Bromine Tablets For Hot Tubs? The 41 Latest Answer

While it’s not the only way to balance your spa, this information can help you get back to perfect readings.

We also test your water for free here at Ajax Pool and Spa. Just bring us a 1-2 cup sample of your water.

STANDARD CHEMICAL ADDITIVES

SPA SIZE:

150-200 GALLONS (VERY SMALL SPAS – SPAS FOR 1 TO 3 PERSONS)

200-250 gallons (spas under 6 feet – 3-4 person spas)

250-300 gallons (6-7 foot spas)

300-450 gallons (7-8 foot spas)

ACCESSORIES SIZES:

SHOT 1S 1.5 OZ. LIQUID

CAP 1 C ONE CAPSULE FULL STANDARD SIZE PACKAGING 2# CONTAINER

½ C ½ STANDARD SIZE CAPSULE PACKAGING 2# CONTAINER

¼ C ¼ STANDARD SIZE CAPSULE PACKAGING 2# CONTAINER

EL 1T A EL LIQUID OR DRY SUBSTANCE

½ T ½ TSP LIQUID OR DRY SUBSTANCE

TESPOONS 1 TL ONE TEASPOON OF LIQUID (3 TESPOONS TO ONE TABLESPOON)

SPA ADDITION:

DISINFECTANT: CHLORINE OR BROMINE – IF THE CHLORINE OR BROMINE LEVEL IS 5+ YOU MUST INTERPULATE THE ACTUAL HIGH LEVEL. VERY HIGH CHLORINE OR BROMINE READINGS MAY “BLEACH” YOUR TEST RESULTS. IT ALSO MAKES YOUR ALKALINITY TEST PURPLE. CHLORINE AND BROMINE CANNOT BE USED TOGETHER, THEY WILL MAKE WATER CLOUDY OR GREEN. THEY USE DOUBLE THE BROMINE YOU WOULD USE IN CHLORINE IN SPAS. FLOAT ADJUSTMENT SHOULD BE 1/8” TO 1” OPEN TO CHLORINE. ADDITIONAL TABLETS CHLORINE: 1 TABLET FOR 150-200 GALLON SPAS 2-3 TABLETS FOR 200-300 GALLON SPAS 3-4 TABLETS FOR 300-450 GALLON SPAS OVER 4 TABLETS ONLY FOR HEAVY USE OR PROBLEM SPA. FLOAT ADJUSTMENT SHOULD BE 2″ TO 3″ OPEN TO BROMINE. TABLETS SUPPLEMENT FOR BROMINE: 2 TABLETS FOR 150-200 GALLON SPAS 3-5 TABLETS FOR 200-300 GALLON SPAS 4-7 TABLETS FOR 300-450 GALLON SPAS IF CHLORINE IS ABOVE 10 PPM, ADD THIOSULFATE. IF THE CHLORINE IS 1.0 OR LESS, ADD GRAINY CHLORINE

IF BROMINE IS 2.0 OR LESS, ADD granular BROMONE. – GRANULAR ADDITIVES FOR CHLORINE AND BROMINE.

ADD 1 TSP CHLORINE FOR SPAS 150-250 GALLONS ADD 1 TSP CHLORINE FOR SPAS 250-450 GALLONS ADD 2 TSP BROMINE FOR SPAS 150-250 GALLONS ADD 2 TSP BROMINE FOR SPAS 250-450 GALLONS IF THE SPA IS CLOUDY THE OFFICE TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT WATER SHOULD BE CHANGED BEFORE ADDITIONS ARE CALLED.

ADD PH BALANCER (7.4-7.6 PH) TO INCREASE PH: ½ CAP FOR 150-250 GALLON SPAS 1 CAP FOR 250-450 GALLON SPAS DOUBLE IF PH IS LESS THAN 7.0 TO BRING THE TO LOWER PH ADD: 1 TSSPOONS FOR 150-250 GALLON SPAS ¼ CAP (OR ONE CAP OF 24 OZ. BOTTLE) FOR 250-450 GALLON SPAS DOUBLES WHEN PH IS HIGHER THAN 8.0

III. ALKALINITY

TO INCREASE ALKALINITY ADD: ½ CAP FOR 150-250 GALLON SPAS 1 CAP FOR 250-450 GALLON SPAS DOUBLE IF ALKALINITY IS BELOW 50 PPM ADD TO DECREASE ALKALINITY (IF ABOVE 180 PPM): 2 TSP PH LOWER FOR 150-250 GALLON SPAS

1 CHAP. PH RAISER TO REBALANCE THE PH VALUE

½ CAP PH DECREASER FOR 250-450 GALLON SPAS

2 CAPS OF PH RAISER TO REBALANCE THE PH

ADDITIONAL SHOCK TREATMENT: ADD 1 OZ. OF SHOCK TREATMENT TO THE SPA EVERY WEEK FOR 150-250 GALLON SPAS. ADD 2 OZS. OF SHOCK TREATMENT TO THE SPA EVERY WEEK FOR 250-450 GALLON SPAS. DOUBLE DOSING IF THE SPA HAS COMBINED CHLORINE OR BROMINE PRESENT WHEN TESTED. TRIPLE DOSING IF THE SPA IS CLOUDY. CACAL PREVENTOR: ADD A SHOT OF SPA DEFENDER OR OTHER SCALE PRODUCT TO ALL SPAS EVERY WEEK. FOAMING: ADD ½ TESPOONS INTO 150-250 GALLON SPAS EVERY WEEK. ADD 1 TEASPOON EVERY WEEK IN 250-450 GALLON SPAS EVERY WEEK. CLEAN FILTER WHEN SPA FOAMS BEFORE RUNNING JETS OR ADDING FOAM. ENZYME TREATMENT: ADD ½ CAP (NATURAL CLEAR QUARTER BOTTLE) TO 150-250 GALLON SPAS EACH WEEK. ADD 1 CAP (NATURAL CLEAR QUARTER BOTTLE) TO 250-450 GALLON SPAS EVERY WEEK. DOUBLE DOSAGE IF SPA FOAMS WITH JETS RUNNING. CLARIFIER: ADD A SHOT OF CLARIFIER TO ALL SPAS EVERY WEEK. WATER: ADD WATER TO THE RIGHT LEVEL EVERY VISIT. IF WATER IS ABOVE 104 DEGREES, REPORT THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. IF WATER IS 106 OR MORE YOU MUST ADD COLD WATER TO COOL DOWN. IF THE WATER TEMPERATURE IS EXTREMELY HIGH YOU MAY NEED TO PUMP SOME DOWN TO BRING THE WATER BACK TO 104 DEGREES. FREQUENTLY THIS PROBLEM COMES FROM THE STARTING OF THE JETS.

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Bromine is a chemical used to disinfect spas and hot tubs. It is important to use some form of sanitizer to keep the water clean and healthy and to prevent bacteria from multiplying.

I use bromine in my own hot tub and highly recommend it as a sanitizer. In this article I’m sharing the knowledge, tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years so you too can start using bromine safely and effectively in your spa.

Why bromine?

The more familiar sanitizer you’ve probably heard of in swimming pools is chlorine, but bromine is a popular alternative – especially for hot tubs.

Bromine avoids some of the most common problems associated with chlorine:

Bromine is gentler on the skin, while chlorine is more drying and can be irritating in some people, causing redness, itching, or a rash

, whereas chlorine is more drying and can be irritating for some people, causing redness, itching or rashes. Bromine has a lower pH, which can make your water balance easier to maintain

, which can make it easier to maintain your water balance. Bromine is more stable, meaning levels stay more constant, so it lasts longer and doesn’t need to be topped up as often as chlorine

However, there are also a few disadvantages to consider:

Bromine is more expensive on average

Bromine also kills pollutants a little slower than chlorine

If you’re interested in chlorine instead, I have a similar guide on using chlorine in a spa.

How do you get bromine in a hot tub? Disinfecting a spa with bromine is typically a three-part process: Set up a bromide bank. You must do this by adding a “bromide booster” such as Spa Choice Bromide Booster Spa Sanitizer each time you fill your hot tub with fresh water for the first time. This is to bring the water up to a reasonable initial bromide level. Use Shock to activate the bromine. Spa Shock works with the bromide to convert it to bromine which can then kill any impurities in your water. You should add a shock such as Oxy-Spa Non-Chlorine Hot Tub & Pool MPS Oxidizing Shock weekly and after each spa use. Place bromination tablets in a floating dispenser or “brominator”. These tablets gradually dissolve over time. The idea is that they keep your bromide bank stocked just enough so there is always enough bromide in the water ready to react when you shock your spa. I have found Clorox Spa Brominating Tablets to be the best value for money. When measuring bromine levels, the ideal target range is 2-6ppm (1-3ppm is fine if your spa has an ozonator). And that’s really all there is to it. With a little practice, bromine can be a very low-maintenance and convenient method of sanitizing a hot tub.

What does bromine smell like?

Bromine has a mild, clean, slightly bleach-like chemical odor. If levels are properly maintained, it should be barely noticeable and certainly not overwhelming.

It’s much milder than the strong “swimming pool” smell you might associate with chlorinated pools.

Did you know? Chlorine or bromine should hardly smell when used correctly. “Pool odor” is actually the result of chloramines or bromamines – chemical compounds released when sanitizer mixes with unwanted pollutants.

If you ever notice a chemical odor coming from your bromine hot tub that smells overpowering, it is a sign that you need to shock your water. This will kill the contaminants your bromine has encountered and convert it back to “free bromine” for it to be effective again.

What is the best brominator?

Brominators are floating plastic devices containing bromine tablets. They are designed to gradually dissolve the tablets over time, keeping your spa’s bromide supply topped up. You can usually control how much water comes into contact with the tablets and how quickly they dissolve.

There are a few different designs of brominators. These are the most common shapes you will find:

The guy on the left is cheaper and more common, but also less demanding. The top has an opening and the bromine tablets are placed inside. They rotate the bottom to try to limit water ingress, but in my experience this isn’t the most accurate mechanism.

The one on the right is my preferred type. The pills will pile up in the tube and you partially unscrew the bottom to reveal the bottom pill(s). The water cannot reach the tablets above. This design gives you fine-grained control over how much tablet is exposed to the water at a time, so not all tablets dissolve instantly.

Should You Use a Floating Bromine Dispenser in a Hot Tub?

A floating bromine dispenser is the easiest way to top up your spa’s bromide level between water changes.

