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Chlorine
The most economical and convenient choice
is Stabilized Chlorinating Tablets or Sticks. This type of
chlorine is not affected as much by sunlight. Dispense Tablets or Sticks
by placing them in a chlorinator, a floating feeder or in a
skimmer basket. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
has determined that a level of 1.0 - 1.5 ppm (parts
per million) of available chlorine at all times must be
maintained for the swimming pool water to kill bacteria,
algae and other micro-organisms. By using slow dissolving
tablet you will be able to provide 24 hour sanitization to
your swimming pool.
If you are just starting up your pool,
you may need a bit higher concentrations of chlorine because
of organics and contaminants before you started using
chlorine. Be sure to use a test kit often during this time
to determine the correct levels of chlorine has been
reached.
A few of the factors that determine how
much sanitization costs you will incur include Temperature,
Bathing load, Rainfall and pH. The warmer the pool water the
greater the use of chlorine. In fact, pool water 80°- 85° F
will require twice the amounts of chlorine as pool water
that is 60° - 65° F. The greater the bathing load and
rainfall the more chlorine you will tend to use. Rainwater
will also decrease pH levels and the lower the pH the higher
the use of chlorine will be needed. Proper control of Total
Alkalinity will prevent low pH and will greatly help save on
chemical costs.
If you prefer to sanitize your pool by
hand then Stabilized Chlorinating Granules is the proper
choice. These are rapidly soluble in all water temperatures
and provide the same 24 hour protection that you get from
slow dissolving tablets or sticks.
Bromine
Bromine is the preferred alternative to
chlorine and is a great option for use in swimming pools,
spas and hot tubs. Bromine is less harsh on skin, eyes, hair
and swim-wear and bromine usually produces less odor making
it ideal for indoor swimming pools. The only problem with
bromine is that is dissolves at a much slower rate compared
to chlorine and so a dispenser or feeder must be used for
effective bromine use. Bromine is especially effective at
higher water temperatures so consider using bromine if you
use a
swimming pool heater.
Although Chlorine and Bromine both kill
bacteria and harmful contaminants, they react to these
contaminants in very different ways. The main difference
worthy to note is that when chlorine comes in contact with
bacteria or harmful organics, most of the chlorine is used
up to kill these organics and will no longer serve to be
useful in sanitizing your pool. This will be burned off when
you apply the next Shock treatment to your pool water and
will be removed by the filter. When Bromine comes in contact
with organics they neutralize but still remain active. A
shock treatment will burn off the harmful contaminants but
still leave a portion of the bromine behind in the swimming
pool. The result is that significantly less bromine is
necessary to sanitize your pool over a long time.
Note: Although Bromine is less harsher
on the skin and eyes and has less odors, people who are
allergic to chlorine may still be allergic to bromine.
Please refer to a physician about your allergies.
WARNING: Pool chemicals are dangerous and should be kept
out of reach of children. Please be sure to read and refer
to the product labels and use appropriately as per
instructions to avoid adverse reactions.
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