PHTA Recreational Water Quality Committee, Bromine Generation in Hot Tubs: A Chemistry Primer, Squeeze Those Service Vehicle Fuel Dollars, Pool Bob's Hydro-Eclectic Musings: Kicking the Buckets, Mythbusters: Pool Chemistry Truisms That Don't Pass the Sniff Test. While theyre not as noxious as chloramines, they still reduce the effectiveness of the bromine in your hot tub. DOUBLE DOSAGE IF SPA FOAMS WHEN JETS ARE RUNNING. Announcing the winners of the 2022 Truck & Van Contest! Start by adding a teaspoon of crushed brominating tablet powder to the water. Chlorine or bromine should have barely any odor if used correctly. As the HOBr reacts and generates bromide ions, in the presence of chlorine and other oxidizers, HOBr will be regenerated as the predominant sanitizer. Did you know? Build an In-ground Concrete Swimming Pool, Build an In-ground Fiberglass Swimming Pool. Either one can irritate your skin and damage your spa. You can always add more later. MANY TIMES THIS PROBLEM IS FROM LEAVING THE JETS ON. You can use crushed bromine tablets, either to establish an initial bromide bank or reserve in your hot tub, or (in small amounts) to top up your spa's bromide reserve in place of tablets. Industry-specific business software can help to minimize costs as gas prices soar. Get to know the germs that cause Recreational Water Illnesses and how to kill them. Bromamines do not gas off the water surface, as chloramines do. Since then, his mission is to make pool and hot tub care easy for everyone. You can usually control how much water comes into contact with the tablets, and therefore how quickly they dissolve. The tank will get some direct sun but is mostly covered by a shade sail. Find manufacturers and suppliers in the most extensive searchable database in the industry. Pool Bob dreams of life as a superhero pool man. Chemicals and devices that will help maintain a healthy and clear pool. Consequently, while combined chlorine readings in chlorinated pools and spas serve as a reminder of the need for oxidation of contaminants, there is no such indication in brominated pools and spas. Bromine will combine with organic contaminants in the water to form combined bromine (bromamines). Bromine avoids some of the common issues found with chlorine: However, there are also a few downsides to be aware of: If you're interested in chlorine instead, I have a similar guide on how to use chlorine in a spa. This is a concern if you have an outdoor hot tub, and makes using your hot tub cover all the more important. There are two types of granular bromine. On the other hand, bromine is only a sanitizer. This typically is introduced as a granular or a liquid solution directly into the pool or spa. Hold the feeder under the hot tub water for a few seconds to push the air out and keep it more stable while it floats. IF WATER IS 106 OR OVER YOU MUST ADD COLD WATER TO COOL DOWN. This means that you may only need to add bromine once a week. OF SHOCK TREATMENT TO SPA EACH WEEK FOR 250-450 GALLON SPAS. This refers to how quickly it destroys contaminants. Bromine is a chemical used to sanitize spas and hot tubs. But bromine also produces a waste product called bromamines. Bromine remains effective at higher pH levels than chlorine. Just bring us a 1-2 cup sample of your water. It takes longer to activate once it is added to the water, but it remains active even after it kills the bacteria. It's much milder than the strong 'swimming pool' smell you might associate with chlorinated pools. Once bromine is used in a pool, it will remain a bromine pool, even if bromine is discontinued and chlorine is used. In the recommended pH range for swimming pools of 7.2 to 7.8, HOBr formation remains over 90 percent. The stabilizer used for chlorine-treated pools (cyanuric acid) is not effective with bromine treated pools. Got too much chlorine or bromine in your hot tub? Current test kits and test strips will not distinguish between free and combined bromine. This will kill the contaminants your bromine has encountered, and convert it back to 'free bromine' so it can be effective again. CHLORINE & BROMINE SPAS 150-250 GALLONS: ADD 2 TABLESPOONS GRANULAR CHLORINE OR 1 CAP BROMINE, ADD 1.5 CAPS OF GRANULAR CHLORINE OR 2 CAPS BROMINE. If you have one of the better designed floating dispensers like this one, it's safe to add up to 6 1-inch tablets at a time. It will cost more to use bromine, because its more expensive and also because you cant stabilize it, but it can be a good option. Place the recommended number of tablets (usually 1-inch tablets). Even when bromine levels are zero, there still exists a level of bromide ions, which should be removed prior to beginning a chlorine tablet regimen. Bromine tablets can be used in small floating feeders in spas or hot tubs because they hold such a small amount of water and the bromine can disperse more effectively. OF SHOCK TREATMENT TO SPA EACH WEEK FOR 150-250 GALLON SPAS. This occurs since hypochlorous acid (HOCl) readily reacts with bromide ions in solution to make a new molecule of HOBr and a chloride ion (Cl- ). Check the sanitizer levels next time you shock your spa, to make sure it's still within the 2-6 ppm range. Chlorine can be applied in three different ways: granules, liquid, or tablets. No need to pay more for bromine. We also will test your water for free here at Ajax Pool and Spa. OF LIQUID, CAP 1 C ONE CAPFULL OF STANDARD SIZE PACKAGING 2# CONTAINER, C CAPFULL OF STANDARD SIZE PACKAGING 2# CONTAINER, C CAPFULL OF STANDARD SIZE PACKAGING 2# CONTAINER, TABLESPOON 1T ONE TABLESPOON OF LIQUID OR DRY SUBSTANCE, T TABLESPOON OF LIQUID OR DRY SUBSTANCE, TEASPOON 1TSP ONE TEASPOON OF LIQUID (3 TEASPOONS TO ONE TABLESPOON). Also be aware that youll likely need to use a larger dose of bromine than chlorine to achieve the same sanitizing results, and bromine costs more than chlorine. ADD 2 OZ. Get industry news, insights, and new product information delivered straight to your inbox. Bromine can be generated on site with a two-part system. What can you do if you put too much bromine in a hot tub? If you are a pool owner that routinely forgets to add sanitizer and test your water, then chlorine may be the best choice because it is easier to quickly raise or lower the chlorine levels in your pool. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Test the water over the next couple of days to ensure proper sanitizer levels. RELATED: Bromine Generation in Hot Tubs: A Chemistry Primer. When added to water, bromine tablets dissolve and react to produce HOBr, HOCl and dimethylhydantoin (DMH) residue. Sodium bromide, as a source of bromine, has been EPA registered as an algaecide. Bromamines can also be reactivated by a shocking treatment and be returned to their full strength, while chloramines are simply burned off and removed from the water. That also depends on the size of your hot tub, and how well you keep the water clean and balanced. Bromine tablets generally have a pH around 4, therefore, pH adjustment to the water will be necessary to maintain proper water balance. While that is the quickest method of converting a pool to chlorine, a pool with bromine or bromide ions can switch back to a chlorine pool over time. By using Fixr.com you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Bromine works better at higher temperatures than chlorine. Want to learn more about how to keep your hot tub balanced and sanitized? You can use it to establish an initial bromide reserve, and then add more weekly as a shock. Bromine tablets dissolve best as water rushes over them through a bromine feeder. The most prevalent forms of bromine tablets are 1-bromo-3-chloro-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH) and a tablet composed of a mixture of three chemicals: BCDMH, 1,3-dichloro-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin (DCDMH), and 1,3-dichloro-5-ethyl-5- methylhydantoin (DCEMH). Then you should check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Courseto help you save hundreds on chemicals and less time on hot tub maintenance all year long. OVER 4 TABLETS ONLY IF HEAVY USE OR PROBLEM SPA. 2022 Fixr, Inc. All rights reserved. Pour the granules slowly and directly into the hot tub. Typically, BCDMH will dissolve more slowly than the blended BCDMH, DCDMH, DCEMH tablets. You can shock a bromine pool, with non-chlorine shock or with chlorine shock but you wont need to shock a bromine pool to remove bromamines, (combined bromine), which are still active sanitizers. How long should bromine tablets take to dissolve? Can be stabilized when exposed to UV rays, Less effective at temperatures above 75F, Cannot be stabilized when exposed to UV rays. The exception to this rule is ultraviolet (UV) light, which destroys bromine more quickly than chlorine. But have you heard of bromine? Bromine tablets are typically fed into the water via either a floater or a bromine feeder. The sodium bromide creates bromide ions in the water, often referred to as a "bromide bank." Bromine has a low odor and is effective over a wide pH range. Bromine, however, is best dispensed through a floating feeder or cartridge dispenser, which adds to the initial cost of using bromine. This makes bromine a better choice for hot tubs and spas, and an unheated pool will be better served by the use of chlorine. Bromine tablets are white solids that are typically sold as compressed tablets or as capsule-shaped briquettes. If you do use a bromine floater, it's fine to take it out while you're using the spa if you find it gets in the way. Sodium bromide only needs to be added periodically to maintain the system. If you switch from chlorine tablets to bromine tablets and, you will need to purchase a new brominator because mixing chlorine and bromine can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. Cost is not the only factor to take into account when deciding between chlorine and bromine for your pool or spa. Bromine is in the same