The first thought that comes to mind when discussing spa chemicals is chlorine and bromine. Although there are other chemicals you can use, sanitizing your hot tub should be a priority. Imagine a hot tub filled with bacteria, skin cells, and soap residue. That’s what happens in the absence of a sanitizer.
Chlorine and bromine are available in different forms in stores. But before you use any of these chemicals, you should know which is suitable and how to use them. Below, you will find useful info about spa chemicals and the right one to use. You may want to visit this website if you want a hot tub buying guide.
Choosing Between Chlorine and Bromine
To make a good buying decision, you should consider the following factors:
How Do They Work?
Chlorine is commonly used in pools while bromine is used in hot tubs. But a good knowledge of how they work will help you choose the best option.
Chlorine oxidizes the contaminants in your spa water, destroying them inside out. This gives off chloramines, which are responsible for dry or itchy skin as well as the obnoxious chlorine smell. These waste products can accumulate in the water and render the chemical ineffective.
You can resolve this problem by adding the chemical regularly. You can also shock the tub to control the activities of chloramines; doing this once each week will keep your spa water clear.
Bromine, on the other hand, ionizes contaminants by breaking their bonds. It remains effective even after its combination with the contaminants. However, it generates bromamines.
These waste products are not as obnoxious as chloramines. But they reduce the power of bromine in the water. However, you should shock the tub periodically to get rid of bromamines.
Which Product is More Effective?
Chlorine gets rid of bacteria faster than bromine. But its effect does not last for a long time, which explains why you should use it regularly. On the contrary, bromine is less reactive compared to chlorine. It gets rid of bacteria slowly, but this doesn’t make it inferior.
Because of its slow nature, bromine fights bacteria for a longer time compared to chlorine. As a result, you do not have to replace it often. Also, its pH is lower and helps to balance your water chemistry. So, you won’t have much trouble with adjusting the pH of your spa water. You can also visit https://poolonomics.com/to learn how to increase your spa water pH.
Which Product is More Stable?
Although chlorine exhibits faster action, it is less stable, especially when the water is warm. As mentioned earlier, you should replace it very often. Bromine is more stable because it stays longer in the water. However, when exposed to ultraviolet light, its stability diminishes faster than chlorine. So, if your tub is outdoors, this may quickly become a problem.
What Product is Cost-Effective?
Ideally, your tub requires 1 – 3 ppm (parts per million) chlorine or 3 – 5 ppm bromine. For optimum results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The information will help you to know the right dose to use.
If you are using bromine, you need to add a higher dose to get the same results as chlorine. However, bromine is more expensive. But since you won’t need to apply it regularly, it might be more cost-effective, depending on your hot tub’s size and how often you clean and balance the water.
Which is Safer?
Spa chemicals are generally safe when used in the right dosage. However, people react to them in different ways. Chlorine could be harsh on your eyes, skin, or hair when it is too much in the spa water. It can also cause you to choke because of its lingering smell in the atmosphere. This can heighten respiratory problems in asthma patients.
Bromine is mild but does not wash off easily especially when you stay long in the spa. But it won’t cause you to choke. Hence, it is a better option for people with respiratory difficulties and sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
While bromine and chlorine have their advantages and disadvantages, it is not advisable to mix both products. If you use one, stick to it, but ensure to flush out the water completely before using another product. Additionally, avoid using the dry form of both products and don’t store them near each other. They may generate combustible fumes.
You can get discount hot tub chemicals online from several online stores. Note that the most suitable spa chemicals will sanitize your hot tub effectively and without any adverse effects. Bromine and chlorine are wonderful options, depending on your preference. We discussed the factors to consider before choosing a sanitizing product.
If you or your guests do not have allergies and your tolerance level is high, you can choose chlorine. Otherwise, stick to bromine especially when you are expecting guests and not sure whether they are asthmatic or have sensitive skin.
