You may have heard recently that Bromine Granules as used in Hot Tubs are being banned in the UK. We wanted to give you more information as to why.
Why are Bromine Granules being withdrawn?
Following Brexit, Great Britain introduced its own regulatory framework for biocidal products, including chemicals used in pool and hot tub sanitisers. Products that were already on the market were required to undergo a new approval process to remain authorised for sale in Great Britain.
When regulatory support for a chemical expires, another company or organisation can choose to sponsor and support its approval. However, the cost of this process can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. In the case of bromine granules, no participant has come forward to support the approval process, meaning the product will no longer be authorised for sale in Great Britain.
This decision is administrative and commercial rather than safety-related. There are no new safety concerns that have led to the withdrawal of bromine granules from the market.
Whilst we continue to hold stock of Bromine Granules these will be phased out over the coming months and no longer available for sale after 1st April 2027 in line with the ban. As of 1st October 2027 consumers are banned from using Bromine Granules.
Are Bromine Tablets affected?
Bromine tablets (BCDMH) are registered as a separate active substance from bromine granules and are therefore unaffected by the current regulatory changes. The review of BCDMH is not due for several more years, meaning bromine tablets remain approved for sale in Great Britain.
Looking further ahead, it is possible that bromine tablets could face similar regulatory challenges in the future, particularly given decisions that have been taken within the EU. However, no such decision has been made in Great Britain at this time. Based on the current regulatory timetable, we would expect bromine tablets to remain available for at least the next two years.
What can I use instead of Bromine Granules?
There is no exact replacement for bromine granules, but there are several alternatives that can help you achieve a similar result.
Bromine granules are particularly effective at quickly boosting bromine levels in your hot tub and are often used alongside slow-dissolving bromine tablets. If bromine granules are no longer available, the following options can help maintain or increase sanitiser levels:
1. Use Non-Chlorine Shock – Non-Chlorine Shock can be used to regenerate spent bromine and increase the amount of active sanitiser in the water.
Whilst it will not raise bromine levels quite as rapidly as bromine granules, it is an effective way to boost sanitising power. It also offers additional benefits, including helping to oxidise contaminants, improve water clarity, and reduce unpleasant odours.
2. Use Chlorine Granules – Chlorine Granules can also be used to increase the sanitising level in a bromine-based hot tub.
Many hot tub owners are surprised to learn that chlorine can be used in a bromine system. In reality, chlorine activates bromide ions in the water, converting them into active bromine. This means that adding chlorine can effectively boost your total bromine reading and restore sanitising performance.
It’s also worth noting that bromine granules themselves contain a significant proportion of chlorine-based compounds, so this approach is not as different as it may first appear.
Which Option Is Best?
For most bromine users, we recommend continuing to use bromine tablets as your primary sanitiser and using Non-Chlorine Shock as your regular oxidiser. If you need a rapid increase in sanitiser levels, chlorine granules can be used as an effective alternative to bromine granules.
This combination should allow existing bromine users to continue operating their hot tubs successfully, even after bromine granules are withdrawn from the market.
Should I switch to Chlorine completely?
Chlorine is highly effective, widely available, easy to manage and typically costs less than bromine. While the recent regulatory changes affecting bromine granules may prompt some customers to consider alternatives. Chlorine systems are simple to operate, the products are readily available, and ongoing maintenance costs are usually lower than with bromine.
How Do I Switch from Bromine to Chlorine?
Changing from a bromine system to a chlorine system is straightforward, but it is important to start with fresh water.
- Perform a flush, drain and refill of your hot tub.
- Once refilled, balance your water as normal.
- Shock the water with chlorine during start-up.
- Begin maintaining your sanitiser levels with chlorine granules.
You can continue using most of the chemicals and accessories you already own, including:
The only products you’ll typically need to change are:
- Chlorine Granules as your primary sanitiser
- Chlorine Test Strips
What About My Existing Bromine Tablets?
If you still have bromine tablets, we would recommend continuing to use them until they are used up rather than switching immediately. However, if you’re starting fresh, now may be a good opportunity to move to a chlorine-based system and avoid any future uncertainty surrounding bromine products.
O-Care – Safe, Soft and Simple to Use.
Here at Yorkshire Hot Tubs we also recommend using O-Care, a weekly salt mineral blend water treatment that works alongside your existing sanitiser.
Using O-Care reduces chemical use up to 78%, increases the longevity of hot tub parts and leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling fresh after using your hot tub.