chemical family as chlorine, and functions in much the same way. Bromine dominates spa sanitizing, and chlorine dominates pools, for practical reasons, among them chlorine's sensitivity to high pH spikes (common in spas) and the fact that chlorine is easier to protect against degradation under the UV rays of the sun. If the levels are properly maintained, it should be barely detectable, and certainly not overpowering. In this article, I'll share the knowledge, tips and tricks I've picked up over the years so you can start using bromine safely and effectively in your spa too. The first part is sodium bromide. Keep in mind that during the conversion process, chlorine demand will remain high. This is a chlorine molecule combining with Ammonia or Nitrogen. Dimethylhydantoin (DMH), a chemical incorporated into bromine tablets provides some minor protection to HOBr against sunlight degradation. Read the instructions on the chlorine or bromine tablets container carefully. You will need to add chlorine every other day or so. Chlorine can be protected from UV Rays with Stabilizer, Bromine cannot. The powder dissolves much more quickly than it would in tablet form, so it's easy to end up with higher levels of sanitizer than you want. The measure of a sanitizers effectiveness is its reactivity rate. Even if you think youve cleaned it well enough, some of the chemical remnants can react with each other. The use of ozone in conjunction with bromine as a primary sanitizer is not recommended due to the increased formation of the carcinogen bromate. The question is, which one should you use? So, Chlorine or Bromine? You know sanitizers kill bacteria and other yucky stuff. Shocking is also the solution here. ADD TEASPOON EACH WEEK IN 150-250 GALLON SPAS EACH WEEK. Many people assume chlorine is for pools and bromine is for spas, but that doesnt have to be the case. If you don't use one, you'll need to add bromide booster regularly yourself, or just put brominating tablets directly into your spa's skimmer basket if it has one. Note that when testing for bromine with a chlorine test kit, the reading should be multiplied by 2.25 to obtain the bromine concentration. Remember that no matter how well you maintain sanitizer levels, youll still have to drain and clean your hot tub from time to time, ideally quarterly. Whichever sanitizer you choose, just remember to regularly test to make sure the levels stay where they need to be to keep your water clean, and keep you and your hot tub guests healthy and happy. For indoor pools that receive very little sunlight, Bromine is preferred or recommended. Get free advice and estimates from swimming pool builders in your city. Chlorine and bromine work in different ways to sanitize your pool water. Avoid contact between bromine tablets or bromine compounds and easily oxidizable materials such as ammonia, urea, nitrogen-containing compounds, strong reducing agents and other oxidizers regardless of their structure. If you or anyone who uses your hot tub on a regular basis has sensitive skin or any kind of upper respiratory difficulties, bromine will likely be the better choice. Going the other way however, requires draining of the pool water, to remove the build-up of bromide ions in the water, which will continue to convert added chlorine into bromine. The Future Builders of America is getting Florida students excited about jobs in the skilled trades including the pool and spa industry. If you have any questions about which pool sanitizers are right for you, please give us a call, were always here to help you make easier decisions regarding your pool! How many bromine tablets should you put in your spa? Additionally, Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) may be used to test bromine-treated water; however, the reading will be lower than that obtained for chlorine. And each year, he continues to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. Even worse than red eyes and brittle hair is the debilitating effect chloramines have on a sanitizers ability to fight contaminants. There are a few hot tub chemicals you absolutely must have and some that aren't necessary. These compounds produce the chlorine smell that many people are associate with swimming pools. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Not so with bromine, however, which retains efficacy through higher pH ranges. Bromine: Kills bacteria in your spa for a longer period of time than chlorine. But no matter how it is applied, the end goal is the production of hypobromous acid (HOBr) and hypobromite ion (OBr-). Then, to know whether youve used enough, youll need to test the water to gauge the levels. At pH levels above 8.0, chlorine becomes sluggish and its efficacy drops below 50%. 