Q&A for How to Set up and Maintain Spa Water Bromine

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I've been recently having a rash, is that caused by the bromine?

Community Answer

I had that problem on my shins with bromine. I switched to chlorine and have not had that problem again. An internet search reveals that bromine is problematic for some people.

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Question

Why do I need to shock?

Jeffrey Summers

Community Answer

The sanitizer, typically bromine or chlorine, combines with organic material such as bacteria and algae. The shock oxidizes the combined bromine-organic stuff and frees the bromine back up to work again. That's why at least one shock product is called Renew. If you do not shock, you will have to keep adding bromine, and the tub will get more of that "chlorine smell" that is predominantly from combined bromine.

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Question

Is Leisure Time Bright and Clear the same as the shocker? We added both products to our hot tub and got a lot of foam. What are we doing wrong?

Community Answer

Bright and Clear is a flocculant -- it clumps together tiny debris and makes the tub less cloudy. This is NOT the same as the shock, which oxidizes organic material and frees up your sanitizer (bromine).

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Question

What do you do if the alkalinity is too high in your spa?

Community Answer

Add a little bit of acid (pH-lowering powder or, extremely carefully, muriatic acid). Recheck the alkalinity, and when corrected, you can add pH increaser (sodium carbonate).

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Question

How do I go from a chlorine spa to a bromine spa? Do I need different test strips?

Community Answer

You'll have to completely drain the hot tub, refill and start the chemistry from scratch.

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Question

What is a normal bromine level?

Community Answer

Ideal bromine level for a residential spa is four parts per million, but a range of three to five is perfectly fine.

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Question

What is the advantage of using bromine over chlorine?

Community Answer

In a spa, bromine works more efficiently. Chlorine starts to lose its effectiveness above 90 F and is more effective at a lower pH. Bromine is more effective in warm water and maintains its effectiveness in a much broader pH range. Bromine is also hypoallergenic and it recycles back into your bromine bank after proper "shocking."

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Question

How do I reduce the bromine levels in my hot tub?

Community Answer

Use 3% drug store peroxide, 2 ounces per 100 gallons of spa water, to lower chlorine (or bromine) level by about 10 ppm.

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