Chlorine, Bromine, Salt. What’s the best?

Hot tubs are a great way to relax and unwind, but they require proper chemical treatment including some kind of sanitizer to keep them safe and enjoyable. Chlorine, bromine, and salt water are all options for chemical treatment, but which one is the best? Let's take a closer look at the differences between chlorine, bromine, and salt water for hot tub chemical treatment and why bromine is the best option.

Chlorine is the most common chemical used for hot tubs, but it can be harsh on the skin and eyes. It also has a strong odour that some people find unpleasant. Chlorine is effective at killing bacteria, but it needs to be replaced regularly and can be difficult to maintain as your pH needs to be almost perfect for it to be effective.

Bromine is a softer alternative to chlorine and is gentler on skin and eyes. It has a milder odour than chlorine and is more stable in hot water, so it doesn't need to be replaced as often. Bromine is also effective at killing bacteria and is easier to maintain than chlorine. All of our weekly treatment customers are on a bromine system.

Salt water is sold as a natural option for hot tubs, but in fact it only converts salt into chlorine. Salt water hot tubs are not a chemical free experience, it’s just a different way of getting chemical. I used to also sell salt systems for hot tubs for years, and I was a large believer in the product. I was saddened though, when my client’s salt water hot tubs were corroding after only a few years. It seems to me that, having that much salt in a hot tub, is not good for the metal components inside the tub including the heating system.

When it comes to hot tub chemical treatment, bromine is the best option. It is gentler on skin and eyes than chlorine, has a milder odour, and is more stable in hot water. Bromine is also effective at killing bacteria and is easier to maintain than chlorine or salt water. So if you're looking for a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience, bromine is the way to go! It's gentle, effective, and easy to maintain, so you can relax and enjoy your hot tub without worrying about chemical maintenance.