New spa startup bromine levels question

mihzyd777 · Jan 29, 2024

Ok so I followed the instructions on starting up new spa with Sodium bromide and shock with liquid chlorine. I did this at 1:30pm today. It shot way up as expected but it is now 8:30pm I can't seem to get it the bromine below 16-18ppm yet and I haven't even put the bromine floater in yet.
Just fyi I am using a Taylor k-2006 so measuring Free & Combined Chlorine and then multiplying the results by 2.25 which gives me 18ppm.
Is that right?
This is killing me because my poor 8 year old wants to try the spa out so bad but I believe is has to be below 10ppm to be safe right?

Mdragger88 · Jan 30, 2024

You did the math fine

& you’re correct- its no bueno until it’s 10ppm total Br or less.
I know its dark now but tomorrow leave the cover off when the sun is out to help lower total br level if you can do so safely. Bromine gets broken down by the sun as it doesn’t have any protection. Aeration (running the jets) may help off gas a little as well.
Next time go easier on the liquid chlorine - you can always add more if needed but as you see it’s impossible to unbake the cake

mihzyd777 · Jan 30, 2024

Mdragger88 said:
You did the math fine
& you’re correct- its no bueno until it’s 10ppm total Br or less.
I know its dark now but tomorrow leave the cover off when the sun is out to help lower total br level if you can do so safely. Bromine gets broken down by the sun as it doesn’t have any protection. Aeration (running the jets) may help off gas a little as well.
Next time go easier on the liquid chlorine - you can always add more if needed but as you see it’s impossible to unbake the cake

So still high this morning. Is it safe to add a Chlorine/Bromine neutralizer that I can get at Leslie pool supply? Or will that cause other unwanted issues?

Thanks!

Mdragger88 · Jan 30, 2024

mihzyd777 said:
So still high this morning. Is it safe to add a Chlorine/Bromine neutralizer that I can get at Leslie pool supply? Or will that cause other unwanted issues?

Thanks!

What chem are you planning to buy?
Got any hydrogen peroxide laying around?
I am sure it’s much cheaper than anything @ “L’s”
Here’s some instructions on how to use it for lowering Total Br.
Go easy- you can always add more.
Post in thread 'How do I use Bromine in my spa (or pool)?'
How do I use Bromine in my spa (or pool)?