Chlorine and bromine are the most popular disinfectants for your hot tub water. Chlorine effectively kills bacteria and viruses, while bromine inhibits algae growth.
Both chemicals have advantages and disadvantages. Chlorine is the more popular disinfectant because it kills a wide range of bacteria, including E. coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus.
The downside of chlorine is that it can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in high concentrations. On the other hand, bromine is less effective at killing bacteria and viruses. Still, it is safe to breathe, is usually better for sensitive skin, and has no harmful side effects.
Ultimately, it is important for hot tub owners to strike a balance between choosing a disinfectant that effectively reduces the bacteria and viruses that may be present in their hot tub and is safe for their family.
Choosing between chlorine and bromine for your hot tub
When it comes to choosing between chlorine and bromine for your hot tub, it can be a bit confusing. Bromine is a more effective anti-fouling agent and less corrosive than chlorine.
On the other hand, chlorine is cheaper and easier to use so that it may be the better choice for some people. Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Chlorine in hot tubs
Chlorine is one of the most common hot tub chemicals and sanitizers. When used in water, several things happen. Water evaporates from the tub’s surface, and when it does, some of the chemicals in the water go with it.
The chlorine used as the hot tub sanitizer then dissipates into the air or reacts with other chemicals in the water to create a waste product called chloramines, also known as combined chlorine. When this happens, many people experience an unpleasant chemical smell in their hot tub.
This is why it is recommended that chlorine levels be checked often, even if the chemicals are added regularly. When chlorine is used correctly, it does an excellent job of sanitizing and keeping the water in a hot tub safe and clean.
That’s why whenever you add chlorine, turn on your hot tub jets to mix the chlorine around for a while so it can do its thing. Afterward, you can enjoy and relax in a perfectly safe hot tub environment.
Advantages of chlorine
Chlorine is a common disinfectant and sanitizer used in many households and commercial settings. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a particularly good choice for a hot tub.
Additionally, chlorine is safe for humans and pets in small doses. It does not damage the environment or healthful minerals in the water, and it can be used in conjunction with other disinfectants to ensure complete protection.
Chlorine is relatively cheap to buy and has stronger bleaching capabilities.
Disadvantages of chlorine
Chlorine can cause health issues if not used correctly, leading to dry skin and other skin complaints.
Chlorine tends to evaporate quickly (if not combined with a stabilizer such as cyanuric acid), which can be an issue since it can lose its potency before it even has a chance to act on contaminants in the water.
When do you add chlorine?
If you regularly use your hot tub, it’s a good idea to check the chlorine levels frequently to keep it clean and sanitized. You can use a test strip or a chemical test kit, or if you’re out of those, your nose to get a whiff.
If you notice a strong smell of chlorine when you open the lid, it normally means there is too much combined chlorine as the chlorine has combined with contaminants to produce chloramines (which is what you can smell). You can always dilute the chlorine by adding more water to the tub, but this will impact the chemical balance of your hot tub.
If the hot tub is indoors and you notice a chlorine smell, the hot tub covers should be left off and all doors and windows should be opened for ventilation. This will help the smell dissipate much faster.
Be careful when adding chlorine to your spa water. It can be very strong and irritating to the eyes and skin. It’s recommended that you wear goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when you do so.
Free chlorine, combined chlorine and total chlorine
When used in a hot tub and swimming pool, chlorine is described as free chlorine, combined chlorine and total chlorine. Free chlorine is the amount of chlorine in the water that is “free” to react with bacteria, etc. Combined chlorine is the amount of chlorine that has already reacted with bacteria, etc., and has combined with it (so is no longer available). Total chlorine is the sum of both chlorine types.
Related post – Free chlorine vs combined chlorine vs total chlorine
Bromine in hot tubs
Bromine is another option for disinfecting a hot tub. It is often preferred by people who are sensitive to chlorine. Bromine does not evaporate like chlorine, so it remains in your hot tub instead of coming out of the water and into the air.
While it has been used in spas since the 1980s, it has only recently become more popular. Unlike chlorine, which burns your eyes when you add it to the bubbling water in your hot tub, bromine does not have a strong burning effect on human skin or eyes.
