So, because of the UV factor it is likely important to close your Hot Tub when not using it to prevent bromates. However, most people do this simply because it is too expensive to heat your hot tub if you leave it open all the time unless you are like at a hotel or something where they get special bulk rates for electricity. So, if hot tubs are outside they could if they are not covered from the sun create bromates which can potentially harm people. Although what I find concerning here is that many hot tubs create ozone as a water purifying effect in the way they are designed and since this could also help create bromates this could be a potential problem too.
begin quotes:
Bromide
is a chemical salt (sodium bromide) that acts as a "reserve" or "bank"
in the water, while bromine is the active sanitizer that is formed when
an oxidizer, like chlorine shock, is added to the bromide
. For hot tubs, you start with a bromide bank and then shock the water to create bromine for sanitation. Using
bromine is beneficial in hot tubs because it is more stable at high
temperatures and gentler on skin and eyes than chlorine, but it can form
potentially harmful bromates in the presence of UV light or ozone. This video explains the difference between bromine and sodium bromide in hot tubs:
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Bromide vs. Bromine
- Bromide (sodium bromide): This is the inactive precursor. It is a salt that must be added to the hot tub water to create a "bromide bank" or reserve. You add this product each time you drain and refill the tub.
- Bromine: This is the active sanitizer. It is created when an oxidizer (like chlorine shock) is added to the bromide in the water. Bromine is effective at killing bacteria, but it is slower-acting and less powerful than chlorine.
How to use them together in a hot tub
- Establish the "bromide bank": After filling the hot tub with fresh water, add sodium bromide to the water. This will create the bromide bank.
- Sanitize with an oxidizer: Use an oxidizer, such as a chlorine shock or a non-chlorine spa shock, to convert the bromide into active bromine. This is the "shocking" step.
- Maintain the system: Continue to shock the water regularly to convert the remaining bromide back into bromine. Some products, like bromine tablets, contain both a bromide and an oxidizer to provide a continuous release.
- Consider a "2-part" system: A 2-part bromine system involves adding sodium bromide (step 1) and shocking the hot tub regularly (step 2) to activate the bromide into bromine.
Other factors to consider
- Stability: Bromine works well in hot water and at high pH levels, which is why it is a good choice for hot tubs.
- Cost: Bromine is more expensive than chlorine.
- Harmful byproducts: In outdoor hot tubs exposed to sunlight, or in those with UV systems, bromine can form bromates, which are classified as a carcinogen by the EPA.
- Maintenance: Bromine requires more maintenance because you need to ensure you have a sufficient bromide bank and shock the water regularly.
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