If you don’t use one, you’ll need to add bromide boosters yourself on a regular basis, or simply add bromination tablets directly to your spa’s skimmer basket if you have one.

It can be harder to find the right dose this way, so you’ll often find that your sanitizer levels are either way too high or too low (too high is more common in my experience).

Leisure Time Brominating Granular is a bromide booster and shock all in one. You can use it to build up an initial bromide reserve and then add more as a shock on a weekly basis. You may not even need to use pills or a dispenser.

If you’re using a bromine floater, you can take it out while using the spa if you find it’s in the way.

How many bromine tablets should you put in your spa?

Some bromine dispensers can hold up to 6 tablets, but in most cases you should start with just 1-2 to avoid getting your bromine levels too high.

If you have one of the better designed floating dispensers like this you can add up to 6 1″ tablets at a time.

If your dispenser looks like this, or you just drop the tablets into your water with no float, I would recommend starting with just 1-2 tablets. You can always add more later.

If you have a large spa you will likely need to increase the dose, but start cautiously as you cannot easily remove bromide once the tablets have already dissolved in the water.

How long should it take for bromine tablets to dissolve?

Bromine tablets dissolve depending on the size of the tablets and how much of the tablet is exposed to water.

For example, a whole 1 inch tablet fully exposed to water can dissolve in 1-3 weeks, while a partially crushed or broken tablet is likely to dissolve in just a few hours.

When using a dispenser like the Life Deluxe Spa/Hot Tub/Pool Chemical Floating Tablet Dispenser it can take 2-3 months for all the tablets to dissolve, at least on the lower settings. This is the slowest, most controlled way to dissolve bromine tablets I’ve found since owning a spa.

Can you use crushed bromine tablets in a hot tub?

You can use crushed bromide tablets to either build an initial bromide bank or reserve in your spa, or (in small amounts) to top up your spa’s bromide reserve in place of tablets.

When I bought a bottle of bromine tablets there was always powder at the bottom where some of the tablets were broken or crushed. It seemed a shame to waste so I experimented with using it in my spa.

What were the results?

I found it worked well either way, but a little goes a long way – especially on regular top-ups.

Start by adding a teaspoon of crushed bromination tablet powder to the water. Check the sanitizer level the next time you shock your hot tub to make sure it’s still in the 2-6 ppm range.

The powder dissolves much faster than it would in tablet form, so you can easily end up with a higher amount of sanitizer than you’d like.

How Long After Adding Bromine Can You Use a Hot Tub?

It’s not a bromide booster, it’s a shock that alters bromine levels and determines whether you can safely use your spa.

Whenever you shock your spa, you must wait for the bromine levels to drop before using it. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes but you should always test before boarding if you are unsure.

Never enter a spa if bromine levels are above 10ppm and ideally wait until it is in the 2-6ppm range.

What can you do if you put too much bromine in a hot tub?

Once you’ve tested your levels and confirmed that the bromine levels are really too high (above 10ppm), there are a few things to try:

Wait for the levels to drop naturally. If you don’t need to use the spa for a few days, this is often the easiest option. Take out your bromine floater, stop adding shock and you’ll find the levels gradually dropping on their own.

If you don’t need to use the spa for a few days, this is often the easiest option. Take out your bromine floater, stop adding shock and you’ll find the levels gradually dropping on their own. Leave the spa open. If you can leave the cover open for a few hours, especially on a sunny day, a combination of evaporation and sunlight will help the bromine break down faster.

If you can leave the cover open for a few hours, especially on a sunny day, a combination of evaporation and sunlight will help the bromine break down faster. Replace some of the water. If you can save the spa and replace what you took out with fresh water, it will help dilute the overly sanitized water you have.

If you can save the spa and replace what you took out with fresh water, it will help dilute the overly sanitized water you have. Use a neutralizer. If you’re desperate, products like Applied Biochemist Thio-Trine Neutralizer can lower bromine levels. Be careful though as the directions on these products are usually for large pools – you will need a tiny amount for a spa.

If you’re desperate, products like Applied Biochemist Thio-Trine Neutralizer can lower bromine levels. Be careful though as the directions on these products are usually for large pools – you will need a tiny amount for a spa. Replace all the water. This is a last resort, but if you’re still struggling to get your levels within an acceptable range, you might be better off with a fresh start and new water.

Can you switch from chlorine to bromine?

You can switch from chlorine to bromine sanitizer in a hot tub. In fact, it’s easier to switch from chlorine to bromine than the other way around.

Just stop adding chlorine and start adding bromination tablets instead. The dissolving tablets will gradually begin to build up a bromide bank and the next time you shock the spa this residual bromide will be converted to bromine.

It is important that the two chemicals do not mix directly. If you have used a floating dispenser with chlorine, you should get a new one designed for use with bromine tablets so you can be sure there is no residual chlorine in it.

So why doesn’t it work the other way around?

If your spa already contains bromine, each time you add a shock (whether chlorine or non-chlorine) that existing bromine will reactivate and you’ll still have a bromine spa.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely remove bromine from water without completely draining, cleaning, and refilling the water — including flushing the plumbing lines with a cleaner like Ahh-Some.

Hot tub sanitizers like chlorine or bromine are necessary to ensure your water is free of bacteria and other contaminants. But many spa owners wonder how soon after adding chlorine or bromine can I be using a spa?

Having owned 4 of these for over 15 years I have learned the following:

After adding chlorine or bromine sanitizer to a hot tub, wait 30 minutes and retest the water. Wait 10 minutes after adding a non-chlorine shock and wait 20 minutes after adding a chlorine shock. However, always check the levels before entering.

But that’s just the beginning of proper water balancing.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into disinfectants like bromine or chlorine. We will examine whether one is better than the other. But we’ll also learn how safe it is to get in after adding it and how long it takes after adding it to even out the water.

Ultimately, we answer the question of how long to wait to get in after adding chlorine or bromine.

Hot tub sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine are absolutely necessary to keep your hot tub water fresh and clean. But these chemicals are also incredibly powerful and can cause easily avoidable problems if used incorrectly. You should make sure you don’t enter your hot tub too early.

Chlorine or bromine can disperse anywhere from a handful of hours to a full 24 hour day. This depends on how much chlorine or bromine is added to the water.

Read on to learn all about chlorine and bromine in relation to your hot tub.

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

How long do you have to wait to get in a hot tub after adding chlorine?

First, let’s understand what these chemicals are and some of the differences between chlorine and bromine.

Both chlorine and bromine are sanitizers used to clean your hot tub of unwanted bacteria. It should be noted that chlorine is less stable at warmer temperatures.

This is why chlorine is more common in swimming pools and bromine is more common in hot tubs, although you can use either one in a pool or pools.

Bromine lasts longer in warmer water than chlorine and doesn’t need to be applied as frequently. Bromine dissolves more slowly in water, so it doesn’t need to be applied as frequently as chlorine.

On the other hand, bromine is more expensive than chlorine.

Bromine is also better for sensitive skin. To learn the differences between bromine and chlorine check out this recent article. I even go into detail about which one is better at killing bacteria since one is clearly better than the other.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

You cannot go into a hot tub or pool immediately after dumping chlorine or any other chemical in it. You need time for the chemical, in this case chlorine, to disperse in the water.

So how long do you have to wait after adding it?

You should wait at least thirty minutes or so.

It’s also a good idea to keep the jets on so the water circulates and the water absorbs the chemical better. Also, make sure the hot tub cover is off while this is happening. This allows any chemical vapors to escape quickly.

If using a chlorine sanitizer, add enough chemical to bring it up to between five and eight parts per million. This amount of chlorine ensures that the water is cleaned of bacteria.

Chlorine is not as effective at killing bacteria as bromine. So it helps to start high and let it sink in. Then the levels drop after a while. So don’t get in immediately.

This is because chlorine cannot be bathed in this amount.

At this concentration, the chlorine can cause skin irritation.

Periodically check the chlorine level until it is between 3 and 5 parts per million. At this point it is safe to bathe in the water.

To test chlorine levels, simply place a test strip in the spa water.

Next, compare the color that appears on the test strip to the color key that came with the box of test strips. Make sure you don’t get dirt or water on the test strips that are used in the future as this may interfere with the test.

Can I get into a hot tub faster if I use bromine instead of chlorine?

Usually yes, provided you added more chlorine as I recommended above to kill bacteria.

The safety level of bromine is between 1 and 3 parts per million. For comparison: chlorine requires 3-5 PPM. Just like with chlorine, you should turn on your jets and take the cover off your hot tub.

You still want to wait 30 minutes and test the waters again before getting in.

But I’ve still gotten into my hot tub faster with bromine since it’s much less irritating to the skin and eyes than chlorine. This is especially true when readings are on the lower end of that 1-3 PPM.

What happens if you test the water and the bromine level is WAY too high? Unfortunately, and I did this because I was too clumsy with the bromine powder, you’ll have to wait.

It can take anywhere from two to twenty-four hours to resolve. Of course, this range depends on how high the values ​​are.

Just keep testing the water to ensure the level is within safe limits. Bromine and chlorine are very similar in their uses, but bromine dissolves more slowly than chlorine.

Note that compared to chlorine, your water may be cloudy after using bromine.

This is because, unlike chlorine, bromine does not oxidize in the same way as chlorine. I usually shock my hot tub about once a week. Since hot tub shock is an oxidizer, my water is almost always crystal clear.

My favorite non-chlorine shock is from Leisure Time (click here to see current price on Amazon).

It’s almost all 5-star reviews on Amazon with over 800 of them. It is also an Amazon’s Choice product.

What is a safe level for chlorine or bromine in a hot tub?

As I mentioned above, the safe levels for chlorine and bromine are different from each other. With bromine you can usually get away with a lower PPM. That’s because it’s more stable in hot water than chlorine and is more effective at killing bacteria.

But here’s a quick look:

Chlorine range for pools = 1-3 ppm

Chlorine range for spas = 3-5 ppm

Bromine range for pools and hot tubs = 2-6 ppm

Bathing in high levels of chlorine or bromine can cause nasty problems.

First, even with bromine, if it’s too high, you’re going to get that chlorine smell like you’re swimming in a public pool.

High levels of chlorine can cause hair problems, skin irritations such as rashes or itching, itchy eyes, and possible respiratory problems.

In addition, high levels of either chemical can cause corrosion in spa plumbing and equipment.

