Periodic sanitization is imperative to ensure your private pool is clean and hygienic every time you and your kids dive-in. And, this becomes even more important during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic .
There are two prevalent methods of sanitizing your backyard pool; first using bromine, and second, chlorination.
Although both these chemicals are similar in the way they kill harmful contaminants and bacteria. However, the way they react with pool water varies considerably, and have their own set of advantages and drawbacks, so let’s find out more on it.
How Differently They Work?
Chlorine acts as both a sanitizer and oxidizer. When you add chlorine to your pool water in shock treatment, it quickly reacts with the bacteria and eradicates them — it largely gets burned up and removed through the filters.
On the flip side, bromine is only a sanitizer. This material takes longer to react with the pool water after adding it. But, unlike chlorine, it remains active after getting rid of the bacteria. This means, unlike chlorine, you need not add bromine chemicals weekly to your pool.
A pro tip: If you want to reduce your swimming maintenance efforts and costs, consider using a pool enclosure or pool cover for safety and cleanliness. It will cut down on energy consumption, prevent evaporation, and ultimately, save your time.
Application of Chlorine & Bromine
You can add chlorine to your pool water in three different ways:
- Granules
- Tablets
- Liquid
You can add the liquid and granules directly to your pool water, without the requirement any specialized equipment; so no technical specialization is needed here. However, on the other hand, for tablets, they are placed in a floating dispenser for maintaining adequate levels of chlorine in the pool water.
Whereas, bromine is dispensed via cartridge dispenser or the floating feeder. So, this adds to the initial cost of using bromine for sanitizing the pool water.
Chlorine Vs Bromine: Pros & Cons
Pros of Chlorine
- Easy to apply
- Less expensive
- Stays stable at lower temperatures
- Can be stabilized with the UV rays of the sun
- Maintains water crystal clear
Cons of Chlorine
- Has a strong smell
- Tough to keep the pH value balanced
- Irritating to sensitive skin
- Less effective when temperatures go above 75 degrees F
Pros of Bromine
- Stays stable at higher temperatures
- Little smell
- Better for people with sensitive skin
- Easy to maintain the pH level
- Kills viruses & bacteria effectively
Cons of Bromine
- Slightly expensive
- Pool water somewhat becomes cloudy.
Which One is Good For You and Your Kid’s Health?
Cost-wise chlorine is a straightforward choice, but bromine is much better for those who have sensitive skin since it is less irritating to your eyes and skin. However, in case, you have a chlorine allergy, then bromine chemicals can also not be used, as it is chlorine-based. In such a scenario, the options available to you are:
- Copper-based ion generators
- Silver
- Peroxide-based system
Sun Exposure
Your private pool would inevitably be in the open; in the direct rays of the sun. Both the chemicals break down when exposed to the direct rays of the sun. However, chlorine quickly stabilizes with a conditioner; however, this is where bromine lacks. So, bromine is preferred mostly for indoor pools or spas.
Let’s Wrap Up
Regardless of the method, you opt for when it comes to regular maintenance of your pool, having a pool cover is the most crucial aspect to ensure a safe and hygienic pool for family summertime fun during the COVID-19 lockdown or restrictions in most parts of the world.