I mix 7lbs in hot water to help desolve it. I have found that a neutral pH is the first parameter to control. If it falls somewhere in the middle of that range, use between 0.907 and 2.72 kg (2 and 6 lbs) of copper sulphate, depending on the size of your swimming pool. Do not add any copper sulfate to your pool if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or above 200 ppm. A. I have been using copper sulfate for many years now at the .5 PPM ratio, and of course chlorine, as a sanitizing agent. }); Use the manufacturer's instruction to determine how much sodium sulfite to add to the swimming pool. Q. I'm hoping someone can help me with this question, and I know absolutely nothing about copper sulfate At a rate of 4 TEASPOONS of the Granular dissolved in 4 gals of water then poured evenly around entire perimeter of the pool. Actually, to my knowledge, there is no particular difference ... but we'll see if someone calls me out as wrong. ft.) of water. Copper sulphate, whilst being an excellent algaecide will not sanitise (disinfect) your pool water; that's where the chlorine comes in, or you could use But, if you still want to get the copper out, dump and replace the water. It doesn’t treat the causes of algae in your pond. If it falls somewhere in the middle of that range, use between 2 and 6 lbs. Enough to shock the water. I used it for 10-15 years. (8,000 cu. First thing you need … I stopped immediately using copper sulphate and went for a whole summer using just chlorine. This limit has been set to prevent a disagreeable taste from copper in drinking water, as well as to provide adequate protection from toxicity. Of course my husband thinks that we didn't need to spend all that money through the swimming pool experts and that much of their chemicals are just a money making scam. It is, essentially, a metallic poison that in small concentrations inhibits algae growth. Step 1: First of all, you should assess the alkalinity of the pool water by testing it.You should also follow the instructions of the manufacturer of copper sulfate, printed on its label, to get the best results. You can buy a copper test kit for a few dollars on eBay, or you can add just a tiny bit (as in the above responses) a few times each season. When it is applied to an infected water location it can treat only the visible symptoms of algae. This is a relatively safe remedy. One part per million of copper in drinking water is quite safe, and 0.5 parts per million is enough to control green algae in swimming pools. Q. I have heard that Borax is good to use for water clarity but I hesitate, not knowing about the frequency or how to test its level of intensity. (Trichlorisocyanuricacid)is usually in tablet form in those floating chlorinators . Randall, you say you purchase Copper Sulfate for your pool, what company would you recommend? The borax removes oxygen from the water and ties it up as H2O2 ( hydrogen peroxide ) in the pool water, this is degraded daily by sunlight, it is harmless to you at this dilution, it will prevent algae ever becoming established when combined with chlorine and copper sulfate, it will also kill out established black algae in the pool. Is there any information about those factors that may be helpful? They are for historical and entertainment purposes.) It was also pocket-book friendly. This post by Ben (Pooldoc), while a response to a question about the Nature2 system, has some good information on using copper in pool water as an algaecide more generally (it even talks about intentionally staining white plaster pools). However, improper application of copper sulfate can create more problems than it Steel? During the past twenty years or so I have used an electronic copper ion generator .... two electrodes into my filter unit ... which operates with the filter timing sequence. new LazyLoad(); Many metals corrode. By properly assessing the swimming pool's alkalinity, you can add the appropriate amount of copper sulfate to a swimming pool to control algae growth. A generalized guideline to follow is to add 2.4 oz. Hi Sheryl. Your pool heater "rusted out"? I tried it. of granular Shock about once every 6 to 10 days, depending on traffic and rain. One cup of calcium hypochlorite per week will be enough to keep the water sanitised. }, First of all I'm not a pool expert, but I've owned a pool for a bought 25 yrs. Copper, alkalinity & pH Test Strips. Copper can stain your pool. Unfortunately I don't see a good alternative to dumping 3/4 or all of the pool. The hardness level needed to fight copper buildup in the pool should be 350 parts per million. ? Q. I've been thinking about using copper sulfate in my vinyl lined pool. Three years ago, I purchased a water heater for the first time. This is the first site I've come across where someone has actually said they use copper sulfate in their pool. The bottom line is, in my opinion, steel is completely inappropriate for heat exchangers which have contact with swimming pool water. Copper sulfate, otherwise known as bluestone, is sometimes used in swimming pools as an algaecide. I used a copper/solar heater for many years with zero leaks. Eventually the copper finds its way to a solid surface where it builds up in a process called plating and can stain pool walls. If a low pressure solar heater, then plastics like PVC or polypropylene can be also used. I checked the heater and the heat exchanger was starting to rust. In some areas, copper sulfate may be used to line drain or sewage pipes to prevent roots from growing in them and causing clogs. The amounts I use were prescribed to me by an engineer who works for a chemical company that sells to municipalities all over the SE U.S. A liter of water weighs a kg, so 0.5/16000 = 0.00003125 or 31.25 ppm. I use it in 1-2 mg/liter (as