How long is it safe to stay in a hot tub? https://t.co/wm936UvMCb – Middle Class Dad (@middleclassdad1) November 12, 2019

Is It Safe To Go Into A High Chlorine Hot Tub?

Put simply, no, it is not.

High levels of chlorine cause itching and skin rashes. To find the chemicals that are gentlest on your skin and help you avoid hot tub rash, read this article I recently wrote.

It talks about the best hot tub chemicals for sensitive skin. But I even come across the one case where your test strips can show normal chlorine or bromine levels when the levels are actually much lower.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

Remember, when you sit in a hot tub, you’re bathing in a chemical soup. You certainly don’t want to be in one that is of too high a standard. Nobody wants negatively compromised health, we just want to relax!

Test your spa until the chemical level is between 3 and 5 parts per million.

All about it is not safe! Chlorine levels will decrease over time so all you have to do is wait until the levels are safe to soak.

Are you looking for sanitizers for your swimming pool or hot tub? Well, we still have chlorine, bromine and shock in stock! Keep your pool or hot tub hygienic! Check out this week’s deals at Pool And Spa .com – https://t.co/l0Y708Drg8 pic.twitter.com/fVPEtZWfwl – Dan, PoolAndSpa.com (@PoolAndSpaMoose) April 4, 2020

What happens if the chlorine level in a hot tub is too high?

Chlorine or bromine levels are important and should be closely monitored.

If the chlorine level is in the recommended range of 3 to 5 parts per million, they will effectively kill bacteria. When the levels are higher, they can cause all kinds of problems.

High levels of chlorine can damage your hot tub surfaces and equipment more quickly.

Water cushions, filters and other surfaces can be adversely affected by high levels of chlorine in the water. Bromine and chlorine are strong chemical compounds.

Hot tub equipment can be adversely affected by persistently high chlorine or bromine levels. Pipes, linings and other equipment can deteriorate.

But it can also cause health problems like red and itchy skin in addition to itchy eyes.

High chlorine and bromine levels are just as bad as an out of balance pH. In a recent article, I go into detail about the downsides of too high a pH.

Surprisingly, a hot tub with a super high pH can be just as bad to swim in as one with too much chlorine. Fortunately, however, it’s not too difficult to fix.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

How long does it take for the chlorine level to drop?

How long it takes for the chlorine levels to drop depends entirely on the amount of chlorine added to your hot tub or spa.

You only need a small amount of chlorine to sanitize your hot tub or spa.

This means it’s really easy to add more chlorine than you need. Many people think their chlorine levels are too high without actually checking.

People assume that the overpowering chlorine smell is telling them they’ve overdone it and have too much in their hot tub.

The only way to really know if you have too much chlorine in your hot tub or spa is to use a test strip on the water. Depending on what your test strip reads, you may want to add or decrease the amount of chlorine.

As previously mentioned, the time it takes for the chlorine level in your hot tub to drop depends on the amount you put in the hot tub.

It can take anywhere from two to twenty-four hours. If the readings are astronomically high (hope not!) then it could be anywhere from twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

But there are a few things you can do to speed this up, which we’ll cover below.

Hot Tub Time Machine…thought we’d soak in chlorine again…you know, because it’s like a giant vat of Purell. pic.twitter.com/O13hE2ECsP – Producergirl (@producergirl) April 9, 2020

How can I quickly reduce the chlorine or bromine level in the water?

There are a few ways you can quickly reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine in your spa water.

If you have a saltwater chlorine generator, turn it off. This is a very effective way to lower chlorine levels when levels are only slightly above normal.

Another way to reduce chlorine and bromine levels is to remove your hot tub cover.

Direct sunlight helps break down chlorine and bromine faster. You should also keep your jets running while doing this.

Then just wait and test the chlorine or bromine levels after a few hours. If the level is still high, keep waiting and test the water.

Another way to reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine in your hot tub is to partially drain your hot tub and refill it with fresh water.

Be aware that the chemicals in your water can harm grass and dirt, throwing it on the ground is not recommended. Luckily, a recent article taught me the best way to drain a hot tub. Not only do I describe where it can be drained, I even share how I drain mine completely in less than 15 minutes.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

Make sure your jets are on and the water is circulating as you fill it up. This will ensure that whatever high bromine or chlorine you had was mixed well with the new water.

When the spa is full, simply check the levels with a test strip before adding anything.

If your previous chlorine or bromine level was very high, you probably don’t need to add any of that. However, you may need to adjust the pH and alkalinity.

BUT THE FASTEST WAY is to use a neutralizer to lower the chemical levels in your hot tub.

Sodium thiosulfate breaks down both chlorine and bromine in your spa water. This ensures you can soak faster.

My favorite brand of these is In the Swim (click to see it on Amazon).

It works with bromine or chlorine and only needs about 1/3 oz on most hot tub sizes to bring your levels down. Just put it in the water, turn on the jets and wait 30 minutes. Test and adjust as needed.

Whatever you do, make sure you check your chemical levels!

You can inadvertently change the other chemical concentrations in your water. Be sure to check your pH and alkalinity.

How long do you have to wait to get into a hot tub after shocking him?

Whirlpool shock is an oxidizer. I shock mine about once a week.

If you are using a chlorine or other chemical shock, you must check the chemical level before entering the hot tub. Remember that the chlorine level must be between 3 and 5 parts per million.

And chlorine shock affects chlorine levels in the same way as chlorine sanitizer.

You should wait at least 30 minutes and then check the chlorine level. If the level is acceptable, you’re good to go.

If you are using a natural or non-chlorine shock, you should still wait 30 minutes before entering the water.

But I love using a non-chlorine/bromine shock. That way I can reap the benefits without accidentally sending the chlorine or bromine levels through the roof.

My favorite non-chlorine shock is from Leisure Time (click here to see current price on Amazon). It’s almost all 5-star reviews on Amazon with over 800 of them. It is also an Amazon’s Choice product.

If you want to negate the waiting time of mixing chlorine into the water, then here’s a simple trick.

Instead of shocking or adding chlorine before entering the hot tub, do it after you get out!

This ensures you can enter the hot tub as it will shock you once you exit, meaning you can jump in the next time you want to soak.

Remember that you should always test the chemical levels before entering the water!

Final Thoughts

Chlorine and bromine are powerful chemicals that can keep your spa water clean and fresh.

But it’s easy to accidentally add too much. Remember that bromine’s safety level is between 2 and 6 parts per million. With chlorine it is 3 to 5 PPM.

Anything higher is unsafe and should not be soaked.

Use a test strip to test the chemical content of your spa water. High levels of chlorine can damage your spa equipment, in addition to red and itchy skin, itchy eyes, and possible respiratory problems.

There are a few ways to reduce the bromine and chlorine levels in your hot tub.

You can drain all or part of the water and replace it with fresh water. You can also use sanitizer remover or remove the cover and let the sunlight break down the chlorine or bromine while you run your hot tub’s jets.

It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours for the chlorine or bromine to reach safe levels. It just depends on how high they were. Always test the water in your hot tub before entering it, to be safe!

Speaking of hot tub safety, check out this recent article I wrote about how long it is safe to stay in a hot tub.

After all, many of us just get on board to relax and lose track of time. But depending on how high you set your temperature, staying longer than 15 minutes can actually be deadly. But dropping just a few degrees can double that.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

Photos requiring attribution:

Testing Patrick’s new PowerShot D10 is licensed under CC2.0

017 Chlorine – Periodic Table of the Elements by Science Activism is licensed under CC2.0

Oh no! I’m low on sanitizer in my hot tub! In spa water, it is very important to ensure you have an appropriate level of sanitizer. Sanitizer is a chemical that kills bacteria in spa water. Different types of disinfectants are chlorine and bromine. Low bromine/chlorine levels in a spa means the bromine/chlorine levels are not within the recommended range that effectively kills bacteria. Bromine/Chlorine is needed in hot tubs to ensure bacteria are kept at bay. Good bromine/chlorine also ensures that you can sit safely in the water.

What happens if I’m low on sanitizer in my spa?

If the bromine/chlorine level is too low, the spa water can be a dangerous place to sit. The bacteria levels in the hot tub water begin to rise, making it unsafe. Certain bacteria in spa water thrive on low sanitization and hot water. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas folliculitis are highly contagious bacteria that infect the skin of people with poorly sanitized hot tubs. Even with low bromine/chlorine levels, spa water can become cloudy. This gives the water an unpleasant appearance and can require some oxidizing treatments to get rid of it and cost you money that you would otherwise spend. Low bromine/chlorine levels can also create odors in spa water. This indicates that organic matter has accumulated in the water, making the water smell bad.

How to troubleshoot low chlorine or bromine levels in your hot tub.

The first step in troubleshooting low sanitizer levels is to determine if there is a problem CREATING a sanitizer level or maintaining the level. If the challenge is getting sanitizer levels to the ideal range, oxidize (shock) your spa with a SANITIZING shock (if you see the word “oxy” or “monopersulfate” on the label, it probably doesn’t work – check Check with your product supplier to ensure the product contains active chlorine or bromine) to ensure your bromine/chlorine is not being consumed by unwanted contaminants that may be floating around in the water. Alternatively, you can add a granular bromine/chlorine per the package directions to bring your sanitizer level up to the ideal 3-5ppm range.

If the problem is maintaining a bromine or chlorine level, make sure to use bromine/chlorine tablets to maintain sanitizer levels. These tablets dissolve more slowly and can help maintain a stable sanitizer level in hot tubs almost automatically. Use as many or as few tablets in a floating dispenser to maintain 3-5ppm of sanitizer as required for your spa usage and water temperature.

In short, to achieve low bromine/chlorine levels, your best bet is to add more sanitizer – just add it smartly – the right product at the right time.

Knowing which hot tub chemicals to use and when can be daunting. What is the difference between sanitizer and shock, and do they do a bromine shock for a hot tub?

Bromine is not used to shock hot tubs, but is a common sanitizer that helps maintain the purity and clarity of hot tub water. And many prefer it to chlorine, as it is not weakened by hot water. But like other types of sanitizers, a weekly shock is also required.

But there is much more to know.

Read on to learn the difference between bromine and shock and to find out if you can use chlorine shock when using bromine sanitizer. But we’ll also find out how to start using bromine if you’ve been using chlorine sanitizers.

Let’s start.

