Why to Test for Bromine in a Pool

Role of Bromine

• Bromine acts in a similar way to chlorine and sanitizes pool and spa water. It kills bacteria, algae and other microorganisms that get deposited in the water by wind, rain and on the bodies of swimmers. Regular testing to determine the levels of bromine in the pool is crucial in maintaining the health of the water. The ideal reading for bromine content in water is between 2.5 and 4.0 parts per million. This will ensure that there is enough bromine present to both perform routine upkeep and maintenance as well as destroy any new intruders into the pool.

Factors Impacting Bromine Levels

• Bromine testing should be conducted several times a week, because there are a wide range of factors that impact the amount of active bromine. Rain water and storms can dilute the water, reducing the percentage of active chemical. Sunlight and heat can render bromine partially ineffective, and periods where the pool is in heavy use can use up the free bromine faster than during slow times. Other factors such as the amount of contaminants in the pool can also impact bromine levels; when high winds and rain deposit large amounts of bacteria and organisms into the water, the levels can quickly drop below what is needed.

Consequences of Low Bromine

• If the bromine levels drop too low in the pool, it can mean bacteria and other organisms can start to multiply. This can make bathers and swimmers ill from the exposure. There is also the likelihood that algae will begin to gain a foothold in the pool. There is always algae present in the air and in the water, and the appropriate levels of bromine will help keep growth in check. Frequent testing will allow you to continue maintaining these levels, to prevent problems down the road. Preventive maintenance can be much easier than dealing with the consequences of low bromine content in the water.

High Bromine

• It is rare to have a pool or spa that develops a high bromine problem, as the bromine is constantly being used up, broken down and removed from the water. It is possible, however, and finding levels of more and 7.5 parts per millions will indicate there is too much present in the water. Usually simply waiting a few days without adding any of the chemical is enough to return levels to an acceptable amount. Swimmers exposed to this high level of the chemical can experience skin and eye irritation similar to the effects of too much chlorine.