Chlorine vs. Bromine for Your Pool: Which Sanitizer is Right for You?

Keeping swimming pools clean, clear, and safe is the goal of people who own them. The best way to keep indoor and outdoor pools as clean and sanitized as possible is to use a sanitizer. The most popular options are bromine & chlorine. Both of them kill bacteria, neutralize contaminants, and help to keep algae under control.

While both chlorine and bromine serve the same purpose, there are a few key differences. Each of them comes with its own benefits, considerations, and best use cases. Our Tucson pool cleaning experts will explain them below.

Whether a person needs to sanitize pool water or hot tub water, the following can help explain what is best for every situation:

What Is Chlorine?

Pool chlorine is the most common sanitizer in the world. Chlorine works by oxidizing contaminants in the water. It basically breaks down the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and organic materials, ensuring that they don't cause any harm to swimmers or pool structures, like vinyl liners.

There are different types of chlorine that pool owners can choose from:

• Liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite)

• Chlorine tablets (trichlor or dichlor)

• Chlorine in granular form (calcium hypochlorite)

• Saltwater chlorinators

How Chlorine Works

When chlorine is added to pool water, it begins an oxidation process that creates hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions. Both kill bacteria and neutralize harmful substances, improving pool sanitation. Our team can explain how to kill pool algae in AZ as well.

What Is Bromine?

Bromine is a sanitizer, too, that is in the same chemical family as chlorine. It is usually found in indoor or enclosed pools, or with hot tubs and spas. Bromine tablets and granules are both available. It works by creating hypobromous acid (HOBr), which attacks the contaminants in the water, and destroys them.

Chlorine vs. Bromine: Head-to-Head Comparison

To best understand which might be better, it's always a good idea to compare the two:

Which is Better at Killing Bacteria and Algae?

Chlorine is very effective against algae, viruses, and bacteria. It is quick to work, and is very highly trusted as both an oxidizer and sanitizer.

Bromine is a bit slower to act, but it holds up better to higher temperatures, which is an important point in a place like Tucson. It is effective against bacteria and viruses, but not as effective against algae.

Which is More Stable in Sunlight and Heat?

Chlorine levels fall rapidly when UV rays shine down on a pool. Generally, if a person uses chlorine in their pool, they must also add stabilizers like cyanuric acid to keep levels stable.

Bromine levels hold up better in heat and warm water, but it isn't very stable in direct sunlight. This is why bromine is often used in hot tubs over chlorine products.

Which Affects the Feel and Smell of the Water?

Everyone knows that chlorine smell, and even with proper use, that smell is going to be there. Chlorine is also known to cause skin irritation when compared to other chemicals.

Bromine feels better on the skin, and it doesn't have a strong odor like chlorine does. It is also better for those who have sensitive skin and eyes.

Which is Better for pH Balance and Water Chemistry?

When using chlorine, pH levels in the pool or hot tub will rise, which means the owner must keep close tabs on chemical levels, and then make adjustments when necessary.

Bromine is more stable, and it doesn't cause pH levels to change much. People who have pools that have bromine don't usually have to manage water chemistry as much.

Which is More Affordable and Available?

Chlorine is usually more affordable than bromine, though the price difference isn't extremely large. However, it's often more easy to find. Bromine is a bit more expensive, and it can be hard to find, as it's just not sold in as many places as chlorine is.

Which Has a Residual Sanitizer Effect?

Once chlorine has created its chemical bonds and then loses its oxidation power, it turns into chlorides, which will need to be shocked out of the water. Bromine turns into bromamines, which has less oxidation power, but it remains stable enough that it can be reactivated by using an oxidizer.

What is Chlorine Best For? What is Bromine Best For?

Either chlorine or bromine can do the same job, but there are some benefits over the other:

Chlorine is best for pools that are outdoors, those that are used a lot, those that get a lot of direct sunlight, and for pool owners who want affordability.

On the other hand, bromine is best for hot tubs, spas, and indoor pools (or shaded outdoor pools.) It is also better for swimmers who have sensitive skin or for pool owners who want a low-maintenance solution to pool care.

Pros and Cons of Chlorine

Here are the pros and cons of chlorine:

Pros:

• Kills bacteria and algae quickly

• Cheaper and more accessible

• Well-known and widely supported

• Easy to find stabilizer products (CYA)

Cons:

• Strong odor

• Irritating to skin and eyes

• UV instability

• Requires frequent pH adjustments

Bromine Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Gentler on skin and eyes

• Better performance in hot water

• Still effective at lower concentrations

• Longer-lasting sanitizing effect

Cons:

• Higher cost

• Weaker algae control

• Degraded by sunlight

• Not suitable for saltwater systems

Work with E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies For Chlorine & Bromine

Both chlorine and bromine are great sanitizers for pools, spas, and hot tubs. However, different pool types might benefit from one chemical over the other. For instance, indoor pools typically are better with bromine, but outdoor pools might be better with chlorine. However, the choice of which is better, chlorine vs. bromine, can also include other factors like cost, skin sensitivity, odor, and ease of use.

The team at E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies has been serving Tucson pool and hot tub owners for decades, and the team would be happy to help the local community decide which is better for their personal needs.