bromine shock

Knowing which hot tub chemicals to use and when can be daunting. What is the difference between sanitizer and shock, and do they make bromine shock for a hot tub?

Bromine is not used as a hot tub shock but is a widely used sanitizer that helps maintain hot tub water purity and clarity. And many prefer it over chlorine since it is not weakened by hot water. But like other forms of sanitizer, a weekly shock is still needed also.

But there’s a lot more to know.

Read on to discover the difference between bromine and shock and if you can use chlorine shock if you use bromine sanitizer. But we will also find out how to start using bromine if you’ve been using chlorine sanitizer.

Let’s get started.

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, cleaning filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.

Did you know? Pure bromine is liquid at room temperature, making it more stable in a hot tub than chlorine. That’s why it’s used! pic.twitter.com/2Uv0BVzSzO

— Unlimited Spa (@UnlimitedSpaSVC) January 23, 2019

What is the difference between bromine and shock?

Bromine is a hot tub sanitizer designed to clean and sanitize the water and is added every 4-5 days. Shock, by comparison, is a highly concentrated cleaner, often chlorine, which is added weekly to revitalize, sanitize and eliminate bromamines, a by-product of bromine sanitizer.

But sanitizer can also be chlorine-based.

Let’s find out a bit more about the difference between both bromine and shock. In a nutshell, shock is stronger. It has a higher dose of chemicals and is designed to reactivate sanitizers such as bromine and chlorine.

Bromine is used to get rid of substances that contaminate hot tub water. It works by ionizing them; it forces their chemical bonds apart.

Chlorine, on the other hand, is available as both an oxidizer (shock) and a sanitizer.

It works by invading and destroying contaminants from the inside out. It is cheaper than bromine. But both chlorine and bromine leave residues and wear off after a while, which leads us to hot tub shock.

Hot tub shock is an oxidizer that serves three main purposes: removing organic contaminants, killing off bacteria, and removing chloramines or bromamines (residues of chlorine and bromine).

If it’s a non-chlorine shock, it would also regenerate the bromine.

In a recent article that I published, I explained in more depth what an oxidizer is, and I also clarified if it’s the same as hot tub shock. But I also revealed when you should shock your hot tub.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

You know that “chlorine smell” you often smell in swimming pools? It’s not actually chlorine that’s smelling, it’s the chloramines.

Shock comes in four forms, but let’s check out two that can be used for hot tubs:

There’s chlorine-based shock (sodium dichlor) – it shocks the water and increases the sanitizer level. And there’s non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate or MPS) which only oxidizes the water. It is not a disinfectant, so it won’t kill bacteria. It has a low pH and dissolves quickly.

One other upside is that you can use your hot tub immediately after using a non-chlorine shock.

Note that you can also use chlorine-based shock even if you use bromine as your sanitizer. Since 2005, I have owned 4 different hot tubs and know how confusing it can be to choose the right chemicals.

Here’s a COMPLETE LIST of what products I recommend. They are the ones I use. Check them out.

Don’t forget to shock your spa every week! You will want to make sure you are shocking once a week to maintain a chlorine residual. If you use your hot tub a lot you will need to shock as well as add chlorine/bromine twice a week. pic.twitter.com/VRIW7FAEyB

— Backyard Pool & Spa (@BackyardPoolCo1) December 26, 2020

Do you need to shock a bromine spa?

You need to shock a bromine spa. In fact, all spas need to be shocked on a weekly basis, irrespective of the kind of sanitizer that is employed. Shocking a spa revitalizes the sanitizer and helps balance the water’s purity and clarity.

All sanitizers stop working after a while.

And while we add more sanitizer to keep the water clean, as the old sanitizer gets used up, potentially harmful by-products get released into the water. So shocking removes these.

Shock is used to boost the effectiveness of a sanitizer when it’s not working as it should. So, you would also want to use it even if bromine is your sanitizer of choice.

Even in a bromine spa, organic waste contaminants accumulate over time, making the water dirty and impure.

To optimize how well bromine is working and to rid your spa of all manner of impurities that could have a negative effect on bathers’ health and pleasure, it’s best to shock a spa on a regular basis, irrespective of the type of sanitizer you use.

