As a top pool builder in the Katy and Houston area, we know a lot about pools. We specialize in their construction and maintenance. Here is some advice when it comes to sanitizing your pool.
One thing many owners can forget to take into consideration when installing their pool is the sanitization options for their new backyard feature. Sanitizing pools is vital to kill bacteria and prevent the growth of contaminants that can quickly take over your beautiful new addition. At 3D Pools and Landscape, we are well-versed in pool sanitization and can help you make the right decision for your outdoor pool.
Chlorine and bromine sanitizers are two primary sanitizers used by pool builders in swimming pools and hot tubs. But, interestingly enough, they are actually not so different from each other; chlorine can become bromine with the addition of two more chemicals into the water. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some key differences between the two that you should be aware of.
Generally speaking, bromine is widely used for spas and hot tubs while chlorine is a more popular choice for swimming pools. Bromine has a higher pH level than chlorine, making it more active. Since its pH level is pretty close to the water in hot tubs (they tend to have high pH levels), despite the chlorine readings being high, the chlorine might not be enough to effectively kill the bacteria in your spa. Bromine is closer to the ideal range that hot tubs and pools need, it is also active in a bigger pH range than chlorine is.
Bromine is a more popular choice for hot tubs because it is more forgiving in case you let your pH levels get too high. Chlorine is a more suitable choice if you don’t have any difficulty keeping your pH between 7.2 and 7.8 (chlorine is at 8.2+), in this case, a chlorine-based sanitizer might be more beneficial to you.
Chlorine is also less costly than bromine, and there is no argument when it comes to pool clarity, because bromine will not give you the clarity chlorine can provide. The price of bromine, and the fact that it won’t give a very clear finish, is why pool owners and builders recommend and use it for smaller structures like spas and hot tubs.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, if you have a salt water pool, chlorine will pose a problem again due to the pH levels. The pH levels of a salt water pool can easily exceed 8.0 if left uncontrolled, which poses a specific problem for chlorine.
If you would like to learn which one is a better option for you, or still have more questions, contact us! We are a top pool builder in Katy and Houston with over 30 years of experience. Let us help your pool reach its fullest potential.
For more information, please visit https://3dpoolsandlandscape.com/
