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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 cupro-nickel heat exchanger. Do not put more salt in your system than the
quantity recommended by the manufacturer of the salt chlorinator and do not exceed
the recommended concentration. Usually, if the water tastes salted, it contains too much salt
and can damage the heat exchanger of the pool heat pump.
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.