What is the acceptable level of bromine for a swimming pool?

The acceptable level of bromine for a swimming pool is typically maintained between 3 to 5 parts per million (ppm). Bromine functions as a sanitizer, helping to keep water clean and free from harmful bacteria. Maintaining the bromine level in this range ensures that it is effective in disinfecting the pool while also being safe for swimmers. Specifically, a level of 5 ppm is at the upper end of the acceptable range, giving a robust level of sanitation, especially in pools that experience heavy use or warmer temperatures, which can accelerate the growth of bacteria and algae.

In contrast, lower levels, such as 1 ppm, may not provide sufficient sanitation, while higher levels, such as 8 ppm, could potentially irritate swimmers and cause unwanted side effects without delivering any additional benefit in terms of disinfection. Thus, the choice of 5 ppm reflects an effective balance between safety and sanitation in swimming pool maintenance.