An automatic bromine feeder - called a brominator - is an automatic way to disperse and regulate bromine tablets to the pool water. Placing bromine tablets in a manual floater will work to some degree, but certainly not as effective as a brominator. It is not recommended to place bromine tablets in the skimmer baskets. It is never recommended to throw bromine tablets into the pool; they will bleach and ultimately destroy your pool surface.
Bromine is a sanitizer, meaning it will destroy and remove bacteria, pathogens, organisms, algae spores, dirt, debris, particles, and other contaminates from pool water as well as oxidize organic matter in the pool water so that the end result is clean, clear, and safe water. Sanitizing the pool is a requirement for maintaining optimal water chemistry and the resulting water clarity.
Bromine tablets are the most popular type of bromine; the tablet form is likely the only form of bromine you will be able to buy in bulk containers.
It is ideal to place bromine tablets in a brominator, which is located and plumbed near your pool equipment (namely the pump and filter). A brominator really is a solid investment as it will automatically erode and distribute the amount of bromine you need; the brominator will properly, effectively and efficiently erode the amount of bromine you need.
There are two main types of brominators:
- inline brominator
- offline brominator
An inline brominator is plumbed inline with the rest of the equipment; they are a direct part of the plumbing run to erode the bromine and ultimately send it to the pool.
An offline brominator is tapped into the plumbing run. Offline brominators are often used when a brominator is desired but there is no room to install one inline with the rest of the plumbing. Therefore, an offline brominator is installed next to the equipment, wherever it will fit, and then is tapped into the existing plumbing lines to erode the bromine and ultimately send it to the pool.
If you use bromine tablets to sanitize your pool and you do not have a brominator, have one installed, regardless of the type; they are an inexpensive yet very worthwhile investment if you use bromine tablets to sanitize your pool water.
You can read the Pool Manual for additional information about sanitizing pool water, bromine and brominators.