What are the impurities that could make your sanitizer underperform? They include:

• Shampoo & conditioner
• Body oils
• Cosmetics
• Laundry detergent (on your clothes)
• Soap or body wash

Shocking a bromine spa activates the bromide ion. It has no disinfecting power, but it’s a good sanitizer.

A friend helped me move the hot tub so the oddly placed sewer cleanout can be accessed. Hopefully it’s warm enough to soak in after outrigger practice which I AM going to regardless of how behind I am at work.

Now bromine ducky swirls around in my witches brew of spa chemicals pic.twitter.com/3bVKkCjvLk

— Wild Celtic Rose (@awildcelticrose) June 11, 2019

How do I start my hot tub with bromine?

To start using bromine in a hot tub, put between 3 to 6 tablets in a floater and put it in the hot tub, or add ¼ cup of bromine powder or liquid. But if chlorine sanitizer had been used, wait to switch until a water change is done.

Chlorine and bromine sanitizer don’t mix with each other.

So for that reason, make sure to not mix the dry powders and don’t just add bromine if you’ve been using chlorine sanitizer.

Now having said that, it’s totally fine to use chlorine shock with bromine sanitizer.

The nice thing about tablets is that you can get in the hot tub immediately. But if you are using bromine in powder or liquid form, it is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes before you jump in.

And make sure to test the water first in case you were heavy-handed.

Now, bromine can be toxic at high levels. Bromine liquid can be corrosive to the skin. Its vapors can irritate the eyes and throat and are toxic to breathe in large quantities.

But it is not a carcinogen, and there’s really nothing to worry about. Just handle it with care. And always use a test strip to ensure the water’s chemistry is balanced before you get into the tub.

Based on my experience, I prefer bromine to chlorine. Why?

Chlorine is more sensitive to heat. It breaks down faster in hot temperatures, and you’ll have to add it more frequently. It’s cheaper, but you’ll ultimately have to use more.

And it can be harsh on the eyes and the skin. And there’s the “chlorine smell.” With bromine, there’s no smell, and it’s a lot easier on the eyes and skin.

Can you switch from chlorine to bromine? Yes. You can.

But note that bromine and chlorine must never be used together. And if you’re switching, you want to test the water to ensure that there is no residue of chlorine. And as I mentioned, ideally, just switch when you’re changing the water.

The chemicals you use are crucial to enjoying your hot tub and maintaining its components properly.

Here’s a COMPLETE LIST of what products I recommend. They are the ones I use. Check them out.

If you haven’t already, it’s highly recommended to protect the water in your pool this winter with an extra dose of chlorine or a non-chlorine “shock.” It can help preserve your water and eliminate microorganisms! #PoolNPlay pic.twitter.com/PPxkhCRZBH

— Pool ‘N Play (@poolnplay) March 1, 2019

What shock do I use with bromine in my hot tub?

Both chlorine and non-chlorine-based shocks can be used with bromine as the sanitizer. However, I will recommend that you use chlorine-based shock as it will result in less cloudy water.

I use chlorine-based shock because it is more effective than non-chlorine-based shock. It dissolves quickly and has a neutral pH level.

Both are excellent for restoring sanitizer levels. Non-chlorine-based shocks, on the other hand, are not effective in treating bacteria and algae and often leave the water cloudy.

Bromine or chlorine? Interested in knowing a bit more about both, right?

Check out a recent article I published. In it, I explained the difference between both, what both bromine and chlorine are and if bromine is more or less effective than chlorine. But I also revealed which one is better.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

2 people in a 350 gallon spa is the same as 300 people in a 35,000 gallon pool!! Don’t forget to shock your hot tub because it is just as important as shocking your pool. pic.twitter.com/rSFUh1KQpk

— Backyard Pool & Spa (@BackyardPoolCo1) July 24, 2021

Can you add shock and bromine at the same time to a hot tub?

Ideally, avoid adding bromine sanitizer and hot tub shock at the same time to avoid dangerously high levels. Bromine sanitizer is ideally added to the hot tub every 3-4 days using powder or liquid, whereas tablets can be added to a floater weekly.

Bromine should be used on its own, and then after some days, the hot tub should be shocked, especially if the hot tub has been used a lot by many people.

