Can bromine be used for the disinfection of swimming pools?
Bromine substances are disinfectants and can be used as an alternative for chlorine. In swimming pools, bromine is used against the formation and growth of algae, bacteria and odors in swimming water. Bromine-chlorine-dimethylhydantoine (BCDMH) is an organic substance, after disinfection and oxidation free bromine remains. When BCDMH is dissolved in water, hypobromous acid and hypochlorous acid are released. Those substances react with bromides (Br–), causing additional hypobromous acid to be produced. This is why bromine can be used both as a disinfectant and as an oxidizing agent. The concentration of BCDMH in water should not reach 200 mg/L or higher, otherwise the equilibrium between the residual disinfectant and the organic matter is disturbed. An advantage of BCDMH is that it is harmless when it is stored. It is easy to apply. Occasionally, the pH value has to be adjusted. BCDMH is provided as tablets or cartridges. It has a long shelf life and it dissolves very slowly. Another s