Bromine is especially beneficial in a hot tub that is constantly exposed to sunlight because ultraviolet light can cause changes in pH levels when using chlorine sanitizers. Bromine does not require much attention when used in a hot tub because there is no need to constantly monitor it for cleanliness.
Advantages of bromine
Bromine is preferable for a hot tub because of its sanitizing advantages over chlorine. Bromine tends to evaporate less than chlorine, making it more effective for large-scale applications like swimming pools.
Bromine breaks down slower than chlorine, making it more stable and lasting longer.
Disadvantages of bromine
There are a few disadvantages to using bromine for disinfecting your hot tub. Bromine is corrosive and can damage metal surfaces. It can also create toxic fumes if not used properly.
This can pose risks to bathers and the environment. Another problem with using bromine is that it takes longer than chlorine to break down organic contaminants in water.
Bromine is generally safe, but it has been known to cause skin irritation in some cases in people with particularly sensitive skin. This can be dangerous if there are cuts on the skin. Also, people with asthma may have difficulty breathing when exposed to strong bromine fumes.
Bromine is more expensive than chlorine normally.
How to use chlorine and bromine granules
To use chlorine and bromine granules, you will need to pre-dissolve them in a bucket before adding them to the hot tub. Then, you will need to turn on the hot tub jets/pump to mix the chlorine or bromine around the tub. Once mixed, the chlorine or bromine will start to work, making the hot tub water clean.
Do not add chlorine or bromine granules directly to the hot tub water.
How to use chlorine and bromine tablets
To use bromine and chlorine tablets, you must make sure they are fully submerged. If using large tablets, break them into smaller pieces, as a whole 3-inch tablet will be too much for a hot tub.
Put the tablet pieces in a floating dispenser so the bromine or chlorine dissipates slowly.
Never place chlorine or bromine tablets in the hot tub, as their bleaching properties will probably discolor the shell.
After adding chlorine or bromine to the hot tub, you will need to wait a certain amount of time before using it. The time you must wait depends on the type of chlorine and bromine tablets you use.
Factors affect how long you need to wait. For example, the water temperature in your hot tub will affect how fast or slow chlorine or bromine is absorbed into the water.
How much chlorine or bromine do you need to use?
You must use a specific amount of chlorine and bromine to disinfect and keep your hot tub water clean. The amount will depend on the size and type of your hot tub.
It is recommended to add a little bit of chlorine or bromine every day rather than a large amount all at once. This will ensure professional hot tub maintenance, and the water will always be clean and safe for use.
Chlorine vs bromine. Which is more effective?
Both are used for the same purpose. But how can we distinguish which one is better? We could argue that chlorine is more effective than bromine in dissolving contaminants and chromium in the water.
Chlorine is also the most widely used oxidizing agent in hot tubs and swimming pools. It is a strong and versatile disinfectant, but it can be unstable. It tends to react with itself or other materials, producing dangerous compounds.
That is why you should consider investing in a cover for your outdoor hot tub. Keeping it covered and protected from UV damage is a great idea, and you can avoid causing a dangerous chemical reaction.
Hot Tub Maintenance Course
I bought Swim University’s Hot Tub Maintenance Course a while after I bought my first hot tub and struggled to maintain it. It was very well spent and has paid for itself many times over the years as I have saved by not needing to use as many chemicals as I did previously.
Listen to our Hot Tub Course Review Podcast:
Conclusion
Choosing between bromine and chlorine as a hot tub sanitizer will ultimately depend on your needs. If you want a cheaper option, chlorine might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer things to last longer and do not mind spending a bit more money on your hot tub, bromine is a safer bet.
Related hot tub articles
What causes alkalinity to drop in a hot tub?
How much chlorine to add to a hot tub
I have had hot tubs for over 20 years and a pool for the last 11 years. I had to learn how to clean, maintain and fix them the hard way. Since then I have helped many friends and neighbors with their pools and now I want to share everything I have learned with you. About Me
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