We all grew up using chlorine as the go-to sanitizer for the family pool. But these days, more homeowners are finding that bromine – more commonly used in hot tubs, indoor pools, and spas – can also double for use in the larger outdoor pools.
Bromine has a few advantages over chlorine. It allows water to stay balanced for longer periods of time. Like chlorine, it can be dispensed in automatic feeders. It also causes less skin irritation and fewer bouts with red eyes.
There are some disadvantages as well – mainly, bromine can’t be stabilized against the sun’s UV rays, so it can require more of the chemical to be used for outdoor use. (Indoor spas and hot tubs that are covered are protected from regular sun exposure, which is why bromine is preferred for those.)
Whether you’re looking at bromine for indoor or outdoor use, here are the products we recommend.
Easy application
These 1-inch tablets from Spa Essentials are slow-dissolving, so plan to use more than the usual amount at first to get your water back into good shape. Once your water is properly sanitized, cut back the use of the tablets. Like their competitors, they produce none of the odor you get with chlorine products, and they’re less pH-sensitive.
Buy: Spa Essentials 32305000 Brominating Tablets
Soft water feel
One big difference between outdoor pool vs. hot tub water is the amount of time between changing the water. Hot tubs and spas can sometimes recommend changing water as often as monthly. Pool water only gets changed out every 5 years or so. That’s why it’s important to maintain the water quality with chlorine or bromine or similar sanitizing agents. These tablets from HTH Spa create a “soft water” feel that feels cleaner on your skin and hair. They’re designed to fit in any sized floater or dispenser.
Buy: HTH Spa 86104 Brominating Tablets
Powerful pills
There’s a lot to appreciate with these bromine tablets from Spa Depot. It starts with the bucket, which is easy to carry but also safe for the family thanks to a child-resistant lid. The tablets are designed to be slow-dissolving so they’re ideal for warmer water.
Buy: Spa Depot Bromine Tablets for Hot Tubs & Spas
Use in a floater
These brominating tablets are designed to work without a stabilizer, saving you money and aggravation. They also don’t produce the nose-burning odor that chlorine can cause. There are about 36 tables per 1 1/2 pound container.
Buy: Clorox Spa 20001CSP Brominating Tablets
Steve Spears is editor of Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. He is based in Orlando and counts St. Augustine, Key West and the Gulf Beaches among his favorite destinations in the state.
