Why is bromine sometimes used as a disinfectant?

Bromine is often used as a disinfectant because it remains effective in higher temperatures and more stable than chlorine under these conditions. This characteristic makes bromine particularly advantageous for use in hot tubs and spa environments where the water temperature can significantly exceed that of regular swimming pools. Additionally, when bromine interacts with organic matter in water, it combines to form bromamines, which still possess disinfecting properties. This means that even after it has reacted, bromine continues to work as a sanitizer, maintaining water quality effectively.

While other options might be considered, they don't fully capture the unique benefits of bromine in comparison to chlorine. For example, bromine doesn’t necessarily raise pH levels like some other chemicals can, and while bromine can be more expensive than chlorine for initial purchase, its effectiveness at high temperatures and residual sanitizing abilities highlight its unique value in certain applications.