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

Did you know? Pure bromine is a liquid at room temperature and is therefore more stable than chlorine in a hot tub. That’s why it’s used! pic.twitter.com/2Uv0BVzSzO – Unlimited Spa (@UnlimitedSpaSVC) January 23, 2019

What is the difference between bromine and shock?

Bromine is a spa sanitizer used to clean and sanitize the water and is added every 4-5 days. In comparison, Shock is a highly concentrated cleaner, often chlorine, added weekly to revitalize, sanitize, and eliminate bromamines, a byproduct of bromine sanitizers.

But disinfectants can also be chlorine-based.

Let’s learn a little more about the difference between bromine and shock. In short, the shock is stronger. It has a higher dose of chemicals and is designed to reactivate disinfectants such as bromine and chlorine.

Bromine is used to remove substances that contaminate spa water. It works by ionizing them; it forces their chemical bonds apart.

Chlorine, on the other hand, is available as both an oxidizer (shock) and a disinfectant.

It works by penetrating and destroying impurities from the inside out. It’s cheaper than bromine. But both chlorine and bromine leave residue and wear off after a while, leading us to hot tub shock.

Hot Tub Shock is an oxidizer that serves three main purposes: removing organic contaminants, killing bacteria, and removing chloramines or bromamines (residual chlorine and bromine).

If it’s a non-chlorine shock, it would also regenerate the bromine.

In a recent article I published, I explained in more detail what an oxidizer is, and I also clarified whether it is the same as a whirlpool shock. But I also revealed when to shock your hot tub.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

You know that “smell of chlorine” you often smell in swimming pools? It’s not actually chlorine that smells, it’s the chloramines.

Shock comes in four forms, but let’s look at two that can be used for hot tubs:

There’s chlorine-based (sodium dichlor) shock – it shocks the water and increases the sanitizer level. And there’s non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate or MPS) that just oxidizes the water. It is not a disinfectant and therefore does not kill bacteria. It has a low pH and dissolves quickly.

Another benefit is that you can use your hot tub immediately after a non-chlorine shock.

Note that you can also use chlorine-based shocks even if you use bromine as a disinfectant. I have owned 4 different hot tubs since 2005 and know how confusing it can be to choose the right chemicals.

Here is a COMPLETE LISTING of the products I recommend. They are the ones I use. Look at her.

Don’t forget to shock your spa every week! You should make sure to shock once a week to maintain a residual chlorine level. If you use your hot tub frequently, you will need to shock and add chlorine/bromine twice a week. pic.twitter.com/VRIW7FAEyB – Backyard Pool & Spa (@BackyardPoolCo1) December 26, 2020

Need to shock a bromine bath?

You need to shock a bromine bath. In fact, all spas need to be shocked weekly, regardless of the type of sanitizer used. Shocking a hot tub revitalizes the sanitizer and helps balance the purity and clarity of the water.

All disinfectants stop working after a while.

And as we add more sanitizer to keep the water clean, potentially harmful by-products are released into the water as the old sanitizer is used up. So shockingly these are removed.

Shock is used to increase the effectiveness of a disinfectant when it is not working as it should. So you should also use it if bromine is your preferred disinfectant.

Even in a bromine bath, organic waste builds up over time, making the water dirty and impure.

To optimize the effects of bromine and rid your hot tub of all types of contaminants that could negatively impact bathers’ health and enjoyment, it’s best to shock the hot tub regularly, regardless of the type of sanitizer used .

What contaminants could be causing your sanitizer not to work? They include:

Shampoo & Conditioner

body oils

cosmetics

Detergent (on your clothes)

(on your clothes) Soap or shower gel

Shocking a bromine bath activates the bromide ion. It has no disinfecting effect, but it is a good disinfectant.

A friend helped me move the hot tub so the oddly placed duct cleaning is accessible. Hopefully it’s warm enough to dip in after the outrigger workout, which I’ll be going to regardless of how far behind I’m at work. Now bromine swirls in my witches brew of spa chemicals pic.twitter.com/3bVKkCjvLk – Wild Celtic Rose (@awildcelticrose) June 11, 2019

How do I start my hot tub with bromine?

To begin using bromine in a hot tub, place between 3 and 6 tablets in a float and place in the hot tub or add ¼ cup of bromine powder or liquid. However, if chlorine sanitizer was used, wait until a water change has been performed before changing.

Chlorine and bromine sanitizers do not mix.

For this reason, make sure you don’t mix the dry powders and don’t just add bromine if you’ve used chlorine sanitizers.

That being said, it’s perfectly fine to use chlorine shock with bromine sanitizer.

The beauty of tablets is that you can jump into the hot tub right away. But if you’re using bromine in powder or liquid form, it’s wise to wait at least 30 minutes before jumping in.

And make sure you test the waters first in case you were sluggish.

Well, bromine can be toxic in high concentrations. Bromine liquid can be corrosive to skin. Its fumes can irritate the eyes and throat and are toxic to breathe in large quantities.

But it’s not a carcinogen, and there’s really nothing to worry about. Just handle it carefully. And always use a test strip to make sure the water chemistry is balanced before stepping into the tub.

Based on my experience, I prefer bromine to chlorine. Why?

Chlorine is more sensitive to heat. It breaks down faster in hot temperatures, and you’ll have to add it more often. It’s cheaper, but you end up using more.

And it can cause eye and skin irritation. And there is the “smell of chlorine”. With bromine there is no odor and it is much gentler on the eyes and skin.

Can you switch from chlorine to bromine? Yes. You can.

Note, however, that bromine and chlorine should never be used together. And when you switch, you want to test the water to make sure there’s no residual chlorine. And as I said, it’s best to change it when you change the water.

The chemicals you use are critical to the enjoyment of your hot tub and the proper maintenance of its components.

Here is a COMPLETE LISTING of the products I recommend. They are the ones I use. Look at her.

If you haven’t already, it’s highly recommended that you protect the water in your pool this winter with an extra dose of chlorine, or a non-chlorine “shock.” It can help conserve your water and eliminate microorganisms! #PoolNPlay pic.twitter.com/PPxkhCRZBH – Pool ‘N Play (@poolnplay) March 1, 2019

What shock do I use with bromine in my hot tub?

Both chlorine and non-chlorine shocks can be used with bromine as a disinfectant. However, I recommend you use chlorine-based shocks as it results in less cloudy water.

I use chlorine based shocks because they are more effective than non-chlorine shocks. It dissolves quickly and has a neutral pH.

Both are great for restoring sanitizer levels. Non-chlorine shocks, on the other hand, are not effective in treating bacteria and algae and often leave the water cloudy.

Bromine or Chlorine? Interested in learning a bit more about both, right?

Check out a recently published article. In it I explained the difference between the two, what both bromine and chlorine are, and whether bromine is more or less effective than chlorine. But I also revealed which one is better.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

2 people in a 350 gallon spa is the same as 300 people in a 35,000 gallon pool!! Don’t forget to shock your hot tub, it’s just as important as shocking your pool. pic.twitter.com/rSFUh1KQpk – Backyard Pool & Spa (@BackyardPoolCo1) July 24, 2021

Can you add shock and bromine to a hot tub at the same time?

Ideally, avoid adding bromine sanitizer and hot tub shock at the same time to avoid dangerously high levels. Bromine sanitizer is ideally added to the hot tub as a powder or liquid every 3-4 days, while tablets can be added to a float weekly.

Bromine should be used alone, and then the spa should be shocked after a few days, especially if the spa has been used a lot by many people.

One of the main reasons a hot tub is shocked is to reactivate the previously used sanitizer. Obviously, using sanitizer and shock at the same time is not ideal.

So is it ok to use chlorine shocks in a bromine bath?

In a recent article, I explained whether it’s okay to shock the difference between chlorine and non-chlorine and whether it’s necessary to shock a bromine bath. But I also explained if spa shock is the same as chlorine.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

Lots of people in the hot tub? Two people in a hot tub for 15 minutes use 5 ppm sanitizer. Consider increasing your sanitizer level with granular chlorine or bromine if you plan to extend your time in the tub. pic.twitter.com/Wx0YKpn2KX – Aqua-Tech (@AquaTechWpg) December 28, 2021

What Are the Benefits of Using Bromine Sanitizers in a Hot Tub?

Some of the benefits of using bromine sanitizer in a hot tub is that it remains effective at higher pH levels than chlorine and is more stable at higher temperatures. Its by-product, bromamine, retains bactericidal potency better than chlorine’s by-product, chloramines.

And bromine does not evaporate from the water surface like chlorine does.

It remains stable at higher temperatures

It’s easy to keep pH balanced

It has little smell

It effectively kills bacteria and viruses

It’s better for sensitive skin

It doesn’t need to be added as often

Let’s look at what some of the pros entail.

Bromine is more stable at higher temperatures. So it works slower and lasts longer. And the alkalinity and acidity (pH) of the water are more easily balanced when bromine is the sanitizer of choice.

This is an important consideration as it relates to comfort and safety as well as protecting the spa’s internal components.

To protect these components and have a comfortable time in your hot tub, you must use the right chemicals. Here is a list of the ones I’ve been using for a long time. Considering I’ve owned 4 hot tubs I highly recommend this one.

Let’s get back to what we explored.

We’re all familiar with the “smell of chlorine” we smell in swimming pools. It is the chlorine residue after oxidation that gives off the unpleasant smell. Bromine, on the other hand, doesn’t smell once it’s turned into bromamine.

Chlorine is stronger than bromine but is not stable at higher temperatures.

In fact, it acts quickly and dissolves quickly. Bromine, on the other hand, acts slowly. So you don’t have to add it to your spa water as often as you would when using chlorine.

What if you use chlorine? How soon after adding can you use the hot tub?

That’s the subject of a recent article where I explained how quickly you have to wait and whether you can get in quicker if you use bromine instead. But I also revealed the safe levels for bromine and chlorine.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

So chlorine versus bromine. Which is it? Both chlorine and bromine are great options for keeping your hot tub water clean. Their effectiveness should not be questioned. It comes down to your personal preferences and sensitivities. Both options have pros and cons to consider. pic.twitter.com/SpCIe1K64y – The Cover Guy (@TheCOVERGuy) March 3, 2021

What are the disadvantages of using bromine sanitizer in a hot tub?

Some of the disadvantages of using bromine sanitizer in a hot tub are that it is more difficult to rinse off the skin and it leaves the water cloudier than chlorine-based sanitizer. It’s also more expensive than chlorine, although it can be added less frequently.

Let’s learn a little more about some of the disadvantages of bromine.