150-200 GALLONS (VERY SMALL SPAS 1 TO 3 PERSON SPAS), 200-250 GALLONS (UNDER 6 FOOT SPAS 3 TO 4 PERSON SPAS), SHOT 1 S 1.5 OZ. But exactly how do these two sanitizers do that? Always store in original container and avoid getting the product wet in storage. The 3 tablets are the most popular for general pool chlorination. This can also cause a dangerous chemical reaction. Even though bromine is effective over a wide pH range, it is important that the ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 recommended pH range of 7.2 to 7.8 and alkalinity range of 60 to 180 ppm be maintained. The second part of the system is an oxidizer, typically potassium monopersulfate, but can also be chlorine. IF THE CHLORINE IS 1.0 OR LESS ADD GRANULAR CHLORINE, ADD 1 TEASPOON CHLORINE FOR SPAS 150-250 GALLONS, ADD 1 TABLESPOON CHLORINE FOR SPAS 250-450 GALLONS, ADD 2 TEASPOON BROMINE FOR SPAS 150-250 GALLONS, ADD 2 TABLESPOON BROMINE FOR SPAS 250-450 GALLONS, CAP (OR ONE CAP OF 24 OZ. The water cannot reach the tablets above. For outdoor pools that receive strong direct sunlight, bromine levels can deplete rapidly, requiring more bromine to maintain healthy levels. This can also cause a dangerous chemical reaction. Would chlorine or bromine be best? For pools that use an automatic pool cover, Bromine may be a good choice, since the issue of sunlight degradation is largely removed. IF WATER IS OVER 104 DEGREES REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE OFFICE. Chlorine dissolves fairly quickly to begin sanitizing the water. ADD 1 OZ. HOBr becomes the primary sanitizer in this system. store them next to each other. Granular products are introduced into the pool or spa through manual dispersion onto the water. Plus, the tablet dispenser it comes with is not the type of design I would recommend. Examine Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) systems and their use in modern pool maintenance. As chlorine begins disinfecting the water or killing algae it forms compounds called chloramines. It will need an occasional shock with chlorine to keep the water as clean as possible. (not true the other way around, if it was formerly bromine, draining would be required). And, a spa or hot tub can be enjoyed year-round in any climate. This granular form performs in the same way as the bromine tablets. An outdoor pool is inevitably going to be in the direct sun, and both chlorine and bromine break down easily when exposed to UV rays. A 20,000-gallon pool used year-round will cost about $600 annually to sanitize with chlorine. If you're ready to try bromine in your spa for the first time, there are all-in-one starter kits available. Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim University and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. Hi Grant, use chlorine, it is cheaper than bromine. Chloramines (mono, di and tri -chloramines) tend to rise to the surface and gas-off, with highest concentrations measured close to the water surface, where swimmers are breathing deeply. If you use a tablet feeder or chlorinator, it should be replaced, so that chlorine residue does not come into contact with bromine, which could be dangerous. These are the most common shapes you'll find: The type on the left is cheaper and more common, but also less sophisticated. You should also add Bromide Booster, bromide ions that will help the bromine tablets to register on the test kit. Bromine is far more stable and effective in high temperatures, which is why it is almost always used in spas and hot tubs. In todays post we discuss some of the differences between chlorine and bromine sanitizers. Follow along as they work to keep the pool in tip-top shape! Bromine tablets dissolve according to how large the tablets are, and how much of the tablet is exposed to water. Should you use a floating bromine dispenser in a hot tub? Bromine, like chlorine, is a sanitizer and oxidizer that destroys organic contaminants in pools and spas. Make adjustments as necessary. However, sodium bromide alone will not kill algae. Chlorine: Can be harsh on the skin, hair, and eyes, especially at too-high levels. It's important that the two chemicals don't mix directly. As with chlorine sanitizers, it is recommended to periodically shock oxidize the water when using bromine tablets. For more information on shocking the pool, see Laurens post on The Many Types of Pool Shock. Imagine a shock or a lightning bolt, ripping through the water, killing anything organic, and removing improper molecular combinations. Many of our customers prefer to use Bromine for their pools, finding it to be more stable, less irritating and with less odor than chlorine. Adjust the feeder (if its adjustable) according to the manufacturer directions to control the release of sanitizer. Easy to add chlorine to your hot tub with granules (powder) and a cap that's perfect for measuring the amounts you add. We present the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision. Just start using bromine tablets. The second is a mixture of sodium bromide and dichlor (packaged as a single product). Bromine can be reactivated or re-used by adding granular oxidizer (shock). Bromamines retain killing