Comparison of Sanitizers

Bromine generally comes as tablets that go into a floater dispenser in the spa. Bromine requires an oxidizer to activate it and generally contains some chlorine to do so. Ozone will work well with bromine to maintain bromine levels since ozone is an oxidizer. Bromine tends to be popular due to it's convenience.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Convenient to use...put tablets into floater and refill every 10 to 14 days.
• Readily available...most pool and spa dealers carry it.
• Can be used with ozone
• Does not have "chlorine smell"
• No difference between the effectiveness of free vs. combined bromine

• Has low pH (aprox. 3.5 - 4.5)...pH levels need to be adjusted frequently to prevent equipment damage.
• More expensive than chlorine
• Can not be used with Nature2
• Bromine odor is more difficult to shower off
• Requires the use of 'sodium bromide' when water is changed to establish a bromine reserve

Chlorine has been used the longest in the spa industry. It comes in granular form and ideally should be dissolved in water before adding to your spa. The biggest drawback to spa chlorine is that it will add stabilizer to your water. Necessary to protect the chlorine from sunlight, high levels of stabilizer can reduce chlorines effectiveness. Chlorine tends to be popular due to it's ease of use and low cost.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• More neutral pH...sodium di-chlor has a pH of 7.0
• Readily available...Most Pool and Spa dealers carry it.
• Less expensive than bromine
• Can be used as sanitizer and also as "shock"
• Can be used with ozone and Nature2

• Less convenient...needs to be added manually several times a week.
• Confusion of varieties...Numerous types are available, only sodium di-chlor should be used in spas.
• Combined chlorines cause the "odor" but has no sanitizing ability

Ozone has become the most popular chemical-free sanitizer in the last few years. Depending on it's application, it may or may not be very effective.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Reduces required amount of bromine or chlorine
• Most new spas come "ozone ready" for easy installation
• Easily connected to most spas
• Can be used with bromine , chlorine, or Nature2

• Needs to be supplemented with chlorine or bromine
• Can be expensive...$150 - $500 depending on application
• Bulb needs replacing every 2-4 years
• Should not be used on indoor spas

Nature2 (and other mineral cartridges) is one of the newer sanitizing methods. Nature2 is not a primary sanitizer and needs to be used with chlorine. It seems to work very well and is based on the same principle as an ionizer, without the electricity.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Easy to use...fits in filter
• Lasts 4 months
• Can be used with chlorine or ozone
• No chemical smells

• Need to shock frequently with chlorine or non-chlorine shock
• May be difficult to locate...though we do carry it
• Can not be used with bromine

Though they tend to be expensive, many people swear by sanitation with ionizers.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Uses copper and silver for sanitizing...similar to the space shuttle.
• No chemical odors
• Can be used on indoor spas
• Has no effect on pH levels

• Copper and Silver rods need to be replaced every year or two
• Very expensive (not ours)
• Kills organic matter, but doesn't oxidize them
• Spa still needs to be chemically shocked occasionally

Some people love it and some people hate it. The major complaint has to do with all the products you have to buy and the cost.

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Easy to use...just add once a week
• Doesn't use chlorine or bromine so no "smell"
• Good choice for those with a chemical sensitivity to chlorine or bromine

• Very expensive...available only from authorized dealers
• If not used properly can discolor some plastics
• Filter cleaning is much more frequent and involved
• Will not kill algae and is prone to white water mold and pink slime
• Baqua Spa can eat some plastics...some manufacturers will void warranty if product is used