Using Bromine w/ Hot tub that has an Ozonator

[butterflylove89]

I recently bought a brand new hot tub from a manufacturer on sale.

I paid an additional to have an ozonator installed.

I was told by the manufacturer not to use chlorine as it will destroy the hot tub after a few years.

The manufacture told me to use bromine tabs only (that are at least 90% bromine) in a floater (with 2-3 tabs) attached to a string and hook so that it doesn't float towards the filter.

They told me not to waste my money on any other products or chemicals except the bromine tablets and if i wanted to get a filter cleaner but they said don't buy test strips, or water clarifier, or ph balance, or alkalinity balance, etc.

I have others that have hot tubs and they were told they can use chlorine and it doesn't damage the hot tub and to use tests strips whether they decided to use bromine or chlorine.

I guess my concern here is that I am supposed to be using bromine tabs and nothing else at all and not even testing the ph or bromine levels to make sure it is safe to get in.

The manufacturer was pretty firm about not testing the water because it will drive me crazy trying to balance it when it doesn't need to be balance at all.

And doesn't the hot tub need to be shocked at least once a week to prevent bacteria growth? Are the bromine tabs alone supposed to do this?

[RDspaguy]

What brand is it? I need to call and have a chat with them.

We can provide you with all the info you need, but to save time I would suggest you google "bromine or chlorine in my spa?" For some basic info, then come back and hit us with your questions.

Anyone who tells you not to test your water has no business in this business.

[dlleno]

I've operated a bromine spa for 30 years, without even the thought of a floater or use of tablets.  

* A bromine spa can be maintained exactly like a chlorine spa that uses granular chlorine

* anyone who tells you not to use chlorine in a Spa is not playing with a full deck.  chlorine is the oxidizer present in bromine tablets 

* anyone who tells you to use test strips is not playing with a full deck.  drop test kits are affordable, easy to use, and accurate

*anyone who tells you not to use anything except bromine tablets is not playing with a full deck.  you should regularly purge your spa with a product mentioned on this forum, called "ahh-some" 

* Agree with the previous post - -you absolutely have to test and your water. get a Taylor test kit!  

by the way, ozone and bromine is a wonderful combination.  if your spa has been properly purged (not harboring any biofilms) you can actually see that the ozone generator will produce small amounts of bromine.   I have personally maintained .5ppm ish bromine, under optimum (no load) conditions  with just ozone.