Earlier we learned that bromine is stable at higher temperatures. But ultraviolet rays easily decompose it. So it won’t take as long as it should. Bromine leaves the hot tub water cloudy (but that’s not the only reason the water might be cloudy).

Liquid bromine is more difficult to get off the skin and can cause irritation and burns. At first you feel a cooling sensation, but this soon turns into a burning sensation!

Bromine is actually more expensive than chlorine. It’s almost double the price of the latter.

How about a guide to the right chemicals for your hot tub?

Check out this list where I’ve compiled what I’ve been using for over 15 years. I highly recommend them.

Conclusion

In the article we looked at the difference between bromine and shock and whether it is necessary to shock a bromine bath.

We also looked at how to start using bromine and what type of shock can be used with bromine. Then we explored whether it was okay to use Shock and Bromine at the same time.

Finally, we wrapped things up by examining the pros and cons of using bromine.

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

Photo requiring attribution:

Nothing beats a soak in a soothing spa when you need to relax or soothe sore muscles, but no one wants to step into a tub that hasn’t been properly sanitized. So the million dollar question is, “What hot tub chemicals should I use?”

Make sure you know all the facts about the hot tub chemicals you’re adding to your water before jumping in and have peace of mind knowing you and your hot tub are safe and clean. Below you will get more information about the best spa chemicals and find out which one is better.

What Hot Tub Chemicals Should I Use?

Bromine and chlorine are the most common options for treating hot tubs. In general, chlorine is most commonly used to sanitize swimming pools, while bromine is most commonly used in hot tubs.

However, that doesn’t mean you should only use bromine in a hot tub or avoid treating your hot tub with chlorine. Both have advantages and disadvantages as well as different distribution methods.

Is bromine safe in hot tubs?

Absolutely. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions for both the hot tub and the bromine, you can use bromine regularly to treat and sanitize your hot tub.

However, it may make sense to use bromine granules instead of bromine tablets. This reduces your direct interaction with the chemicals. When a tablet is used in a float, it remains in the water until all of the tablet has dissolved.

After killing bacteria and other contaminants, it will continue to disperse chemicals, and when the water is safe to attack it may find another target, like the tub shell or spa jets. Plus, every time you take a bath, you’re sitting right in chemicals.

Rather than using bromine tablets, the recommended method is to add bromine after each use of your hot tub.

Get out, add 1 teaspoon of granulated bromine and run the whirlpool jets for about 15 minutes. By then the water will be sanitized and the chemicals will have completely dissolved.

Is bromine better than chlorine in a hot tub?

Both bromine and chlorine are great options for treating and sanitizing hot tubs, and each has its own benefits.

bromine

Bromine works by ionizing impurities in spa water and breaking their chemical bonds. It produces a waste product called bromamines, which can reduce the effectiveness of the bromine in your hot tub, but regularly shocking your hot tub will remove it. Also, you should be shocking your tub anyway.

Bromine is very reactive but less reactive than chlorine. That means it kills contaminants more slowly, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. In fact, bromine fights bacteria longer than chlorine, so it doesn’t need to be replaced as often.

However, when the hot tub is outdoors, the UV light from sunlight can destroy bromine faster than chlorine. Therefore, be sure to use a hot tub cover.

The amount of bromine required will vary with the size of the spa, but you will most likely need to use more bromine than chlorine – unfortunately since bromine is also more expensive.

However, since bromine lasts longer than chlorine, it may still be the more cost-effective option.

Both bromine and chlorine are safe for your skin when used as directed, although some people can still have an adverse reaction to both.

Bromine tends to be gentler on your skin but takes longer to wash off. It’s also better for people with asthma or other breathing problems.

chlorine

Chlorine oxidizes contaminants in spa water, essentially destroying them from within. The waste products formed from chlorine are called chloramines.

Chloramines cause that chlorine smell as well as itching and dryness. They can also reduce the effectiveness of chlorine, which shocking your hot tub can fix.

Chlorine kills bacteria faster than bromine, but is less stable, so it needs to be replaced more often.

Chlorine can be harsh on eyes, skin, and hair. It can also make breathing problems worse as the chloramines tend to hang around in the humid air above the hot tub.

Chlorine and bromine are incompatible

Remember that using a mixture of bromine and chlorine is never a good idea. If you are currently using one and want to switch to the other, be sure to start with completely fresh water and a clean spa and perform a thorough line flush.

For your own safety, do not mix them with water or in dry form. Definitely do not store them side by side as the mixture of their vapors can be flammable.

Which Hot Tub Chemicals Are Best?

The best hot tub chemicals are those that effectively treat and sanitize your spa with no adverse effects. Both bromine and chlorine are great solutions. Choosing a favorite is often a personal preference, but those with asthma or sensitive skin are better off sticking with Bromine.

Hot Tub Chemicals at Paradise Valley Spas

We recommend trying our private label Hot Tub Things branded products. They have been scientifically designed to take better care of your hot tub, drawing on over 38 years of experience to develop the products.

Contact Paradise Valley Spas for more information on hot tub chemicals and their safe use.

Whirlpool chemistry

Hot tubs are designed to help you relax and make you feel like you don’t care. Why does thinking about water care bring you flashbacks from high school chemistry class? Hot tub chemistry really doesn’t have to be difficult to keep the water in your hot tub clean. By being aware of just a few things, it’s easy to make your hot tub look (and smell) more like the coast near Bali and less like the plunge pool at the Rio Olympics.

testing and adjusting

There are really only 4 things you need to worry about when it comes to keeping your hot tub clean:

Alkalinity – between 80 – 120

PH values ​​– between 7.2 and 7.8

Sanitizer Levels – Chlorine 1.5 – 3.0 and Bromine 3.0 – 5.0

How much organic matter is in the water?

All four of these things are interconnected. Organic matter in the water feeds bacteria (odor) and algae (cloudy, green water). Disinfectant slows the growth of the goo. PH affects how well the sanitizer works, and alkalinity determines how stable the PH is.

To keep these elements under control you need 5 things: test strips, alkalinity regulator, PH regulator, sanitizer and shock chemicals.

The Cover Guy carries a variety of test strips, including multifunction strips, that allow you to check anything with one dip.

Once you’ve dipped your strip:

Compare the color of the stripe with the color samples on the packaging

Check alkalinity first, then PH, then sanitizer level

If any of these things aren’t where they should be, add the appropriate chemical to make up for it

If more than one thing needs adjustment, adjust them one at a time. Add the first chemical and wait several hours or overnight. Test again and add the next chemical if still needed. Repeat if necessary

That’s pretty much all there is to it. The only other creases are choosing the type of sanitizer to use and knowing how often to shock the hot tub.

disinfectant

The two most common types of disinfectants are bromine and chlorine. They both do the same thing – they inhibit the growth of bacteria and algae – in the same way. The biggest difference is in the application. Bromine is a bit more expensive and a little more complicated to administer, but the treatments last longer and require fewer chemicals in the water than chlorine. Chlorine, on the other hand, is easier to use and slightly cheaper, but requires more chemicals in the water. Some people are sensitive to one or the other and experience skin or eye irritation, so don’t be afraid to switch to the other if the water bothers you soon after a treatment. Remember to remove your hot tub cover for at least an hour after shocking your hot tub.

Shocking

Regardless of what sanitizer you use or how carefully you monitor and adjust it, biological matter will build up in the spa as you use it. Shock treatment solves this problem by oxidizing the organics in the water before they can feed the bacteria. It also helps remove disinfectant residue that remains after the disinfectant has done its job.

In general, it is recommended that you shock your hot tub once a week – more often if it is heavily used. If your readings are all good but the water is a bit cloudy or doesn’t smell right, it’s time for a shock. You should also shock the tub if you haven’t used it for a long time.

So here we go with the simple spa chemistry: dip, check, adjust and shock. Do this regularly and it will be a clear soak and happy tubbing.

Both bromine and chlorine are chemical compounds that serve a similar purpose: they decontaminate pool and spa water by killing bacteria. However, these chemicals differ in the way they clean, respond to temperature, and interact with the skin. If you’re considering bromine or chlorine for use in a pool or spa, our guide will help you choose the option that’s best for your situation.

Bromine vs Chlorine: What’s the Difference?

The way these compounds work is different, but with the same goal in mind.

When you add chlorine to spa or pool water, the chemical cleaning process is called oxidation — meaning chlorine steals electrons from the mass, essentially changing the molecular structure of the contaminants. This process leaves behind a by-product called chloramine, which is the cause of that distinct chlorine odor and dry skin we associate with the chemical.

Bromine works through a process called ionization, which actually pushes the contaminant’s chemical bonds apart; It also has a lower pH than chlorine, helping to balance the chemistry of the spa or pool water.

Each chemical compound has many advantages and disadvantages, which we have divided into categories:

physical form

dosage

effectiveness

Costs

Health & Safety

physical form

Chlorine comes in a variety of forms, including sticks, tablets, and dry granules, although tablets are the most popular version because they are the easiest to maintain option. Bromine is also found in tablets and granules and dissolves similarly to chlorine.

dosage

It’s important to consider the amount of each chemical required for the same task*. As a general rule, when it comes to the number of chemicals you use, aim for the higher end of the spectrum:

Chlorine: 1-3 ppm (parts per million)

: 1-3 ppm (parts per million) Bromine: 3-5 ppm (parts per million)

Although you need more bromine to purify the same amount of water as chlorine, you need to add chemicals less often, so the dosage evens out over time. You can even use less bromine overall.

*Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s directions for your chemicals before adding anything to a spa or pool, as each has their own specifications.

effectiveness

Both chemicals destroy contaminants, but the difference lies in their rate of reactivity.

Chlorine works faster to kill contaminants but for a shorter period of time because it dissolves faster. Bromine kills contaminants more slowly but over a longer period of time; Also, due to its low pH, it can help keep water chemistry more balanced, meaning fewer chemical adjustments are needed.

Bromine is more stable than chlorine, especially in warm water, which is why it’s more commonly used in spas, while chlorine is more commonly used in pools. The exception to this is ultraviolet (UV) light, which destroys both chemicals, but bromine breaks down faster.

Costs

Cost is one of the main differences between bromine and chlorine, with bromine being up to twice as expensive as chlorine. This is a big part of why pool owners typically use chlorine over bromine, as you need a lot more of the chemical for pools than for spas. The equipment needed for bromine also costs a bit more and requires a floating feeder system.

