Without a proper sanitizer, you’re basically stewing in a hot tub filled with soap residue, bacteria, and skin cells.
As a sanitizer, bromine is also commonly known as chlorine. In addition, there are various ways to deliver bromine. So, if you’re still not sure which type of sanitizer is right for you, then check out this article.
While chlorine is the most commonly used sanitizer for the swimming pools, bromine is used to treat hot tubs. Here comes the question: Bromine or Chlorine? Before you decide which type of sanitizer to use, you should thoroughly study the features and drawbacks of each type of product.
COST
Trichlor tablets are cheaper than bromine tablets, and they're also more economical when bought in bulk. However, they can still lose half their power after around a year.
CONVENIENCE
These are both very convenient to use. Just purchase a small quantity of tablets and put in a floating dispenser to give good readings.
Before you can register a reading, you must have a bank of bromides in order to get a usable reading. You can also add other components to the test kit.
But before you can register a reading, you need to have a bank of bromides. This step can be done by shaking a little bromide into the tub or by pouring a small amount of bromide into a dish.
STAYING POWER
Bromine is not as easy to protect from the sun as chlorine. However, it has the same properties as chlorine when used as a preservative.
A small amount of chlorine shock can be used to activate bromine, which allows the use of less bromine tablets. Once the killing is done, the chlorine fades.
KILLING POWER
On the chemical level, chlorine is a stronger halogen than bromine. But, bromine has a larger atomic size and a more oxidizing reaction.
In terms of killing viruses and bacteria, bromine has a big advantage over chloramines. In the next round, we will see if bromine will be an active sanitizer or not.
STABILITY
When the pH ranges from 7.8 to 7.9, the chlorine in Bromine is reduced by 25%. This means that it continues to be effective even when the pH drops dramatically.
Bromine is known to be stable at high temperatures. At these conditions, chlorine will become active and quickly gas off at around 100 degrees.
These chemicals combine with ammonia or nitrogen to form bromamines. When mixed with chlorine, bromamines become ineffective chlorine sanitizers and cause red eyes and inflamed skin.
OTHER
ODOR - Chlorine smells similar, but the bromine odor, both in the container and in the water, is softer.
IRRITATION - Skin irritation can occur with bromine or chlorine, but bromine is less irritating.
pH - Trichlor has a very low pH, bleach has a very high pH, and bromine has a pH level of 7.5. Perfect!
ADDITIVES - Cal-hypo adds calcium to a spa, and trichlor and dichlor will add cyanuric acid.
Bromine has chlorine against the ropes, and in the sixth round, has delivered a knockout blow!
Bromine is a great alternative to chlorine when used in a spa. It can kill bacteria at high temperatures and is more effective at controlling pH levels.
So, which is better - bromine or chlorine? Bromine is best for spas, use chlorine for pools.
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!