a chemical used to treat algae. (products such as Yellow Out, Yellow Treat, Mustard Free, Defense or Drive Out) should be done cautiously, and definitely NOT in biguanide (SoftSwim or Baquacil) treated swimming pools. Adding sodium bromide (as little as 0.5 ppm) to pools treated with chlorine can cause high chlorine demands and will cause the chlorine to become unstable, increasing chlorine consumption. Since sodium bromide cannot be removed from the water, you effectively transform the pool to a "bromine" treated pool. Unfortunately, many consumers may not be aware of the increased chlorine demand and may not check chlorine levels as often as necessary. This could result in a drop in the chlorine level leading to subsequent Algae blooms. For more detailed information on algae found in swimming pools plus how to prevent or treat it, click here.
Sodium bromide is a salt with the formula NaBr, widely used as an anticonvulsant and a sedative in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its action is due to the bromide ion (potassium bromide is equally effective). It is a high-melting white, crystalline solid that resembles sodium chloride.