power, chloramines do not. mix them together in their dry state, especially the granule forms. Think about it. You can switch to bromine, no need to do anything, except replace the chlorinator with a brominator, which is different as bromine tabs need higher flow. Above 75F, bromine remains stable, whereas chlorine is more effective in temperatures as low as 65F. They are designed to let the tablets dissolve gradually over time, which keeps your spa's bromide bank topped up. This is important in the spa environment, where 4 people jumping in suddenly can cause extreme swings in the spa pH level. I use bromine in my own hot tub, and highly recommend it as a sanitizer. Hi Wanda, sure you can use bromine, and non-chlorine shock. Chloramines continue to rise, and even in the air strives to continue working, or oxidizing. THE FLOATER SETTING SHOULD BE 2 TO 3 OPEN FOR BROMINE. In addition, you may have to spend from $150 to $400 on the installation of a bromine feeder. Tests for 7 important chemistries in seconds: Total Hardness, Total Chlorine, Total Bromine, Free Chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid. Chlorine tablets or sticks can be used in floating dispensers, in line or offline chlorine feeders, or placed directly in the skimmer basket, though this is not recommended. Never place bromine tablets or compounds in any chemical feeder or floater with any other chemical, including chlorine. The greater the amount of oxidation and the greater the amount of sunlight present, the shorter that conversion time. Product label directions should be consulted to identify the type and frequency of supplemental oxidation treatments. Even in their separate containers, this is dangerous as the fumes they give off can combine and become combustible. Chlorine is a more powerful oxidizer than Bromine. According to ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools, the ideal range for bromine is 3 to 4 ppm for pools and 4 to 6 for spas. This is the ultimate maintenance guide that hot tub manufacturer doesnt provide you. It's hard to talk about bromine without mentioning chlorine, its main complement in leisure water sanitizing. Here's what chemicals you need and how to add them. Adding one or two packets of pool shock regenerates bromine levels, creating essentially free bromine. Specific requirements or preferences may allow of choice of one over the other. Whether you choose chlorine or bromine, DO NOT: If you know how to use a measuring cup, you can add chlorine granules or bromine granules to your hot tub. 2022 AB Media Inc. All rights reserved. Yes, bromine tabs can be used in outdoor pools, but the problem with bromine is that it cannot be stabilized or protected from the sun with cyanuric acid. The granules or liquid can be added directly to the water without any specialized equipment, while the tablets are placed in a floating dispenser to maintain adequate levels of chlorine in the water. Bromine: The ideal level for bromine is 3 ppm to 5 ppm, with 5 ppm being ideal. The only options left are a peroxide-based system or silver or copper-based ion generators. Can you use crushed bromine tablets in a hot tub? Although this is not the only way to balance your spa,this information can help you get back to perfect readings. Just as many employers are getting workers' and related costs under control, the pandemic has introduced new hazards to the regulatory terrain. It's not bromide booster, but shock, that will alter the bromine levels and determine whether you can safely use your spa. Read the instructions on the chlorine or bromine container carefully. Raising Pool Equipment for Flood Protection, Flooded Inground Pool: 10-Steps to Recovery. Bromine has a mild, clean, slightly bleach-like chemical smell. Graphic, yes, but we never shy away from illustrating the absolute need for sanitizer in your hot tub. Bromine is available in 1 tablets and should be used in a feeder, floating dispenser or placed in your skimmer basket as they take longer to dissolve. The biocidal properties of bromine are primarily due to HOBr. The money you will save by purchasing chlorine over bromine for use in a spa is usually negated rather quickly due to the fact that you will need to use much more chlorine to keep the spa sanitized. Even in tablets where chlorine is a component, or in systems that employ sodium bromide and chlorine together, HOBr is still the primary sanitizer present in the water. If you've tested your levels and confirmed the bromine is really too high (above 10 ppm), there are a few things you can try: You can switch from chlorine to bromine sanitizer in a hot tub. And chlorine is more convenient to apply in pools. We live in Southern California, can we switch to Bromine? Care should be taken when selecting the appropriate delivery system since the two predominant types of bromine tablets dissolve at different rates. Love your hot tub but hate what chlorine does to your skin and hair? Pool Bromine also does not