A sanitizer is critical for keeping bacteria-free, safe spa water. When it comes to spa sanitizers, chlorine and bromine are the two most popular, and here I Canada, they are the only two deemed safe for use. In this article, we'll help you decide which is right for you.
Chlorine
Chlorine is the most popular and widely available sanitizer on the market and also costs the least. It's fast-acting and well-suited for outdoor use due to its resistance to UV sunlight.
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Pros:
- Less expensive
- Suited for outdoors
- Widely available
- Acts quicker
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Cons:
- Shorter lasting
- Harsher on skin*
Note: skin irritation from chlorine is usually due to low pH.
- More likely to smell*
Note: the "chlorine smell" most of us are familiar with is actually caused by a lack of chlorine. Chlorine's reaction with organic contaminants (body oils, cosmetics, etc.) causes the smell. Shocking your spa regularly will prevent this.
Chlorine is less expensive and contains a stabilizer that protects it from UV sunlight, making it a great outdoor choice. As noted above, the drawbacks often associated with chlorine are common misconceptions.
Bromine
People who have concerns about chlorine sensitivity often choose bromine. Bromine takes longer to start acting, but it's stability can mean less frequent adjusting. Unlike chlorine, UV sunlight will deplete bromine.
Note: Brominating Granules (Sodium Bromide) should not be used with UV-C or Ozone - be sure to use
Bromine Tabs instead.
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Pros:
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Cons:
- Harder to wash off skin
- More expensive
- Not suited for outdoors
Bromine can be a good alternative for some skin sensitivities, but due to its higher cost and lack of UV protection, we usually recommend trying chlorine first.
Although bromine can be more stable at high temperatures, which can mean less adjusting, you'll want to adopt a frequent water care routine regardless.
Key Takeaways
Whether you choose chlorine or bromine, both can get the job done. More important is having a good water care routine and testing frequently.
Although chlorine and bromine serve the same purpose, they should not be used interchangeably. If you'd like to switch from one to the other, be sure to complete a drain and fill.
sale
Jacuzzi Chlorinating Granules
from $22.95
$41.25
Tip: Download the AquaChek Smart app to make water balancing a breeze. Know "what" and "how much" based on your strip colours.
Sanitize your hot tub with Jacuzzi Chlorinating Granules
Jacuzzi Brand Chlorinating Granules is a stabilized chlorine for your spa that provides effective sanitation as a soluble, quick-dissolving oxidation treatment. Promoting water clarity, eliminating odours and organic waste such as body oils and cosmetic products. This powerful sanitizer is fast dissolving and can be used for both regular daily chlorination as well as super chlorination. Chlorine will not affect pH or total alkalinity nor will it promote scale build-up.
The chlorine level in your spa should be maintained between 1-5 ppm.
Ideal spa pH: 7.2-7.8
Ideal spa Alkalinity: 100 - 160 ppm
Size: 1.5 kg or 720g
Click here for Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
sale
Jacuzzi Bromine Tablets
from $38.95
$79.99
Sanitize your spa with Jacuzzi Brominating Tabs
Jacuzzi Bromine Tabs provide effective sanitation as a soluble oxidation treatment. Promoting water clarity, eliminating odours and organic waste such as body oils and cosmetic products.
Jacuzzi Brominating Tabs should be used with Spa Shock on a weekly basis to maintain effective levels of sanitizer in your spa. Bromine Tabs require water flow to dissolve and should be placed in a floating dispenser and should not make direct contact with the spa or bleaching can occur.
Bromine is an alternative for Chlorine and can be used over a wider range of pH levels making it more forgiving in balancing water chemistry.
The bromine level in your spa should be maintained between 3-5 ppm.
Ideal spa pH: 7.2-7.8
Ideal spa Alkalinity: 100 - 150 ppm
Weight: 1.5 kg
Click here for Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Jacuzzi Brominating Granules 700 g
$29.95
Note: Brominanting Granules (sodium bromide) should not be used with UV and/or Ozone.
Sanitize your hot tub with Jacuzzi brand brominating granules.
Jacuzzi Brand Brominating Granules provide effective sanitation as a soluble, quick-dissolving oxidation treatment. Promoting water clarity, eliminating odours and organic waste such as body oils and cosmetic products.
Bromine is an alternative for Chlorine and can be used over a wider range of pH levels making it more forgiving in balancing water chemistry.
Each capful holds approximately 18 g of Brominating Granules.
The bromine level in your spa should be maintained between 3-5 ppm.
Ideal spa pH: 7.2-7.8
Ideal spa Alkalinity: 100 - 150 ppm
Size: 700 g
Click here for Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
