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Does Disney use chlorine or bromine?

Currently most of the Disney Resort hotel pools and water parks use bromine rather than chlorine to keep the water clean.



In 2026, Disney Parks and Resorts primarily utilize bromine as the sanitizing agent for their water-based attractions and most hotel pools. Bromine is often preferred in high-volume theme park environments because it is more stable than chlorine in warm water and produces a less intense chemical odor. It is also generally gentler on the eyes and skin, which is a high-value benefit for families spending hours in the water. However, some locations, such as the massive "Stormalong Bay" at the Yacht & Beach Club or the "Big Blue Pool" at Art of Animation, use a saltwater filtration system. While these saltwater systems still produce chlorine naturally through electrolysis, they lack the harsh "bleach" smell associated with traditional liquid chlorine. For guests with specific sensitivities, bromine remains the standard across major rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and it's a small world, contributing to that distinct "Disney water" scent fans know so well.

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Currently most of the Disney Resort hotel pools and water parks use bromine rather than chlorine to keep the water clean.

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Instead of chlorine, Disney uses a chemical called bromine in the water, and that scent permeates the air in and around the ride. It smells like pirates up in here. It's a damp and musty odor, and it just fits the attraction so well! We'll never get tired of it.

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Skin irritation and rashes can occur after exposure to both chlorine and bromine, but many people say that bromine is much better for the skin. However, according to the National Swimming Pool Foundation, Bromine Itch is the most commonly reported type of chemical rash.

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The swimming pools at Walt Disney World Resort are all treated with chlorine as opposed to being saltwater based. However, the Big Blue Pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort features an eco-friendly, saltwater filtration system and they do not use chemicals in this pool.

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While some Guests may prefer higher temperatures before splashing around in their Disney Resorts Collection swimming hole, the great news is all Disney Resort pools are heated to approximately 82° and are open year round (as long as there are no storms or exceptionally cold weather in the area).

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Swan and Dolphin Grotto Pool The pool is heated, and reaches depths of approx five and a half feet. There is a sandy area that has a large Seal in the center. Designed for the littler set, toddlers love pressing the button and getting sprayed with water.

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I spent time making sure to confirm this and I verified that bromine is used instead of chlorine to disinfect the water in all rides that use water such as it's a small world in Magic Kingdom Park and Frozen Ever After in EPCOT. Bromine is a good alternative for those with chlorine sensitivities.

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Regular pools usually disinfect the water inside of them using chlorine–but not Disney. They use bromine, which is a fancy, more expensive, and much milder smelling chemical (and is not as harsh as chlorine when it hits your skin or clothing).

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Can you swim in December? Even though it may be too cold to swim in December where you live, at Disney World the pools are heated which means even if the air is a bit chilly, the pools are still a comfortable temperature. In addition to the pools at the resorts, at least 1 of Disney's 2 water parks will remain open.

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How deep are the Disney World pools? This varies from resort to resort, but generally the deepest part of the main pool will be about four and a half feet deep. None of the pools have a real “deep end.”

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Prepare to see 6-foot swells at North America's largest wave pool—Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. Experience gnarly waves and 6-foot swells at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. View the boulders lining the tropical shore of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool.

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