Which disinfectant is generally considered less stable than chlorine?

Bromine is generally considered less stable than chlorine as a disinfectant primarily due to its chemical properties and behavior in water. Bromine is more reactive than chlorine, which makes it effective at killing bacteria and other pathogens. However, this increased reactivity also means that bromine can degrade more quickly, especially in the presence of sunlight and higher temperatures.

Unlike chlorine, which remains stable and effective over a more extended period, bromine can dissipate and lose its potency more rapidly. Additionally, bromine typically requires a higher concentration to achieve the same level of disinfection as chlorine. Therefore, pool operators must monitor bromine levels more closely and add more frequently to maintain adequate residual levels in the pool water.

While ozone and hydrogen peroxide are effective disinfectants, they are typically not compared directly to chlorine or bromine in regards to stability within a pool setting. Chloramines, a breakdown product of chlorine, are generally more stable than bromine, but they do not serve as a primary disinfectant. This further emphasizes the unique instability of bromine as a disinfectant in contrast to chlorine and other alternatives.