Health & Safety

Both bromine and chlorine are perfectly safe for humans if you use them according to the manufacturer’s directions. Side effects depend on how sensitive you are to certain chemicals.

Chlorine can be uncomfortable for people with sensitive skin or eyes, or those with breathing problems such as asthma. Bromine is a great alternative because it’s less abrasive, smells less like chemicals, and is less likely to trigger asthma attacks. However, bromine leaves a lingering odor that is harder to wash off than chlorine.

Please note that bromine is not a safe alternative if someone is actually allergic to chlorine as it is still chlorine based.

What to Choose: Bromine vs. Chlorine

Ultimately, both chemicals are very effective sanitizers for pools and spas. Whether you choose bromine over chlorine or vice versa, it all depends on the situation and personal preference.

Regardless of whether you choose to use chlorine or bromine, do NOT do ANY of the following:

Mix the chemicals in water; this can cause a dangerous reaction. When moving from one to the other, you must perform a full drain, clean, and line flush

Mix compounds in a dry state, which can also cause a reaction

Store them side by side as fumes can become flammable

Use the same feeder for both mixes, even if it has been thoroughly cleaned

Contact the experts at Halogen Supply

Halogen Supply offers one of the oldest inventory catalogs in the industry and has consistently delivered the highest quality pool and spa products for over 80 years. If you have any questions about which pool or spa sanitizers are right for you, contact our knowledgeable team today!

Chlorine dissolves quickly and remembering to add it as often as needed can be a challenge. To make things easier, you may have asked if I should use a floating chlorine dispenser in my hot tub?

Here’s what I know about using one:

Floating chlorine dispensers should be used in hot tubs. They are convenient, inexpensive and low maintenance. In addition, the chlorine is evenly distributed throughout the week. The floaters also work just as well with bromine tablets.

In this article, we’ll look at how to use floating chlorine dispensers, the pros and cons, whether bromine is better, and how many tablets to use. And we will talk about the 1 major disadvantage.

Let us begin…

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

Was it a chlorine dispenser? pic.twitter.com/fd3V84pOPS – Evan (@myrrhley) December 21, 2020

Can you put a chlorine swimmer in a hot tub?

You can put a chlorine swimmer in a hot tub. Chlorine tablets in the float gradually dissolve and last longer than the chlorine sold as granules. But it’s good to check the tub’s manual to make sure that this form of chlorine is okay for it. It could be too acidic for this, which can lead to discoloration and corrosion.

The float not only allows the chlorine to dissolve slowly, but also protects the tub surface from direct contact with the highly acidic chlorine tablets.

However, you must read the tub manual or confirm with the manufacturer that chlorine tablets can be used. If that’s not the case, you can also use bromine tablets in the floater.

The dispenser and tablets are a great addition that will help you with the maintenance of your hot tub. Which dispensers and tablets are of exceptional quality and which do I recommend?

CLICK HERE to view ATIE Floating Mini 1″ Chlorine/Bromine Tablet Dispenser on Amazon.

First of all, it is an Amazon’s Choice product. It is made of a UV resistant material that protects the chlorine from sunlight.

As you know, chlorine dissolves faster because of its heat. The screw cap can be easily removed. It has easily adjustable vents at the bottom for proper chemical dispensing.

Interestingly, despite all its great features, it is inexpensive. It has over 2,100 reviews on Amazon and almost all are 5-star.

Now let’s look at tablets…

CLICK HERE to view Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1″ Chlorination Tablets

It keeps your water clean and is effective at killing bacteria and preventing algae.

And is made to withstand the harsh effects of sunlight. It can be used in both small and large spas.

It has over 4,400 reviews on Amazon and almost all of them are 5 stars.

PPE – if you have a hot tub, make sure you are not in it with the chlorine releasing pill dispenser. Had to call 911 for Evan for inhaling chlorine – thank goodness he’s much better now! pic.twitter.com/XShSVlpVzw – Jennifer Smythe (@jensmythe4) January 27, 2021

How do you use a floating chlorine dispenser in a hot tub?

Unlock the top of the floating dispenser by twisting it slightly and place the chlorine or bromine tablets on the base. Replace the lid and twist to close tightly. Then place the dispenser in the tub. As it floats around the tub, slow-dissolving chlorine tablets are gradually dissolved.

As you can see from what I shared above, it’s super easy to use. Nothing complicated here.

However, please check your manual or contact your hot tub manufacturer to confirm if you can use chlorine tablets with your hot tub.

One of the main benefits of using the dispenser is a more consistent chlorine dosing pattern as the dispenser floats innocently in the tub. In a sense, it’s a labor-saving device.

After all, you would have to manually apply chlorine granules every now and then.

Chlorine tablets are inexpensive and probably the cheapest way to get rid of bacteria.

The “set it and forget” nature of the method is also great. Over time you will have a reasonable measure of the number of chlorine tablets that would be enough for a given period of time.

If you would like more detailed information on whether you should be putting chlorine in your tub on a daily basis, read a recent article of mine. In it I showed that you shouldn’t use it every day, but…

Just click the link to read it on my website.

You know you’re a writer by heart when you name your chlorine donor Mr. Stewart, which we did. #amwriting #indieauthor pic.twitter.com/YSSwxJGqme – Alexander Frost #PSHome #PlaystationHome (@FrostedSapphire) May 31, 2018

Do you keep the chlorine swimmer in the hot tub all the time?

The chlorine float should be removed when the tub is in use. It’s not a good idea to let the chlorine release when there are bathers in the tub. Chlorine is converted into an acid that can be harmful in high concentrations.

In any case, the water should be tested before people soak in it.

Chlorine in high doses can change pH and alkalinity. Using a float does not eliminate the need to balance the water and perform the usual tests.

It is best to leave the float in the tub if you know it will not be used for a long time.

What are the effects of soaking in a tub with too much chlorine? is it ok

One should never bathe in a tub where the chlorine level is too high. Find out why in a recent article of mine in which I explained in detail…

Just click the link to read it on my website.

Argos, £60, no idea where the unicorn came from. The pool also comes with a filter pump, but it’s worth buying a floating chlorine dispenser to keep the water clean

How often should I add chlorine tablets to my hot tub float?

Add 3-5 tablets once a week. About 1-3 tablets for small tubs or 3-5 tablets for large tubs. But more may be required depending on how many people use it and how often it is used.

They will also test the chlorine level to know if it is necessary to add more tablets or more granules or to oxidize the water.

What is right for each tub owner would vary. Factors such as how often and how often the tub is used, the size of the tub, and the water flow come into play.

It is therefore necessary to check whether the chlorine level is OK, too low or too high. Appropriate adjustments should be made accordingly.

A few weeks after using the dispenser and tablets you will have a feel for how often to add the tablets.

Assuming you’ve been busy and couldn’t handle tub maintenance, what happens when your chlorine levels are too low?

I explored the subject in a recent article of mine. In it, I explained that too low a chlorine or bromine level can allow bacteria and other harmful contaminants to grow in the tub, making it unsafe for users.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

To all my @AdamSandler fans out there, my daughter chose this for the chlorine dispenser for our new pool and I’ve asked her what she’s looking at at least thirty times. #billymadison pic.twitter.com/PqCzpEImgK – Chris Arnold (@Chris_GoVols) June 1, 2020

How long does it take for chlorine tablets to dissolve?

As a general rule, 4 to 6 1 inch tablets of chlorine will dissolve slowly over a 5-7 day period on average.

It is important to note how long the first batch you applied took to serve as an estimate for future reference. The rate of dissolution is affected by several factors.

The water temperature, how often you use the tub, and the water flow all affect how long it takes for the chlorine tablets to dissolve.

Chlorine is heat sensitive, so the tablets will dissolve more quickly if the spa water is very hot. Whether the tub is in the shade or in the open also plays a role.

If the tub is used sparingly, it is understandable that the tablets would last longer than if used heavily. But compared to granulated chlorine, they dissolve slowly and might be a better option.

Every once in a while, even when you’re on top of your tub maintenance, you still need to shock the water.

How often should you shock the water? In a recent article of mine I explained why and how often to shock the water. I also compared using chlorine versus non-chlorine shocks.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

Conclusion

We looked at floating chlorine dispensers. We checked if it’s ok to use them in a hot tub. Yes it is.

We looked at how to use them. It’s a simple process of adding the pills to the dispenser and floating the dispenser in the tub.

We have learned that the floater should not be in the tub while in use.

We checked how often chlorine tablets should be added. Finally, we looked at how long it takes for the tablets to dissolve.

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

Using bromine is an effective alternative to chlorine when sanitizing your spa water. Like chlorine, bromine does two things. It disinfects the water and kills any bacteria that may be in the water and oxidizes any organic matter that may be in the water. At Arctic Pure we offer two types of bromine, bromine tablets and granular bromine Peak Boost.

The bromine tablets, like chlorine tablets, offer a slow release of bromine into the water. The tablets dissolve slowly, so it sometimes takes up to a week for them to dissolve. The tablets are placed in a floating dispenser like this or in the skimmer basket, or if the spa has a tablet feeder they can be placed in there. It is important to note that you do not want to mix chlorine and bromine tablets in the same feeder, basket or dispenser. I would recommend that if you switch from tablet to tablet you buy a new dispenser. It can be dangerous.

So, like chlorine, you want to maintain three to five parts per million bromine levels in the water. This will keep the water safe and clean. Bromine can be tested by a tester. You can test it at home with the testers. Try it. See where the level is and adjust your level accordingly.

The granules ensure an immediate bromine residue in the water. Peak Boost is fully soluble, dissolves quickly and is also pH neutral so it won’t affect your water balance. The pH stays the same and the alkalinity stays the same. So it’s a great product.

You can use these two products individually or together. And I would recommend that. I would recommend using the tablets for that slow release and constant residue in the water. And use the Peak Boost as a shock when you need it after heavy use as a bather, or when you test it and find the level is low, add Peak Boost to boost it instantly. The tablets, just like chlorine tablets, have a low pH, so over time they will lower the pH and alkalinity in the water. So it’s just something you have to see. It doesn’t happen immediately. Since these are slow to dissipate, this will happen slowly over time.

So bromine is a great alternative to chlorine for sanitizing your water. It keeps your water clean, clear and safe.

You can use chlorine for spa hygiene, but why? Bromine is superior in most spa and hot tub applications, and for many reasons. Bromine has several benefits in a hot tub:

Bromine is much more stable than chlorine at high temperatures.