dissolve quickly enough to use a floating chlorinator, use a bromine feeder. One application of bromine can last up to a week, while chlorine needs to be added every other day or so. I used up some of the products quickly, and still haven't finished others to this day. Reaching breakpoint chlorination is an important threshold, where everything in the pool is oxidized, and the strong chloramine bond can be broken. There are a few different designs of brominator. In your opinion, would bromine tablets in a brominater work for our setup? Pool equipment comes to life in this pool com sync chat. The top has an opening and the bromine tablets are placed inside. If you use a dispenser like the Life Deluxe Spa/Hot Tub/Pool Chemical Floating Tablet Dispenser, it can take 2-3 months before all the tablets dissolve, at least on the lower settings. I have a 275 gallon international bulk container that I can enclose to keep the sun from it. A good amount of it remains active and working, even after combining with contaminants. But because you dont have to use it as often, its possible that the cost may turn out to be the same. Bromine produces compounds called bromamines as it works to disinfect the water, but unlike chloramines, they still remain active and continue to disinfect and dont produce odor, or burn the eyes. YOU USE DOUBLE THE BROMINE THAT YOU WOULD USE IN CHLORINE IN SPAS. ADD 1 CAP (OF NATURAL CLEAR QUART BOTTLE) IN 250-450 GALLON SPAS EACH WEEK. Bromine: Is gentler on your skin than chlorine, but can be a bit more difficult to wash off after a long soak. Basically, it can rust out the building, unless the pool chemistry is very carefully managed, and the HVAC systems are built to constantly eject internal air to the outside, while pulling in a constant supply of fresh air. You may not even need to use tablets or a dispenser. These remnants are responsible for the stinging, drying, stinky reputation chlorine has, and reduce the sanitizers effectiveness. However, chlorine can be stabilized with a conditioner to keep it working, but there is nothing that can stabilize bromine. In the end, you have to weigh not just the cost but also the ease of use and health issues when deciding between chlorine and bromine as the sanitizer for your pool or spa. Leisure Time Brominating Granular is a bromide booster and shock in one. This is the slowest and most controlled way to dissolve bromine tablets that I've found since owning a spa. And, like above please do not use a brominator for chlorine tablets, replace with a new chlorinator, or use a chlorine floater. Bromines lower pH makes it less efficient at removing organic debris, leading to a cloudier appearance. Which one is right for you? Chlorine: Kills contaminants more quickly than bromine does. So why doesn't it work the other way around? While chlorine is the most common sanitizer for swimming pools, bromine is used to sanitize hot tubs more often, with good reason. Youll have to weigh the benefits against the cost to determine whether its worth the extra expense for you. Bromine is also more effective over a wider pH range than chlorine. The sodium bromide alone is not a sanitizer. When the oxidizer is added to the water, the bromide ions are oxidized into HOBr which is the active sanitizer in the system. Whenever you shock your spa, you need to wait for the bromine levels to drop before using it. CLEAN FILTER IF SPA FOAMS UP BEFORE RUNNING JETS OR ADDING FOAM-OUT. As it works, the chlorine dissipates and turns into a waste product called chloramines. Spa Choice Bromine Tablets for Hot Tubs - 5 lbs. However, if an allergy to chlorine is an issue, bromine will not work either because it is also chlorine-based. If your spa already has bromine in it, every time you add shock (whether chlorine or non-chlorine), this existing bromine will get reactivated, and you will still have a bromine spa. DOUBLE DOSAGE IF THE SPA HAS COMBINED CHLORINE OR BROMINE PRESENT ON TEST. The same pool maintained with bromine will cost about $1,000 a year for pool chemicals. Bromine is an effective algaecide, particularly against difficult to control mustard and black algae, and its algaecidal properties are well known. This helps keep the pool water sparkling clear. It can be harder to get the dose right this way, so you'll often find your sanitizer levels either much too high, or too low (too high is more common in my experience). use the same feeder for both, whether you use chlorine or bromine tablets or granules. Measure the amount of chlorine or bromine recommended by the manufacturer for your hot tubs volume. varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours. To get optimal benefit from any sanitizer, you need to use enough to work with how much water your hot tub holds, which correlates to how big the tub is. Chlorine and bromine are both very effective sanitizers, but chlorine is much cheaper! Chlorine is both an oxidizer and a sanitizer, Bromine is only used as a sanitizer.