Bromine and Biguanide Pool Systems
<h2>Bromine and Biguanide Pool Systems</h2>
<h3>Bromine Systems</h3>
Bromine has two advantages over chlorine. When bromine combines with ammonia to form bromamines, it still sanitizes as apposed to chlorine, which does not. Also bromamines are not irritating to the skin and eyes, as chloramines are. Bromine pools also need to be shocked. Since bromine is a mild oxidizer compared to chlorine, it is not as effective against algae. Bromine cannot be stabilized to delay deterioration from sunlight. Bromine concentrations should be kept around 1-3ppm, just like chlorine.
<h3>Biguanide Systems</h3>
Biguanide systems have three effective agents: sanitizer, shock, and algaecide. Biguanides are sanitizers made of a very long chain of polymers. Biguanides should be kept around 30-50ppm. Unless there has been heavy rainfall or lots of pool usage, the sanitizer level only needs to be tested once per week. Biguanide sanitizers are not affected by heat or sunlight. This means they do not burn off faster in hot weather.
To shock a biguanide pool, a liquid is added whose active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide to burn off organic matter. This type of pool system should be shocked once per month. If you have consistent problems with slime or algae, test the water for the hydrogen peroxide level. Then it may be a good idea to ask us at Central Jersey Pools for help.
Algaecide should be added once per week. The amount should be consistent with the recommendations of the manufacture. Some algaecides cause the pool to foam, and at high levels, can interfere with the results of your sanitizer test kit.
With Biguanide systems, it is very important to make sure that chemicals are compatible. You can ask us at Central Jersey Pools, or view the article on chemical compatibility to see what chemicals are compatible.