One of the main reasons for shocking a hot tub is to reactivate the sanitizer that has been used before. It stands to reason that it’s not ideal to use both sanitizer and shock at the same time.

So, is it okay to use chlorine shock in a bromine spa?

In a recent article, I explained if it is okay, the difference between chlorine and non-chlorine shock and if there is a need to shock a bromine spa. But I also explained if spa shock is the same as chlorine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Lots of people in the hot tub? Two people in a hot tub for 15 minutes uses 5 ppm of sanitizer. Remember to boost your sanitizer level with chlorine or bromine granules if you plan to extend your time in the tub. pic.twitter.com/Wx0YKpn2KX

— Aqua-Tech (@AquaTechWpg) December 28, 2021

What are the pros of using bromine sanitizer in a hot tub?

Some of the pros of using bromine sanitizer in a hot tub are it remains effective at higher pH levels than chlorine and is more stable at higher temperatures. Its by-product, bromamine, retains bacteria-killing power better than chlorine’s by-product, chloramines.

And bromine does not gas off the surface of the water like chlorine.

• It remains stable at higher temperatures
• It is easy to keep pH balanced
• It has little smell
• It kills bacteria and viruses effectively
• It is better for sensitive skin
• It does not have to be added as frequently

Let’s look at what some of the pros entail.

Bromine is more stable at higher temperatures. So it works more slowly and lasts longer. And the level of alkalinity and acidity (pH) of the water is more easily balanced when bromine is the sanitizer of choice.

This is a vital consideration because it relates to comfort and safety and the protection of hot tub internal components.

To protect these components and have a pleasant time using your hot tub, you have to use the right chemicals. Here you’ll find a list of the ones I have been using for a long time. Considering I have owned 4 hot tubs, these are the ones I highly recommend.

Let’s get back to what we were exploring.

We all know that “chlorine smell” we perceive at swimming pools. It’s the residue of chlorine after oxidation that gives off the unpleasant odor. Bromine, on the other hand, does not smell when it has morphed into bromamine.

Chlorine is stronger than bromine, but it is not stable in higher temperatures.

In effect, it is fast-acting and dissolves quickly. Bromine, on the other hand, works slowly. So you won’t need to add it to your hot tub water as frequently as you would if you were using chlorine.

What if you use chlorine? How soon after adding it can you use the hot tub?

That’s the theme of a recent article, where I explained how soon you’ll have to wait and if you can get in quicker if you use bromine instead. But I also revealed the safe levels for bromine and chlorine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

So chlorine vs bromine. Which is it? Both chlorine and bromine are great options to keep your hot tub water clean. Their effectiveness should not be in question. What it comes down to is your personal preference and sensitivities. Both options have pros and cons to consider. pic.twitter.com/SpCIe1K64y

— The Cover Guy (@TheCOVERGuy) March 3, 2021

What are the cons of using bromine sanitizer in a hot tub?

Some of the cons of using bromine sanitizer in a hot tub are it is harder to rinse off the skin, and it leaves the water cloudier than chlorine-based sanitizer. It is also more expensive than chlorine, although it can be added less often.

Let’s find out a bit more about some of the cons of bromine.

Earlier, we learned that bromine is stable at higher temperatures. But ultraviolet rays easily break it down. So, it won’t last as long as it should. Bromine leaves the hot tub water cloudy (but it’s not the sole reason the water could be cloudy).

It’s harder to get liquid bromine off one’s skin, and that can trigger irritation and burns. At first, you experience a cooling sensation, but that soon turns into a burning sensation!

Bromine is actually more expensive than chlorine. It’s almost double the price of the latter.

How about a guide on the right chemicals to use for your hot tub?

Check out this list where I compiled what I have been using for over 15 years. I highly recommend them.

Conclusion

In the article, we looked at the difference between bromine and shock and if there is a need to shock a bromine spa.

We also looked at how to get started using bromine and the kind of shock to use with bromine. Then, we explored if it is okay to use shock and bromine at the same time.

Lastly, we wrapped things up by exploring the pros and cons of using bromine.

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, cleaning filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.

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Photo that requires attribution:

Bubbles and Bubbly by Vanity Mirror is licensed under CC2.0 and was cropped, edited, and had a text overlay added.