2) Bromine
Bromine is a very good sanitizer. It is safe and practical. It does not require any stabilizer and it does not cause irritation nor has any odor. Furthermore, its efficiency is independent from pH of water. However, it is acid and it destroys TA. Water that is acid and low in TA becomes corrosive and disintegrates metallic pieces of the pool system, including the heat exchanger of your pool heat pump. Therefore, it is imperative to test water frequently, even if water is very clear, to avoid problems caused by water acidity. Acid water is often very clear because it is free of microorganisms, but it is damageable and of bad quality.
NOTE: with bromine, it is possible to use what is called a brominator. A brominator is an automatic bromine distribution system, but in no case it is controlling pH and TA of water. Thinking their system is completely automatic, users of those systems often
neglect to test their water. Moreover, make sure that your heat pump installer has modified the circuit of your brominator in a manner to prevent it from pouring out its concentrated solution of bromine into the pool heat pump. (See p.7)
3) Sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine)
Liquid chlorine is completely soluble in water and does not leave any residue in pool water, but it decomposes rapidly, even when stored, and require usage of a stabilizer like cyanuric acid. As it is alkaline, it contributes to raise pH and TA. High pH and TA can contribute to the formation of a deposit of limestone on the condenser of the heat pump, creating an isolating layer on the heat exchanger and reducing the heat pump efficiency.
4) Calcium Hypochlorite (granular or stick chlorine)
Granular chlorine is easy to use and dissolves rapidly. On the other hand, it increases pH, TA and calcium hardness significantly. Like with liquid chlorine, high calcium hardness, pH and TA can contribute to the formation of an isolating layer on the heat exchanger reducing the heat pump efficiency.
5) Salt Generated Chlorine
A salt chlorinator produces bleach and other components through the electrolysis of salted water. The proccess does not affect pH nor TA. However, users of those systems must test their pool water on a regular basis since pH and TA may vary because of other factors.
Salt concentration must also be tested because a salted solution contains ions that may corrode the
NOTE: Other types of sanitizers exist; all of them have their advantages and inconveniences. What is truly important to keep in mind is that pool water is something that should be maintained regularly and that should be balanced according to standards established throughout the pool and spa industry.
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