choose Bromine Tablets?
- If you have a sensitive nose or don’t like the smell of chlorine, then bromine may be better for you.
- Bromine tablets work better in hot climates and temperatures.
- Bromine tablets are gentler on the swimmer’s skin
- Does not destroy vinyl liners
Why Choose Chlorine?
- Chlorine operates faster, so if you often forget to continue adding sanitizer to your pool regularly, you should probably stick with chlorine. That’s because if your pool’s chemistry becomes out of balance, chlorine restores equilibrium faster than bromine.
- Chlorine is way cheaper than bromine.
- Chlorine can be stabilized by cyanuric acid to protect it from the sun’s UV rays, while bromine cannot. Choose chlorine if you have an outdoor pool.
Making the Switch to Bromine
If you decide to use bromine tablets as a sanitizer in your pool, be ready for color changes in the water. Bromine will give you pool water that’s much lighter than you’re probably used to seeing.
One of the benefits of bromine is that it won’t stain your pool’s liner as chlorine does. But until the bromine levels balance out, you’ll probably have some water that looks a little strange.
If you prefer more intense colors in your water, consider using more bromine than what’s recommended in the package.
Is Bromine Safe?
Yes! Bromine tablets for swimming pools are 100% pure, with no additives or contaminants. Because bromide is used in pharmaceuticals (to treat ulcers) and water purification (to purify salt water), the FDA has strict regulations around these elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do bromine tablets work?
Bromine tablets work similarly to chlorine tablets but are better suited for hot water environments. When bromine tablets are added to a pool or spa, they release bromine ions that attack and kill harmful microorganisms. Unlike chlorine, bromine remains effective even at higher temperatures, making it ideal for hot tubs and spas.
Are bromine tablets less irritating than chlorine?
Yes, bromine is generally less irritating to the skin and eyes than chlorine. This makes it a preferred choice for hot tubs and spas where bathers are in close contact with the water. Bromine’s reduced odor also contributes to a more pleasant experience for users.
How are bromine tablets added to a pool or spa?
Bromine tablets are typically placed in a floating dispenser, a chemical feeder, or a dedicated brominator. These devices ensure a controlled release of bromine into the water over time. It’s important to follow manufacturer instructions and guidelines for proper usage and dosage to maintain the desired bromine level.
Can bromine tablets be used in any pool or spa?
Bromine tablets are suitable for both pools and spas, including hot tubs. However, they are particularly well-suited for hot water environments due to their stability at higher temperatures. When using bromine tablets, it’s important to regularly monitor and maintain the bromine levels and overall water balance to ensure safe and effective sanitation.
Conclusion
Whichever sanitizing chemical you pick should keep your pool clean and worry-free, but be sure to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each before making a decision. Changing your mind and swapping out chemicals later is possible, but it will take some time and work.
Choose the chemical that best meets your demands and continue with it until there is a compelling reason to switch. Either way, your pool will be healthy if sanitized regularly.
Here are some tips for maintaining our swimming pool in the most effective and safest manner. Our complete guide can be found here, and some of it has been added below.
