Hot Tub Chemicals: Chlorine Vs Bromine

In order to keep bacteria from growing in the warm water of your hot tub, chemicals are required. The most commonly used chemical for use in a hot tub is chlorine. Chlorine is also what is used in pools to keep bacteria at a safe level. In hot tubs it is used in different concentrations. Another chemical you can use in your hot tub is bromine. There are a couple of different types of bromine solution you can apply to your hot tub that have the same effect as chlorine. However, because bromine does not “gas off” at about 98 degrees, the odors related to it are much less than those associated with chlorine. If you have a hot tub, one thing is for certain: you need to keep it free of bacteria. Whether you use chlorine or bromine will be up to you. Through a brief comparison of the two you will have a better understanding of both and be able to decide for yourself.

Chlorine in Hot Tubs

Chlorine for hot tub use comes in the form of tablets and granules. There is a major difference between chlorine that is used for pools and the kind used for hot tubs. Certain chlorine pool tablets have a higher acidic level and/or calcium content which can leave stains on hot tubs or cause excessive odors. Trichlor is a pool tablet of this nature. It should not be used in hot tubs because of its acidity and its ability to bleach the hot tub finish. Calcium hypochlorite is another pool tablet that, when used in hot tubs, can leave deposits on the heater parts and fittings.

Two types of chlorine recommended for hot tub use are sodium dichlor granules and a plug-in salt system. Sodium dichlor is neither too acidic nor alkaline and does not run out with high temperatures. It is specifically designed for hot tub use, although it should be dissolved first in water and then added to a hot tub. The other option is to install a self-feeding salt system which produces chlorine from salt crystals. The use of saltwater purification of a hot tub works in much the same way as in a pool, requiring no changes to the hot tub.

Bromine in Hot Tubs

Bromine is a popular alternative ot chlorine for hot tub use because it does not produce the odors that chlorine can. At temperatures higher than 98 degrees chlorine excess turns to gas which produces the odor. Bromine is added to hot tubs in the form of granules, nuggets and tablets. The two common types of bromine sanitizers are sodium bromide and BCDMH which stands for bromo-chloro-dimethylhydantoin. Sodium bromide requires something called an oxidizer such as chlorine or potassium monopersulfate. BCDMH, on the other hand, is self activating because it contains an amount of chlorine. Bromine works better in hotter water and decreased water volumes than chlorine, but because it is sensitive to sunlight and can deteriorate, it is not used in pools.

Bromine will cost slightly more than chlorine to sanitize your hot tub. It is arguably more effective than chlorine for hot tub use, and since it does not produce the chemically odor it is better for the senses. Now that you know the basic differences between chlorine and bromine, you can choose to sanitize your hot tub however you please, but due to its effectiveness and noticeable lack of odor, bromine is definitely a superior choice.