It is more stable than chlorine over a wider pH range.

Bromine has much less odor than chlorine.

Unlike combined chlorine (chloramines), combined bromine is still effective for disinfecting water.

There is a small but important and often misunderstood difference in the use of bromine compared to chlorine. Read on to learn more about using bromine sanitizer in your spa or hot tub.

Setting up a bromide bank

To be effective, a residual bromide must be present in the spa water. This residue is also known as the bromide bank or reserve. Note that the word here is bromide, not bromine. Bromides convert in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as B. non-chlorine spa shock, liquid chlorine or ozone to bromine.

Bromine tablets for hot tubs are actually a mixture of chlorine and bromides. It can take several weeks for enough bromine tablets to dissolve and build up to an effective level of bromides – your spa’s bromide bank – so that bromine can be generated. Every time you drain the spa, the bromide level drops back down to zero and has to build up again.

The best way to build a bromide bank is to add sodium bromide every time you drain and refill your spa or hot tub. After building your bromide bank, shock the water with your preferred oxidizer to activate the bromide ions. This converts them into hypobromous acid, the disinfecting form of bromine.

2-component and 3-component bromine systems

A 2-part bromine system essentially adds sodium bromide (step 1) and periodically shocks the spa (step 2) to reactivate the bromide ions into bromine. A 3-part system also includes the addition of bromine tablets (step 3) to avoid gaps in disinfection.

If you just add bromine tablets without first adding sodium bromide, you will have trouble getting a good reading of bromine levels in the spa. Not only that, the water could also be unhealthy. First build a bromide bank with 10-15ppm sodium bromide, then shock the water and finish by adding a few tablets to a bromine float to maintain a 3-5ppm residual bromine (or 1-3ppm for spas) mineral cleaners or ozone generators ).

Use of bromine in hot tubs

In summary, using bromine in your spa or hot tub is often better than chlorine. But for it to be effective there must be good levels of bromide ions in the water, also known as the bromide bank. Regular oxidation by shock treatments is essential to convert the bromide to bromine. Use bromine tablets to make it easier to maintain a constant level of bromine in your spa or hot tub water. As discussed in the previous section, a successful bromine sanitation system consists of three parts:

Add sodium bromide to your spa every time you drain and refill your spa or hot tub. Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label. Use Spa Shock after building your bromide bank. Thereafter, shock the water weekly to activate the bromine. Use bromine tablets in a small floater to maintain bromide and bromine levels.

If you have questions about using bromine sanitizers in your spa or hot tub, you can count on Leslie’s experts to help. Call or stop by your local Leslie’s for advice on water care and maintenance and to pick up all spa essentials.

There are many tasks involved in swimming pool maintenance, one of which is swimming pool renovation. As a pool owner, keeping your pool clean is a top priority because who wants to swim in a dirty pool? Better still, who wants to swim in an unclean pool? Chlorine is the most common choice for this solution, but bromine is also an option. The Shoreline team did the hard work for you and came up with an explanation for your two options, Chlorine or Bromine

What is chlorine?

You’ve heard of it before, but what exactly does it do for your pool? Chlorine is the disinfectant that kills bacteria in swimming pools, drinking water and even paint and textiles. Once chlorine is poured into a pool, a chemical reaction takes place and the solution breaks down to disinfect the pool for a period of time. Pool chlorine comes in different forms like tablets and liquid, but they all do the same job of keeping your water safe from germs.

Unlike bromine, chlorine has a strong odor, but it’s the most common cleaning agent because it’s easily accessible and cleans pools in a matter of hours. Although chlorine is a popular choice, bromine is also a great option.

What is bromine?

Bromine is the number one alternative to chlorine. This chemical is known as a disinfectant, oxidizer and algaecide for swimming pools. The reason spa and hot tub owners prefer bromine over chlorine is that it works better in warmer temperatures. By killing bacteria and contaminants, the chemicals in bromine react differently than chlorine, cleaning more thoroughly in hot temperatures. Like chlorine, it comes in many forms such as tablets and liquids, but never in the raw state. When it is in the form of a liquid, it is diluted with water for safety as it is harmful to the skin and eyes. Bromine and chlorine are very similar in the fact that they both disinfect, but have differences in chemical breakdown.

Chlorine vs. Bromine: Exploring the Pros and Cons

Now comes the time for decision making. Which is the best for your swimming pool? Chlorine is readily available, very effective and can be used in both indoor and outdoor pools, but leaves a strong odor, can cause skin irritation and can wear down or even fade vinyl sheeting. When it comes to bromine, it doesn’t have a strong odor, is gentler on the skin, does an excellent job of sanitizing high-temperature pools, and works well with vinyl liners. However, this option is more expensive than chlorine, has less oxidizing power, and doesn’t work as well in sunlight. There are pros and cons to both chemicals, but ultimately it is up to the pool owner to make the final decision on which option to choose.

Keep your pool happy with the right tools

Keep your pool sparkling with the right chemicals and tools it needs. It is important to decide whether chlorine or bromine is best for your pool. Depending on your lifestyle and demographics, one chemical may be a better fit for your situation than the other. If you’re having trouble deciding, let the professionals at Shoreline Pools decide whether chlorine or bromine better suits your pool needs. Call us at (203) 357-1544 to have a field service expert stop by for an analysis today! Keep up to date with the latest pool trends and tips by following us on HOUZZ.

Nothing beats a soak in a soothing spa when you need to relax or soothe sore muscles, but no one wants to step into a tub that hasn’t been properly sanitized. So the million dollar question is, “What hot tub chemicals should I use?”

Make sure you know all the facts about the hot tub chemicals you’re adding to your water before jumping in and have peace of mind knowing you and your hot tub are safe and clean. Below you will get more information about the best spa chemicals and find out which one is better.

What Hot Tub Chemicals Should I Use?

Bromine and chlorine are the most common options for treating hot tubs. In general, chlorine is most commonly used to sanitize swimming pools, while bromine is most commonly used in hot tubs.

However, that doesn’t mean you should only use bromine in a hot tub or avoid treating your hot tub with chlorine. Both have advantages and disadvantages as well as different distribution methods.

Is bromine safe in hot tubs?

Absolutely. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions for both the hot tub and the bromine, you can use bromine regularly to treat and sanitize your hot tub.

However, it may make sense to use bromine granules instead of bromine tablets. This reduces your direct interaction with the chemicals. When a tablet is used in a float, it remains in the water until all of the tablet has dissolved.

After killing bacteria and other contaminants, it will continue to disperse chemicals, and when the water is safe to attack it may find another target, like the tub shell or spa jets. Plus, every time you take a bath, you’re sitting right in chemicals.

Rather than using bromine tablets, the recommended method is to add bromine after each use of your hot tub.

Get out, add 1 teaspoon of granulated bromine and run the whirlpool jets for about 15 minutes. By then the water will be sanitized and the chemicals will have completely dissolved.

Is bromine better than chlorine in a hot tub?

Both bromine and chlorine are great options for treating and sanitizing hot tubs, and each has its own benefits.

bromine

Bromine works by ionizing impurities in spa water and breaking their chemical bonds. It produces a waste product called bromamines, which can reduce the effectiveness of the bromine in your hot tub, but regularly shocking your hot tub will remove it. Also, you should be shocking your tub anyway.

Bromine is very reactive but less reactive than chlorine. That means it kills contaminants more slowly, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. In fact, bromine fights bacteria longer than chlorine, so it doesn’t need to be replaced as often.

However, when the hot tub is outdoors, the UV light from sunlight can destroy bromine faster than chlorine. Therefore, be sure to use a hot tub cover.

The amount of bromine required will vary with the size of the spa, but you will most likely need to use more bromine than chlorine – unfortunately since bromine is also more expensive.

However, since bromine lasts longer than chlorine, it may still be the more cost-effective option.

Both bromine and chlorine are safe for your skin when used as directed, although some people can still have an adverse reaction to both.

Bromine tends to be gentler on your skin but takes longer to wash off. It’s also better for people with asthma or other breathing problems.

chlorine

Chlorine oxidizes contaminants in spa water, essentially destroying them from within. The waste products formed from chlorine are called chloramines.

Chloramines cause that chlorine smell as well as itching and dryness. They can also reduce the effectiveness of chlorine, which shocking your hot tub can fix.

Chlorine kills bacteria faster than bromine, but is less stable, so it needs to be replaced more often.

Chlorine can be harsh on eyes, skin, and hair. It can also make breathing problems worse as the chloramines tend to hang around in the humid air above the hot tub.

Chlorine and bromine are incompatible

Remember that using a mixture of bromine and chlorine is never a good idea. If you are currently using one and want to switch to the other, be sure to start with completely fresh water and a clean spa and perform a thorough line flush.

For your own safety, do not mix them with water or in dry form. Definitely do not store them side by side as the mixture of their vapors can be flammable.

Which Hot Tub Chemicals Are Best?

The best hot tub chemicals are those that effectively treat and sanitize your spa with no adverse effects. Both bromine and chlorine are great solutions. Choosing a favorite is often a personal preference, but those with asthma or sensitive skin are better off sticking with Bromine.

Hot Tub Chemicals at Paradise Valley Spas

We recommend trying our private label Hot Tub Things branded products. They have been scientifically designed to take better care of your hot tub, drawing on over 38 years of experience to develop the products.

Contact Paradise Valley Spas for more information on hot tub chemicals and their safe use.

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The best way to enjoy your hot tub is to make sure the water is clean and clear. And for that you need disinfectant. Whether you use chlorine or bromine, the sanitizer removes the things you don’t want in your water. Without sanitizer, bacteria and algae grow more easily in the warm water of your spa.

But should you choose chlorine or bromine as your hot tub sanitizer?

There are advantages to every product. However, it is important to choose the best sanitizer for your hot tub’s filtration system. Master Spas hot tubs feature EcoPur Charge, a mineral-based filtration system. The combination of naturally occurring elements works best with chlorine to keep your spa water clean.

Why should you use chlorine in your hot tub? Read on to learn why it’s the best sanitizer for your hot tub.

The best chlorine for your hot tub is sodium dichlor. Sprinkle in granular form over the water surface after each use.

Use of chlorine in a hot tub

Most people are familiar with chlorine as a component of popular household products like bleach. Do not soak the products for cleaning. However, this type of chlorine is different than what you put in your hot tub to sanitize the water.