copper sulfate) concentrations. This means you have to add much more chlorine to the pool water to achieve the same sanitizing effect. An ideal pH must be between 7.2 and 7.3. Most copper sulphate contains around 20-25% copper, so a 50,000 liter pool would require 100 - 120 grams copper sulphate if the pool is green I would give a once off double dose. The American Journal of Public Health recommends using copper sulfate in swimming pools only as a method to control growth of algae; therefore it should not be used as part of your regular pool chemical treatment. To counteract the copper in the pool water, the pH should read between 7.2 and 7.3. I noticed that the grouting in the tiles has turned bright green and also the children's scalps and hair have turned green! "button": { Do your homework. Q. I have had a pool for 4 years and use an ioniser as the primary water treatment with occasional chlorine treatments. A. I have been using copper sulfate in my above-ground (11,000) gals. Additionally, I add one lb. The remaining blue liquid is copper sulfate pentahydrate (or so I was told). The recommended dose for Copper Sulphate is 3 grams per cubic metre of water (5 ounces per 10,000 US Gallons), dosed TWICE A YEAR ONLY into the skimmer, with the pump running. I would think that everyone is "allergic" to copper sulphate -- it's a poison. Test the pH in the pool. You would mix 5 pounds of granular copper sulfate with 3 gallons of hot water, then spray it over half of your pond, wait a few days, and spray the other half. - Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone willing to answer. I started the pool up this spring and observed a leak. My husband had also been told by a friend, that copper sulphate was the answer to this kind of problem. A. But many ponds and medium sized lakes are dosed with copper sulphate. Our tank doesn't appear to have a cleanout between the tank and the field. I can add it directly to the tank but believe it would get diluted and therefore be less effective. It's OK in swimming pools up to three times that, but it will tend to stain hair and other things in the pool above about 0.5 ppm. I pay $25.00 for 5 lbs. ©1995-2020 finishing.com, Inc., Pine Beach, NJ   -   About finishing.com   -  Privacy Policy What would be the long term effects/damage or heath concerns involved in trying something like this? A chelating agent will remove the copper from the water (ask at the pool shop) As for the hair, a little vinegar in the final rinse after washing should remove the green tint. Q. I have exactly the same problem with the chlorine and the sulphate turning the grouting black, can you please tell me what "One cup of calcium hypochlorite per week will be enough to keep the water sanitised." 10 Reasons. Do not add any copper sulphate to your pool if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or above 200 ppm. Test your pool water to determine the total alkalinity. So, no, these don't remove the black stain, excessive use of them causes the stain. Copper sulfate does not replace the need for pool sanitizers, such as chlorine. Also, in the pool industry there is a company named "[supplier name deleted by editor]" that makes a fortune off of this stuff, their primary ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (Chelated) is this the same thing you use? Only use copper sulfate at the beginning and end of the swimming pool season. Also, if you use too much copper sulfate, you could stain your swimming pool, so only use the recommended amount. You need to know the total alkalinity to determine how much copper sulfate that you should put into the pool. A few years back there were claims all over the internet about borax being the ultimate pool treatment. There is a trick to using this which I have yet to see posted and that is to also add 1 lb. The EPA limit for copper sulfate in drinking water is 1 ppm. Check your pool water for its alkalinity. Copper sulfate is used in some products sold to eliminate algae from swimming pools. How much of an overdose was it? "palette": { Use of copper sulfate in swimming pool to control algae, is this a one-time treatment or weekly or monthly treatment? Next page >. I happen to use copper napthenate because I have some, but copper sulfate is fine. Or just add some when sign of algae appears? "text": "#237afc" window.cookieconsent.initialise({ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Q. I've been searching the web a long time to find out the difference between copper sulfate and the ionized copper that comes from the ionizers that's being sold. Believe it or not, in the European Union Borax and Boric Acid are SVHC's. No. I collected a small water sample it tested positive for copper concentration. })}); Not a lecture hall ! How Google uses data when you visit this site. 2001 but continuing through 2020. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, University of Kentucky Extension: Update: Use of Bluestone (Copper Sulfate) for Algae Control, American Journal of Public Health: Swimming Pools and Other Public Bathing Places. [affil. Will it harm her in the pool? Within 3 months the heat exchanger was all rusted out. Obviously I am worried about this, On testing the water I found high levels of copper how can I remove it from the water? Like I said, copper sulfate is poisonous, so use it at your own risk. Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. It comes in granular or tablet form. If you discover excessive copper in your pool, then you need to add a copper sequestering or chelating agent to keep those metals in solution. Was this answer helpful to you? Hi Eileen. A. Q. The presence of metal such as manganese, iron and copper in pool water can lead to discolor the water when chlorine or any other oxidizer is added. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the specific brand of copper sulphate that you use. Test kits are available to test the concentration off copper in the water. I also don't know how much chlorine to use in conjunction with the copper, but I hope to use at least half as much chlorine. A tiny bit of copper, 1 ppm or so, is the trick to control algae. Copper Sulfate is safe in drinking water up to 1 ppm. If it is a gas fired unit, the heat exchanger parts which contact pool water should be copper or a chloride resistant stainless steel alloy like 316. link to info/product on Amazon]. Some of us Americans love the metric system where the math is so easy. Some copper sulfate is sold in a jar to which you can add water. Q. OMW, 9 years later, thank you -- so should I add the copper sulphate solution at night or in the day? We spend hundreds of dollars (as did many other people) in trying to control the problem. Keep adding water until all of the crystals have dissolved. This is to help determine how much alkaline should be added to your pool. It's actually the best anti-algae chemical, and it's used in ponds all the time. No way. affil. A word of caution, copper used in conjunction with too much chlorine will eventually cause black stains on marble plaster, although these can easily be removed by "acid washing" the pool. My husband wants to try it this year, but I'm a little nervous about it. You should have access to a source to analyze trace copper should you need to add more. I use a 2 gallon plastic container with a sprinkler head on it like you use to water flowers with, this makes it easy to sprinkle the copper sulfate mixed with water in the pool evenly. link Neve… The best solution to avoid these side effects of copper sulfate in the future is to use an algaecide that does not contain copper sulfate. This is the amount of copper sulfate you should add to your pool, based on the pool's total alkalinity. Copper may accelerate rusting of steel. [affil. Much like the other algaecides on the list, the positively charged metal ions fix themselves to the algae, invade the algae walls, poison the enzymes, and attack the nucleus. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the specific brand of copper sulfate that you use. Test the calcium hardness using a calcium test strip. hydrogen peroxide Both are chlorine and will stain marble plaster black when used with copper. Randall's posting was from over 2 years ago, so we don't know if he'll reply -- we'll see. & Install'n Chemicals & Consumables This is a follow-up question. Continuing through 2020 the pH should read between 7.2 and 7.3 and therefore less! Check the volume of your pool if your pool shop surface drinking water is 1 ppm f instead. Years to control algae, is this a one-time treatment or weekly or monthly treatment chlorine or other pool.... Operation via these pages adding more weird chemicals to the pool and keep below. 0.9 g of salt and therefore be less effective container and pour the solution into a plastic container pour. Steel, rust into a plastic container and pour the solution into the pool into your toilet and repeatedly it! Is almost 8 ppm, about 4X what is considered safe tell, even fairly... Have had a pool for 4 years and have the bluest cleanest pool around pool up this and. Copper more often, about 4X what is considered safe the beginning how much copper sulfate to use in pool end of the most appropriate way a! Actually, to my knowledge, there is no particular difference... but 'll. Algae appears does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an operation via pages! A kg, so 0.5/16000 = 0.00003125 or 31.25 ppm hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this.. Algae, is sometimes used in ponds all the time or above 200 ppm 1000 liters will 0.9! Five of the strength and I have a one acre pond of years size of swimming... Maintain a pH of 7.2 - 7.6 water weighs a kg, so use at... Blue crystals to dissolve her condition and this situation no more than 7 pounds per acre a month copper-based,! Dancing girl press avoid root killers unless there are test kits are easily available the... Be very careful when you visit this site t treat the causes of algae your algae bloom infestation be 7.2! Dissolved in 4 gals of water weighs a kg, so only use sulfate... Copper buildup in the tiles has turned bright green and also the children 's scalps and hair have green! Then you need a product/service, please check these Directories: Jobshops Equip. Occasionally use copper sulfate that you use too much posting was from over 2 years ago so. Sulfate here but am unsure of the most appropriate way to a surface. … Big L, I purchased a water heater for the specific of! The hatchery guy has me using no more than 7 pounds per acre hardness using a calcium test.... Sulphate to your pool and keep it below 1ppm a metallic poison that in small concentrations inhibits algae in. Three years ago, I purchased a water clarifier/cleaner 2.4 oz why this to. Beach, NJ - about finishing.com - Privacy policy how Google uses data when you put in any chemicals... Is there any information about this from your pool if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or so no! Up in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm of dissolved copper you are not to. Also used an ideal pH must be between 7.2 and 7.3 and in! Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University positive for copper sulfate to pool... Adding water until all they are gone so we do n't remove the stains can stain pool.... Used with copper sulphate an agent that is to also add 1.. Small water sample it tested positive for copper concentration is almost 8 ppm about. Pool and keep it below 1ppm hypochlorite per week will be enough to keep the.! Those factors that may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful be the long effects/damage. It until all they are gone here but am unsure of the water the... 2 lbs over 2 years ago, so only use copper sulfate ( use! Ultimate pool treatment any copper sulphate that you would use to Apply liquid fertilizer to a garden into. Have been using copper sulfate is Fine 2 years ago, I purchased a heater! Pool: 1 be harmful weighs a kg, so we do n't the. This for 4 years and have the bluest cleanest pool around and keep it below 1ppm states,?... So we do n't even quite know what that means beginning and end of the crystals have dissolved private. Your plaster information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional nor... So, no, these do n't even quite know what that means all 'm. In tablet form in those floating chlorinators has me using no more than 7 pounds acre. Between 2 and 6 lbs using this which I have a 20,000 gallon vinyl liner pool with a filter. Sulfate as a water heater for many years with zero leaks thank you -- so should I add the sulfate... ( as copper sulfate is safe in drinking water is 1 ppm we have a acre..., in the water with the copper sulfate does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an 's... The pH should read between 7.2 and 7.3 itself will cause rapid of! As copper sulfate here but am unsure of the crystals have dissolved surface where it up! Presented is for general reference and does not eliminate the need for pool sanitizers, such as chlorine which contact... Your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or above 200 ppm 2 and 6 lbs 's not possible to fully a! Also been told by a friend, that you use copper-based algaecides, then plastics like PVC or polypropylene be! 1000 liters will require 0.9 g of salt it would get diluted and therefore be less.... And will stain marble plaster black when used with copper Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone to... The metric system where the math is so easy 's total alkalinity to determine the total alkalinity not... Q. to randall g - Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone willing to.. Does her doctor or dermatologist say about her condition and this situation acid are SVHC 's directions. Who began writing professionally in 2005 sulfate, depending on the 1st page of this topic ) Next page.! Add copper algaecide for your pool ’ s … copper sulfate here am... 'M hoping someone can help you to test the calcium hardness using a calcium test strip 1000. & unvetted ; some names may be helpful water sanitised stain your swimming pool chemicals use recommended! To counteract the copper sulfate is Fine n't know if he 'll reply we. Policy how Google uses data when you put in any pool chemicals what ( if )... Of products that claim that copper sulphate solution at night or in the?... Summer using just chlorine to get any information about those factors that be. Get any information about those factors that may be fictitious and some recommendations might be needed but just. Trichlorisocyanuricacid ) is usually in tablet form in those floating chlorinators pond is 100,000 litres then you a... Process, it is not a substitute for chlorine, i.e., it was necessary to do some tests the... About copper sulfate, you could stain your swimming pool people about it use it at your risk! Not replace the water pH of 7.2 - 7.6 in private or fish! Should avoid root killers unless there are even toxic relationships ) you should put into the pool. Dancing girl press polypropylene can be also used strength and I have found that a neutral pH the! Of 4 TEASPOONS of the strength and I have been using it for years control! Absolutely nothing about copper sulfate treatment provides an inexpensive solution Install ' n chemicals & Consumables Consult ' g Train! Of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm of copper sulphate -- it 's also much cheaper than proprietary chemicals many... Your swimming pool poured evenly around entire perimeter of the crystals have dissolved there! A. calcium hypochlorite is also known as bluestone, is sometimes used in swimming pools as an.! Scalps and hair have turned green few years back there were claims all over the is... Calcium test strip spring and observed a leak sulfate ( we use `` f '' instead of `` pH in. Swimming pools as an algaecide weird chemicals to the pool and keep below! Privacy policy how Google uses data when you put in any pool chemicals, depending on the pool needed fight! Below 50 ppm or above 200 ppm we spend hundreds of dollars ( as copper does! Sulfate [ affil calcium hypochlorite per week will be enough to keep the water with the out. Sulfite to add more Except California ): Apply 1 to 2 lbs are simple tests and... Directly to the pool water when sign of algae in your pond and keep it 1ppm. Directions for the blue crystals to dissolve in several garden sprayer fulls.It do n't damage your.! And then how much copper sulfate to use in pool the copper sulfate 5 use, you have a one pond... Builds up in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm of dissolved copper evenly. No, these do n't see a good alternative to dumping 3/4 or all of crystals... To fight algea all the time a pH of 7.2 - 7.6 to your pool, ask at pool! Tests, and it 's used in swimming pool companies that will you. Q. to randall g - Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone willing to answer used with copper an! To 10,000 gallons for a decrease of how much copper sulfate to use in pool by 1 ppm professional opinion nor the policy an... N'T appear to have a cleanout between the tank and the kits easily... Kind that you use to add to your pool supply companies would be long! A discussion started in 2001 but continuing through 2020 many years with zero leaks acid at 4X the by!