Sanitizer

Bromine

Sanitizer that has a low odour and is suitable for indoor and outdoor swimming pools, but is more commonly used for spas as it is heavier and evaporates less.

• Effects on pH: Small declination.
• pH: 4,5.
• Appearance: 2-part liquid system or sticks.
• Pros: Low odour. Effective at high temperatures. Easy storage. Safe.
• Cons: Cannot be used as shock treatment. Request more ppm to be as active as chlorine
• Use: Direct or dispenser.
• Cost: High (3 times more expensive than chlorine).

Iodine

White crystalline product which dissolves in water. Only suitable to destroy bacteria. It must be combined with another sanitizer (such as chlorine) to effectively treat water.

• Effects on pH: None.
• pH:Neutral.
• Appearance: Powder.
• Pros: Does not discolour hair or bathing suits and does not irritate the eyes). Effectively kills bacteria.
• Cons: Only kill bacteria, must be combined with another sanitizer.
• Use: Direct or dispenser.
• Cost: Medium to high.

Ozone

Oxidizing gas is highly effective and inexpensive. It kills bacteria and oxidizes chloramines, soaps, body fat and particles of bathers without altering the water pH level. It is generated by an ultraviolet lamp.

• Effects on pH: None.
• pH: Neutral.
• Appearance: Gas.
• Pros: Very good oxidant. Low production cost. Safe.  Leaves no residues.
• Cons: It must be combined with a halogen (chlorine or bromine) to destroy algae in water.
• Use: Tube with UV lamp.
• Cost: Initial high, then low.

Oxidant without chlorine

These products can oxidize organic particulate matter, in addition to reducing the formation of combined chlorine or chloramines.

• Effects on pH: None.
• pH: Neutral.
• Appearance: Powder.
• Pros: Very good oxidant. Excellent to clarify cloudy water without raising the level of free chlorine.
• Cons: Does not sanitize.
• Use: Direct.
• Cost: Medium.

Silver or copper

Silver nitrate has bactericidal properties. It is used to treat water by electrolysis (passing an electric current through silver electrodes).

• Effects on pH: None.
• pH: Neutral.
• Appearance: Electricity.
• Pros: Effectively kills bacteria.
• Cons: Silver is expensive and may leave black deposits on walls.
• Use: By electrolysis.
• Cost: High.

Electrolyte (Salt system)

This device allows the generation of chlorine which undergoes electrolysis due to an electric current exerted on two metal plates. This method is increasingly popular and is a good alternative.

• Effects on pH: Regular using caustic weld.
• pH: Neutral.
• Appearance: Gas.
• Pros: The water is softer thanks to salt. Chlorine is not irritating. Continuous and renewable generation. Treats water completely.
• Cons: High initial cost.
• Use: Salt chlorine generator.
• Cost: Initial high, then low.

Chlorine

Most commonly use on the market and is available in various forms. Ideal for indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

• 	hlorine - gas	Sodium Hypochlorite	Calcium Hypochlorite	Lithium Hypochlorite	Di-chlor	Tri-chlor
  % of available chlorine	100%	12% to 15%	65% to 70%	35%	56% or 62%	90%
  Effects on pH	Decrease	Increase	Increase	Increase	Neutral	Decrease
  pH	<1	13	11,8	10,7	6,9	2,9
  Loss(due to sun exposure)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
  Appearance	Gas	Liquid	Granules and Tablets	Powder	Granules	Granules and Tablets
  Pros	Concentration of available chlorine is 100%. Very cheap.	Easy to get. Safe.	Excellent for super-chlorination	Chlorinator with reservoir	Direct or dispenser	Direct or dilute
  Cons	Extremely toxic. Strict safety rules. Complex Equipment. Very Low pH.	Hard to store. Really High pH.	Can cause turbidity. Dangerous if mixed. High pH.	Low	Low	Medium
  Use	Chlorateur avec réservoir	Directe ou pompe doseuse	Directe ou diluée	Directe	Directe	Doseur
  Cost	Low	Low	Medium	High	Medium	Medium

 

Effects of pH on the active Chlorine form

• pH	1	2	3	4	5	6	6,5	7	7,2	7,6	8	8,5	9	10
  % of active Chlorine	20	72	90	96	100	95	90	73	66	45	21	10	5	0