|
SWIMMING POOLS
BROMINE
Switching From Bromine To Chlorine (6/1/98)
Keeping Bromine Level Up In Pool (5/12/98)
Chlorine Allergy / Switching To Bromine (4/27/98)
Switching From Bromine To Chlorine (6/1/98)
Q:
I recently purchased a home where the previous owner used Bromine. I have had excellent success with chlorine in the past. Considering the cost difference, is there a way to convert from Bromine to Chlorine without draining the pool?
S.S. - Jarrettsville, MD
A:
It was very perceptive of you to realize that there is a problem with the switch.
So long as there are bromide ions (end product of using bromine), the addition of chlorine will result in the formation of bromine at the expense of the chlorine.
You will in this scenario, use more chlorine than would be used if bromine was never used in the past. There are some advantages: less odor, more flexibility with pH.
Why not just switch to chlorine and monitor the chlorine usage. It might not be significantly higher than you have anticipated. As time goes by, the bromide levels will drop and more chlorine will remain. Plan "B" is the last resort.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Keeping Bromine Level Up In Pool (5/12/98)
Q:
I changed to bromine from chlorine last year in a gunnite pool. Even with a proper chemical balance I can not get the bromine level up above 1.0 with 1" tablets. I use floating dispensers and on occasion have tried adding the tablets to the skimmer. Any suggestions would be appreciated
T.J. - Bartlesville, OK
A:
Either you are not dissolving enough bromine or the bather load is high or both.
An in-line brominator should be able to allow you to better control the amount of bromine added over a period of time. Always try to keep feeder filled with bromine tablets in order to speed up dissolution. You could supplement the bromine additions by shocking periodically, as required, with a non-chlorine product such as: SUN Brite.
Your local pool professional should be able to suggest a brominator.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Chlorine Allergy / Switching To Bromine (4/27/98)
Q:
I have a skin allergy to chlorine and any product which contains it. My friend has a pool and uses bromine. Do you feel I would have the same reaction to this chemical? If makes any difference I also experience this condition with suntan lotions which contain the ingredient PABA.
T.D. - Candia, NH
A:
Chlorine and bromine are in the same family of elements and do share similar chemistry. Chlorine forms irritating and odorous and ineffective by-products called chloramines under the conditions of swimming pool use. Under these same conditions, bromine forms bromamines. However bromines are non-odorous, non-irritating and still effective as sanitizers. I have encountered many people over the years, who have found the switch helpful. Have you sought a medical opinion???
Switching to bromine will cost more, but if it helps it is worth it. No special steps are required. If shock is required use a non-chlorine product such as: Sun-Brite.
I hope this will prove helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan |
