Tuesday, March 15, 2016

What's the Difference between Chlorine & Bromine in Hot Tubs

Many people stand on different sides of this age-old dilemma. Chemically, chlorine and bromine are closely related (being next to each other on the periodic table), however; in hot water they react very differently.

Chlorine and bromine are both chemical components that kill bacteria and germs that can grow in your hot tub water which are then collected by your filter.

Chlorine

Pros

  • Fast & effective way to clean your hot tub without much maintenance
  • Doesn't break down fast by sun light

Cons

  • High in pH, meaning, you'll have to regulate the water balance constantly
  • Can cause skin irrigation for those with sensitive skin
  • Potent smell
Bromine

Pros

  • Kills algae, bacteria and other contaminants more effectively in warm water environments
  • Lower pH level, meaning, less chemical balance issues
  • No strong chemical smell
  • More gentle on sensitive skin types

Cons

  • More expensive than chlorine
  • Breaks down fast in sun light
  • Takes longer to reach residual levels
  • Difficult to completely wash off your skin after a long soak in the hot tub
In the end...

Both chlorine and bromine will sanitize and keep your hot tub water clean. If you have sensitive skin, bromine is definitely the better choice, but is a little more costly. If you forget to sanitize regularly and want to save a little money, chlorine is the way to go.

NOTE: Never mix chlorine and bromine!! If you want to switch chemicals, it should only be done during a complete water exchange. Don't forget to flush out the system to remove any remaining sanitizer.