Chlorine acts as an oxidizing agent, attacking and destroying contaminants. While the chlorine is working, the chemical reaction creates chloramines. These chloramines can give spa water an odor.

However, the EcoPur system removes chloramines from the water and keeps the water smelling fresh.

When do you add chlorine?

You should add chlorine to your hot tub at least once a week. However, some people prefer to add a small amount after each use. Finding the best water care routine depends on how often and how many people use it. The chlorine level should be between 1.5 and 3.0 ppm.

Are there different types of chlorine?

There are different types of chlorine, but not every product is best for spa owners. Master Spas recommends that owners use dichloro-chlorine granules. Some pool and spa stores may sell tablets and floats to make water maintenance easier. However, you must monitor your chlorine levels and remove the products from the water once your water is balanced.

Caution: Using the wrong type of chlorine doesn’t just affect your water chemistry. It can damage your spa’s components.

The EcoPur Charge system uses fewer chemicals than other systems and is therefore gentler on the skin. You need less chlorine to keep the water clean. When you use bromine it can stick to your swimsuit and skin.

Is bromine okay for a hot tub?

As an alternative, chlorine, bromine can be used to keep the spa water clean.

However, bromine works differently than chlorine and is not the best choice for use with mineral systems. Bromine breaks down the particles in the water by ionizing the water. The chemical process creates a product called bromamine.

Many people use bromine in their hot tub because they have sensitive skin; Bromine can be less irritating. However, bromine takes longer to dissolve and can “stick” to swimwear. If you use bromine in your hot tub, be sure to rinse your skin and swimsuit after you get out.

If you use bromine, you must let it build up so you have a “bromine reserve.” This reserve is essential for proper hygiene.

You typically add bromine every few days, depending on how often you use your spa and how many people are getting in.

When adding bromine to your spa water, aim for a level between 3 and 5 ppm.

A water maintenance routine will help you keep the water clean and clear.

Choose between chlorine and bromine for your hot tub

Sanitizer is one of the hot tub chemicals that is key to keeping your water clean, clear, and safe. You usually add a sanitizer after each use so it can remove organic matter and keep the water balanced.

Chlorine and bromine are the most common and most Master Spas dealers carry them. But how do you choose between chlorine and bromine?

You should select the product that works best with the filtration system. Because while bromine can be a suitable alternative for those with sensitive skin, chlorine is best suited for master spa owners.

Benefits of Chlorine

Works in conjunction with Master Spas EcoPur Charge filter system

Takes less time to balance water as it dissolves faster

Quickly kills impurities in your spa water

Less sensitive to sunlight. If you have an outdoor hot tub without a cover, consider using chlorine.

Create a backyard oasis

Hot tub maintenance doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With a Master Spas hot tub, you can enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy while using fewer hot tub chemicals like chlorine. Find out more about the EcoPur filter system that works with chlorine. Or contact your local Master Spas dealer to learn more about owning a hot tub. Wondering how much does a hot tub cost? Here you can request an offer.

Chlorine dissolves quickly and remembering to add it as often as needed can be a challenge. To make things easier, you may have asked if I should use a floating chlorine dispenser in my hot tub?

Here’s what I know about using one:

Floating chlorine dispensers should be used in hot tubs. They are convenient, inexpensive and low maintenance. In addition, the chlorine is evenly distributed throughout the week. The floaters also work just as well with bromine tablets.

In this article, we’ll look at how to use floating chlorine dispensers, the pros and cons, whether bromine is better, and how many tablets to use. And we will talk about the 1 major disadvantage.

Let us begin…

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.

Was it a chlorine dispenser? pic.twitter.com/fd3V84pOPS – Evan (@myrrhley) December 21, 2020

Can you put a chlorine swimmer in a hot tub?

You can put a chlorine swimmer in a hot tub. Chlorine tablets in the float gradually dissolve and last longer than the chlorine sold as granules. But it’s good to check the tub’s manual to make sure that this form of chlorine is okay for it. It could be too acidic for this, which can lead to discoloration and corrosion.

The float not only allows the chlorine to dissolve slowly, but also protects the tub surface from direct contact with the highly acidic chlorine tablets.

However, you must read the tub manual or confirm with the manufacturer that chlorine tablets can be used. If that’s not the case, you can also use bromine tablets in the floater.

The dispenser and tablets are a great addition that will help you with the maintenance of your hot tub. Which dispensers and tablets are of exceptional quality and which do I recommend?

CLICK HERE to view ATIE Floating Mini 1″ Chlorine/Bromine Tablet Dispenser on Amazon.

First of all, it is an Amazon’s Choice product. It is made of a UV resistant material that protects the chlorine from sunlight.

As you know, chlorine dissolves faster because of its heat. The screw cap can be easily removed. It has easily adjustable vents at the bottom for proper chemical dispensing.

Interestingly, despite all its great features, it is inexpensive. It has over 2,100 reviews on Amazon and almost all are 5-star.

Now let’s look at tablets…

CLICK HERE to view Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1″ Chlorination Tablets

It keeps your water clean and is effective at killing bacteria and preventing algae.

And is made to withstand the harsh effects of sunlight. It can be used in both small and large spas.

It has over 4,400 reviews on Amazon and almost all of them are 5 stars.

PPE – if you have a hot tub, make sure you are not in it with the chlorine releasing pill dispenser. Had to call 911 for Evan for inhaling chlorine – thank goodness he’s much better now! pic.twitter.com/XShSVlpVzw – Jennifer Smythe (@jensmythe4) January 27, 2021

How do you use a floating chlorine dispenser in a hot tub?

Unlock the top of the floating dispenser by twisting it slightly and place the chlorine or bromine tablets on the base. Replace the lid and twist to close tightly. Then place the dispenser in the tub. As it floats around the tub, slow-dissolving chlorine tablets are gradually dissolved.

As you can see from what I shared above, it’s super easy to use. Nothing complicated here.

However, please check your manual or contact your hot tub manufacturer to confirm if you can use chlorine tablets with your hot tub.

One of the main benefits of using the dispenser is a more consistent chlorine dosing pattern as the dispenser floats innocently in the tub. In a sense, it’s a labor-saving device.

After all, you would have to manually apply chlorine granules every now and then.

Chlorine tablets are inexpensive and probably the cheapest way to get rid of bacteria.

The “set it and forget” nature of the method is also great. Over time you will have a reasonable measure of the number of chlorine tablets that would be enough for a given period of time.

If you would like more detailed information on whether you should be putting chlorine in your tub on a daily basis, read a recent article of mine. In it I showed that you shouldn’t use it every day, but…

Just click the link to read it on my website.

You know you’re a writer by heart when you name your chlorine donor Mr. Stewart, which we did. #amwriting #indieauthor pic.twitter.com/YSSwxJGqme – Alexander Frost #PSHome #PlaystationHome (@FrostedSapphire) May 31, 2018

Do you keep the chlorine swimmer in the hot tub all the time?

The chlorine float should be removed when the tub is in use. It’s not a good idea to let the chlorine release when there are bathers in the tub. Chlorine is converted into an acid that can be harmful in high concentrations.

In any case, the water should be tested before people soak in it.

Chlorine in high doses can change pH and alkalinity. Using a float does not eliminate the need to balance the water and perform the usual tests.

It is best to leave the float in the tub if you know it will not be used for a long time.

What are the effects of soaking in a tub with too much chlorine? is it ok

One should never bathe in a tub where the chlorine level is too high. Find out why in a recent article of mine in which I explained in detail…

Just click the link to read it on my website.

Argos, £60, no idea where the unicorn came from. The pool also comes with a filter pump, but it’s worth buying a floating chlorine dispenser to keep the water clean

How often should I add chlorine tablets to my hot tub float?

Add 3-5 tablets once a week. About 1-3 tablets for small tubs or 3-5 tablets for large tubs. But more may be required depending on how many people use it and how often it is used.

They will also test the chlorine level to know if it is necessary to add more tablets or more granules or to oxidize the water.

What is right for each tub owner would vary. Factors such as how often and how often the tub is used, the size of the tub, and the water flow come into play.

It is therefore necessary to check whether the chlorine level is OK, too low or too high. Appropriate adjustments should be made accordingly.

A few weeks after using the dispenser and tablets you will have a feel for how often to add the tablets.

Assuming you’ve been busy and couldn’t handle tub maintenance, what happens when your chlorine levels are too low?

I explored the subject in a recent article of mine. In it, I explained that too low a chlorine or bromine level can allow bacteria and other harmful contaminants to grow in the tub, making it unsafe for users.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

To all my @AdamSandler fans out there, my daughter chose this for the chlorine dispenser for our new pool and I’ve asked her what she’s looking at at least thirty times. #billymadison pic.twitter.com/PqCzpEImgK – Chris Arnold (@Chris_GoVols) June 1, 2020

How long does it take for chlorine tablets to dissolve?

As a general rule, 4 to 6 1 inch tablets of chlorine will dissolve slowly over a 5-7 day period on average.

It is important to note how long the first batch you applied took to serve as an estimate for future reference. The rate of dissolution is affected by several factors.

The water temperature, how often you use the tub, and the water flow all affect how long it takes for the chlorine tablets to dissolve.

Chlorine is heat sensitive, so the tablets will dissolve more quickly if the spa water is very hot. Whether the tub is in the shade or in the open also plays a role.

If the tub is used sparingly, it is understandable that the tablets would last longer than if used heavily. But compared to granulated chlorine, they dissolve slowly and might be a better option.

Every once in a while, even when you’re on top of your tub maintenance, you still need to shock the water.

How often should you shock the water? In a recent article of mine I explained why and how often to shock the water. I also compared using chlorine versus non-chlorine shocks.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

Conclusion

We looked at floating chlorine dispensers. We checked if it’s ok to use them in a hot tub. Yes it is.

We looked at how to use them. It’s a simple process of adding the pills to the dispenser and floating the dispenser in the tub.

We have learned that the floater should not be in the tub while in use.

We checked how often chlorine tablets should be added. Finally, we looked at how long it takes for the tablets to dissolve.

Are you ready to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your hot tub?

Let’s be honest. Balancing the water, cleaning out filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out what chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who’s coming to the end of a long hard day just want to relax!

This is exactly why the spa manual and video course are so valuable!

This is from Matt at Swim University and he designed it for people who want to save money, time and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you only buy what you need.

So if you are ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and want to spend more time in it, check out the hot tub manual and video course.

Just click this link to find out more on their website.