Bromine
is a popular pool and spa sanitizer often used instead of
chlorine.
Bromine has some distinct differences from chlorine.
One advantage
is that bromine works better for spas / hot tubs
(with
hotter water and lower water volume) than chlorine does. On
the minus
side, bromine is sensitive to sunlight, deteriorating
rapidly
when exposed to the sun. It can also be more expensive
than
chlorine. For these reasons, bromine is less popular than
chlorine
for use in outdoor pools.
There are
two forms of bromine, free and combined. Together
these two
are called total
bromine. Both forms
of bromine are
sanitizers,
meaning that they can kill bacteria, algae or other living
organisms
in the water. Be sure to use a test kit that measures
total
bromine, since that is the best indicator of the level of
sanitizer
in your water. The ideal concentration of total bromine in
a
swimming pool is 3 to 5 ppm. The ideal in a hot tub or spa is 4
to 6 ppm.
(In spas the level should be slightly higher level due to
the
smaller volume and the higher temperature of the water.)
You have
to monitor the bromine level continually, almost daily,
as it
will fluctuate constantly. Environmental conditions (leaves,
rain) and
usage (how many folks are enjoying the pool or spa) will
add
contaminants in the water. Those contaminants will decrease
the
bromine existing in the water. Be sure to test the bromine
before
entering the water. Even if the system is dormant or not in
use, you
should test the bromine level at least weekly to prevent
any
build-up of bacteria or algae.
For more
detailed advice on the specific chemical treatment for
your pool
or spa, contact your dealer.
Alkalinity
Total
alkalinity is the measure of the amount of alkaline buffers
(primarily
carbonates and bicarbonates) in your water. These
alkaline
substances buffer the water against sudden changes in
pH. Total
alkalinity is considered the key to water balance. It is
the
first parameter you should balance when making routine
adjustments
to your water.
If you
neglect to check the total alkalinity in your pool or spa, you
may have
trouble balancing the pH. You may also notice that pH
fluctuates
suddenly despite your best efforts to keep it in the
ideal
range. If the alkalinity is too low, anything introduced to the
water
will have an immediate impact on pH. Abrupt shifts in pH
can cause
scaling or corrosion of metal equipment and fixtures
as well
as other problems. When the total alkalinity is high, the
pH has a
tendency to drift upward, causing scale to form.
Maintaining
an ideal level of alkalinity will protect your pool or
spa and
its equipment from the harmful effects of sudden pH
fluctuations.
Think of the alkalinity as training wheels: it keeps
the pH in
balance without allowing it to tip too far to either side.
Of course
the pH can still drift upward or downward, but that
change
will happen gradually as long as the alkalinity falls within
the ideal
range. The ideal range of total alkalinity for pools and
spas is
between 80 and 120 ppm (mg/L).
When the
total alkalinity is too low, add sodium bicarbonate. If
the total
alkalinity is too high, you can lower it by using muriatic
acid or
sodium bisulfate.
For more
detailed advice on the specific chemical treatment for
your pool
or spa, contact your dealer.
pH
We use pH
as an index to express how acidic or basic a solution
is. (The
scientific definition of pH is “the negative logarithm of the
hydrogen ion
concentration”.) A pH greater than 7.0 is basic, and
a pH
lower than 7.0 is acidic. In pools and spas, it is important to
maintain
the water in the slightly basic range of 7.2 to 7.8. The
National
Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI), the industry association
in the
United States, has set a standard of 7.2 to 7.6 as the ideal
pH.
If
pH Is Low:
• The water can corrode surfaces,
metal equipment or
fixtures.
• Swimmers and bathers can experience
discomfort from
burning
eyes and itchy skin.
• The chlorine may dissipate more
quickly.
• The water may cause pitting and
etching of plaster
surfaces.
If
pH Is High:
• Calcium and metals tend to come out
of solution (the
opposite
of dissolving) at high pH levels, creating the
potential
for staining and scale formation. The calcium
and
metals will actually create deposits and discoloration
on pool
walls and equipment.
• Swimmers and bathers can experience
discomfort from
burning
eyes and itchy skin.
• High pH can contribute to cloudy
water.
For more detailed
advice on the specific chemical treatment for
your pool
or spa, contact your dealer.