POOLPAK TECHNICAL LIBRARY
Bromine Pools
An Intro to Treating Swimming Pools with Bromine
Chlorine remains the #1 used and approved chemical treatment for indoor pools. However, we
continue to find out more about the corrosive and deleterious health impacts of airborne chloramines
and the more than 600 other Disinfection ByProducts (DBP) of a chlorine pool. As a result, the search
for alternatives to chlorine or supplementary treatments to minimize chlorine use is ongoing.
The only other EPA approved chemical for indoor pools is bromine. A halogen in the same group as
chlorine, bromine occurs naturally in ocean water as a salt. For swimming pools, bromine performs
similarly on bacteria and viruses at a slightly higher residual (3-4ppm) than chlorine. Because of its
increased resistance to degradation from higher temperatures, it is the preferred chemical treatment for spas and hot-tubs.
The main benefit to bromine is that the chloramine-equivalent, bromamine, is a non-issue for bromine pools. In fact,
bromamine is as effective for disinfection as both free chlorine and bromine. Bromamine is also a lot less likely to gas off
from the water. See the below comparative list with respect to chlorine.
The Good
The Bad
• Bromamine is as effective at disinfecting as free bromine
• More expensive in annual chemical costs
• No similar airborne chloramine issues (odor, respiratory
irritation, and metal surface corrosion)
• A weak oxidizer, bromine may require occasional
oxidizer shock to rid the water of organic wastes
• Bromine can be regenerated from bromide ions by
adding oxidizer (chlorine, or non-chlorine shock)
• Does not wash off in the shower as well as chlorine
• Bromine can be automatically generated or fed similar to
chlorine: electrolytic generation, erosion feed, or other
• Not suitable for outdoor pools, bromine degrades
rapidly with sunlight and cannot be stabilized with
cyanuric acid
• Allergic skin reactions more likely (ie. “hot tub rash”)
• Carcinogenic DBP’s still form (ie. bromoform)
POOLPAK TECHNICAL LIBRARY
References:
1. Webb, Scott. “Bromine in Swimming Pools?” AquaMagazine.com. 13 June 2013. 04 April 2014.
http://aquamagazine.com/content/post/Bromine-in-Swimming-Pools.aspx
2. “Bromoform (CASRN 75-25-2).” Integrated Risk Information System. EPA.GOV. 04 April 2014.
http://www.epa.gov/ncea/iris/subst/0214.htm
3. Barlowe, Barrett. “Skin Problems Caused by Swimming Pool Bromine.” Livestrong.com. 16 Aug 2013. 04 April 2014.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/267393-skin-problems-caused-by-swimming-pool-bromine/
Other PoolPak® Technical Library Literature
POOLPAK TECHNICAL LIBRARY
Air Distribution
Why is Controlling Humidity Important?
A high level of humidity in an indoor pool enclosure affects
both the comfort and health of the occupants. The moisture
suspended in the air condenses on cooler surfaces adding
to maintenance costs. Chloramines in the condensate are
corrosive and will severely attack metallic surfaces.
A PoolPak® Environmental Control System is the best
method for removing unwanted moisture. It continually
monitors the enclosure space and water temperatures,
outside temperature and humidity levels then automatically
maintains the conditions to the predetermined set points.
A PoolPak® dehumidifier will reduce operating costs by
recycling the heat recovered during the dehumidification
phase back to the pool water or air space.
condensing temperatures, including all walls, windows and
skylights.
Careful consideration must be given to the location of
supply air ducts, the location of the air return grill, use of
moisture barriers and door/window insulation values. By
combining the proven results of a PoolPak® system along
with good duct design, you can be assured of maintaining
a safe and pleasant environment for many years.
Below Grade Ducting
But even a high performance dehumidifier like the PoolPak®
cannot maintain ideal conditions if the air distribution system
is designed improperly. The objective of an air distribution
system within an indoor pool facility is to maximize airflow
of warm, dry supply air over any surface that is prone to
Below grade ducting takes advantage of warm air’s natural
tendency to rise. As the warm, dry supply air rises; it picks
up moisture for return to the dehumidification system. Wall
“washing” with air reduces the incidence of cool dead air
spaces that may form on the windows or walls. This cooler
air will migrate down the wall and across the floor resulting
in bather discomfort as it reaches the pool’s edge.
Below Grade Ducting
Ceiling Ducting
SUPPLY AIR TO SKYLIGHTS
POOLPAK DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM
© 2016 PoolPak LLC All rights reserved.
RETURN AIR
SUPPLY AIR BLOWING UP
FROM BELOW-GRADE DUCTS
COVERING WINDOWS AND
MOISTURE-EXPOSED AREAS
All the Information You Need to Know About Indoor Pools The PoolPak® Technical Library
offers informative literature on indoor pool topics that help you maintain a healthy and
efficient pool room environment. Please visit www.poolpak.com to download these useful
guides and see how to properly maintain your indoor pool and natatorium investment.
SUPPLY AIR TO SKYLIGHTS
POOLPAK DEHUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM
RETURN AIR
SUPPLY AIR BLOWING DOWN FROM
SOFFIT DUCTS COVERING WINDOWS
AND MOISTURE-EXPOSED AREAS
Air Distribution | 1
With more than 45 years of experience in indoor pool dehumidification equipment manufacturing, PoolPak® LLC is the most well-known brand in the
industry. Our people and products work daily to improve the quality and comfort of indoor pool environments. PoolPak® dehumidification solutions include
a variety of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, in addition to an industry-leading PoolPak® support network. For more information, please
visit www.PoolPak.com.
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