Switching from Chlorine to Bromine? To switch from chlorine to bromine, one simply needs to stop using chlorine tablets and begin using bromine tablets. 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.
Can you switch from chlorine to bromine? You can switch from chlorine to bromine sanitizer in a hot tub. In fact, it is actually easier to go from chlorine to bromine than the other way around.
Whether you choose chlorine or bromine, DO NOT: mix them together in the water. This can also cause a dangerous chemical reaction.
Bromine is more stable than chlorine, especially in warm water, making it more commonly used in spas, whereas chlorine is more often used in pools. The exception to this is ultraviolet (UV) light, which destroys both chemicals, but bromine breaks down more quickly.
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. Pool Bromine also does not dissolve quickly enough to use a floating chlorinator, use a bromine feeder.
Choosing between chlorine and bromine for your hot tub
But how do you pick between chlorine and bromine? You should pick the product that works best with the filtration system. For While bromine can be a suitable alternative for those with sensitive skin, chlorine is best for Master Spas owners.
The use of bromine provides an effective alternative to chlorine when disinfecting your hot tub water. Like chlorine, bromine does two things. It disinfects the water and kills any bacteria that are in the water, as well as it oxidizes out any organics that can be in the water.
How Long do Chlorine Tablets Last in a Hot Tub? Small 20g chlorine tablets will dissolve slowly over a period of 3-7 days depending on water flow, water temperature and hot tub usage.
A chlorine test kit sees the “number” of chlorine molecules in the sample water and converts that into weight, or parts per million. Now if we use a chlorine test kit to test for bromine, the kit will see the number of bromine molecules in the water, just as it sees the number of chlorine molecules in the water.
Chlorine – The most popular hot tub sanitiser, chlorine is fast acting and effective at killing bacteria. Our chlorine hot tub maintenance guide explains more about how chlorine works. Bromine – Ideal for those with sensitive skin, bromine reacts slower than chlorine and is effective at killing bacteria.
DO NOT mix chlorine and bromine together in either a dry state or within the water as this can cause a dangerous reaction. If you are considering switching from one sanitiser to another you should always clean and drain your hot tub including a line flush.
Chemicals in your hot tub water can be a delicate balance. So it's crucial to maintain the levels of pH, Alkalinity, and Chlorine or Bromine, also known as sanitizers. You should wait 12 hours before entering the hot tub when you've added either chlorine or bromine to allow it to take effect properly.
A typical use of one person taking a 15-minute soak once a week might only require adding chlorine every 2-3 days, while more frequent use can mean topping up the chlorine every day. Another factor that contributes to how often you need to add chlorine is the total amount of bathers in your hot tub at one time.
Look for visible signs of algae.
If algae is about to take a hold of your spa, the chlorine or bromine may be consumed quickly in its effort to prevent the algae. Shock the water or add an algaecide and brush the sides of the spa to prevent this from happening and bring your chlorine/bromine levels back up.
If theres too much chlorine it will vaporise and form gas that floats just above the surface of the water. If this vapor is inhaled it can inflame airways and exacerbate certain breathing conditions. Read more What Temperature Should My Spa Pool be at and Why?
Regular hot tub shocking is inevitable to keep your water clean and safe for use. Dead skin and other elements like hair may end up dropping in the hot tub, leaving the tub in a mess. It is essential to shock the hot tub frequently – at least once every week.
When they are too high in a hot tub this can be uncomfortable for hot tub owners to sit in. High bromine/chlorine levels can be very irritating on a person's skin, eyes and respiratory system. It can cause red itchy skin, red itchy eyes, and effect the lungs in a negative way.
Use fresh, high quality test strips. Excessively high bromine or chlorine levels can result in false pH and TA readings.
Due to the increasing commercial use of bromine, there is a shortage of that product throughout the world, with the result that an expedition has started out to extract it from the waters of the Atlantic ocean. Both Industry and medical science feels the shortage at the present time.
Immediate signs and symptoms of exposure to bromine
Breathing bromine gas could cause you to cough, have trouble breathing, get a headache, have irritation of your mucous membranes (inside your mouth, nose, etc.), be dizzy, or have watery eyes.
If you are sanitizing your spa with bromine, you should shock your spa with Spa Selections Non-Chlorine Shock Oxidizer on a regular basis to oxidize the waste out of the water and reduce foaming. Spa Selections Bromine is a two-part system, including Spa Selections Brominating Tablets and Spa Selections Brom-Start.
iONRx can be used with ALL TYPES of hot tubs. It is completely non-corrosive and is the safest chemical to use in your hot tub - even inflatable hot tubs. No more shock, bromine, enzymes, stain, and scale – all of that is eliminated.
With average use, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about once every three or four months. But since everyone uses their hot tub differently, the answer can vary based on how many people use it and how often. Hot tub manufacturers like Jacuzzi offer some handy tips for figuring out when to drain and refill.