In parts one and two of this multi-part blog series, we went over some of the differences between chlorine and bromine as pool sanitation options. While these aren’t the only two chemical options for purifying and sanitizing your pool, they are the two most common and the two easiest to find.
At Packman’s Pools, we’re here to provide everything from custom pool or hot tub construction to tips on proper pool usage and sanitation, including the chemicals you utilize. In today’s final installation of our series, we’ll go over some of the pros and cons of bromine and chlorine within several areas you have to consider when it comes to sanitation, including which is generally best for your hot tub.
Cost Factors
One major factor for many pool owners when deciding which sanitizing chemical to use is the costs associated with it. Generally speaking, bromine is the more expensive chemical than chlorine – the gap here is small in most cases, but it can add up over time.
For outdoor pools, which require sanitation more often, bromine costs can get high and many such pool owners opt for chlorine instead. For indoor pools, however, the costs are often close enough together that other factors dictate your final choice.
Which is Easier?
When it comes to actually adding the chemical to the water on a regular basis, chlorine has more available methods for doing so. It can be added using tablets, granules, gas, liquid or even salt formats. Bromine, on the other hand, is usually just found in solid tablets, granules or sticks.
On top of this, those looking for pure chlorine in gas form can find it for pool sanitation. Pure elemental bromine, on the other hand, is not available.
Oxidation
If oxidation is a primary need for you as part of the sanitation process, your best choice is generally chlorine. It has much better oxidation powers, breaking down contaminants in the water directly.
Hot Tub Use
Finally, what if you’re looking for sanitation in your hot tub instead of your swimming pool? The differences between chlorine and bromine are extremely significant in this area.
Namely, bromine is the better chemical when it comes to performance at the kind of high temperatures often found in hot tubs. It’s also better in higher pH levels, which are generally found in hot tubs compared to pools. For this reason, unless there are significant factors pointing in the other direction, bromine should be your sanitation chemical of choice for your hot tub or spa.
For more on the sanitation chemicals to use in your pool or hot tub, or to learn about any of our custom pool building services, speak to the staff at Packman’s Pools today.