Sanitizers for Pool and Spa Water Care

Sanitizers are the most critical component of your pool or spa maintenance routine. While filters remove physical debris, sanitizers work at a microscopic level to kill bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, ensuring the water is safe for your family to swim in. Without a consistent sanitizing strategy, stagnant water quickly becomes a breeding ground for algae and harmful microorganisms.

For most homeowners, the goal is to maintain a "residual" level of protection. This means having enough active sanitizer in the water at all times to neutralize contaminants the moment they enter. Whether you prefer the classic efficiency of Chlorine, the heat-stable nature of Bromine, or the automated ease of Saltwater systems, choosing the right sanitizer depends on your equipment, your water temperature, and how often you use your pool. Modern "alternative" systems like Mineral Sanitizers or Ozone are also available to help you reduce chemical consumption while keeping the water feeling soft and crystal clear.

Q: What is the difference between Free Chlorine and Total Chlorine?
A: Free Chlorine is the active "worker" chemical available to kill germs. Total Chlorine includes both those workers and "Combined Chlorine" (chloramines), which are the used-up chemicals that cause the strong "pool smell" and eye irritation.

Q: Can I use pool chlorine tablets in my hot tub or spa?
A: No. Pool tablets are typically made of Trichlor, which is highly acidic and dissolves too quickly in hot water. This can damage your spa’s shell and equipment. Always use products specifically labeled for spa use, like Bromine or granular chlorine.

Q: Why does my sanitizer level drop so fast in the summer?
A: The sun’s UV rays can destroy up to 90% of your chlorine in just two hours. To prevent this, you must use a Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid), which acts like "sunscreen" for your chlorine molecules.

Q: Do saltwater pools still use chlorine?
A: Yes. A salt system uses a process called electrolysis to turn dissolved salt into chlorine. You still have a chlorine pool, but the machine generates it automatically so you don't have to add tablets or liquid manually.

Q: Is Bromine better than Chlorine for indoor pools?
A: Generally, yes. Bromine is more stable in warm water and its "used up" byproducts (bromamines) still have sanitizing power and don't produce the harsh odors that used-up chlorine (chloramines) does in enclosed spaces.