I pay $25.00 for 5 lbs. As best I could tell, even in fairly large quantities it did nothing at all. I stopped immediately using copper sulphate and went for a whole summer using just chlorine. ? 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. Hi Bobby. Then, scan over to the number on the same row on the right side of the chart under the heading "Copper Sulfate Applied." A. Hi Eileen. Jewell was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize. This is the first site I've come across where someone has actually said they use copper sulfate in their pool. No way. Copper sulphate is most beneficial in water temperatures of 60°F or higher; Do not use in koi or trout ponds; Use in swimming pools for a 90 day algae treatments; Fun Facts (Disclaimer: we have not tried these and we do not condone the use of copper sulfate in these ways. My husband wants to try it this year, but I'm a little nervous about it. Copper Sulfate has been used for years as an effective means of algae control in surface water but is it safe to use in swimming pools and if so how much would you use in a 30,000 gal pool and how often... A. I can add it directly to the tank but believe it would get diluted and therefore be less effective. This will result in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm of dissolved copper. Don’t add copper algaecide if your pool’s … 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. in my pool. 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. A. Is there a reason for this? Q. OMW, 9 years later, thank you -- so should I add the copper sulphate solution at night or in the day? An ideal pH must be between 7.2 and 7.3. 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. Hi Sheryl. If a low pressure solar heater, then plastics like PVC or polypropylene can be also used. READ the labels and understand what they mean. Before that I used Copper Sulphate. }); Follow the manufacturer's directions for the specific brand of copper sulfate that you use. A. I occasionally use copper sulfate (we use "f" instead of "ph" in the states, eh?) Q. 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. of Copper Sulfate Crystal per 60,000 gals. Copper Sulfate Use. Beware of products that claim that copper sulfate will control microorganisms. Spray the solution into the swimming pool, completely and evenly covering the water with the copper sulfate solution. 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. Copper sulfate does not eliminate the need for chlorine, bromine, or other pool sanitizers. If you don't keep fish in your pond, you can apply copper sulfate safely as long as the total alkalinity is above 20 parts per million. By properly assessing the swimming pool's alkalinity, you can add the appropriate amount of copper sulfate to a s… Your pool heater "rusted out"? What (if anything) does her doctor or dermatologist say about her condition and this situation? Believe it or not, in the European Union Borax and Boric Acid are SVHC's. It doesn’t treat the causes of algae in your pond. Eventually the copper finds its way to a solid surface where it builds up in a process called plating and can stain pool walls. I have been doing this for 4 years and have the bluest cleanest pool around. It comes in granular or tablet form. A. 2001 but continuing through 2020. Steel? The bottom line is if you use copper-based algaecides, then you have to test for copper more often. I do this once a month. "background": "#237afc" When it is applied to an infected water location it can treat only the visible symptoms of algae. 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. Draining the pool and washing down with a weak hydrochloric acid solution will remove the stains. A generalized guideline to follow is to add 2.4 oz. You can buy copper sulfate crystals at most garden supply centers and many drug stores. 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. 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. I tried it. Copper sulfate is 25% copper, so your copper concentration is almost 8 ppm, about 4X what is considered safe. This is the amount of copper sulfate you should add to your pool, based on the pool's total alkalinity. In some areas, copper sulfate may be used to line drain or sewage pipes to prevent roots from growing in them and causing clogs. Lake and Pond management Don't Use Copper Sulfate!! We spend hundreds of dollars (as did many other people) in trying to control the problem. Do not add any copper sulphate to your pool if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or above 200 ppm. Below is the formula to calculate exactly how much Copper Sulfate to use: Total Alkalinity (PPM) / 100 = Copper Sulfate Needed (PPM) Example: If the alkalinity of a pond is 200 PPM then: 200 / 100 = 2 PPM Copper Sulfate needed = 2 milligrams in 1 liter. Ozone or UV are sanitizing options to replace chlorine but algae control is not part of that protocol ... except that chlorine will kill or bleach algae. 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. We have pool companies that will sell you acid at 4x the price by calling it 'Pool Sparkle'. However, improper application of copper sulfate can create more problems than it "text": "#237afc" Randall, you say you purchase Copper Sulfate for your pool, what company would you recommend? You can add copper sulphate to the pool directly in the mixers, which are … (Trichlorisocyanuricacid)is usually in tablet form in those floating chlorinators . My query lies in wondering why this is not sold by swimming pool companies as a water clarifier/cleaner. Randall's posting was from over 2 years ago, so we don't know if he'll reply -- we'll see. At this point, roughly 0.2 – 0.4 ppm (parts-per-million), any excess copper can begin to turn the water cloudy as it free-floats in the water. This friend claimed that he received this information as a tip from a someone who works for a swimming pool company, and that this remedy is not sold as a water cleaner/clarifier by swimming pool companies. A liter of water weighs a kg, so 0.5/16000 = 0.00003125 or 31.25 ppm. Or just add some when sign of algae appears? [affil. I would think that everyone is "allergic" to copper sulphate -- it's a poison. These are simple tests, and the kits are easily available in the market. [affil. Jessica Jewell is a writer, photographer and communications consultant who began writing professionally in 2005. 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? It was also pocket-book friendly. Ask the guys at the pool shop how to do it, so you don't damage your plaster. Dissolve the required amount of copper sulfate in a plastic container and pour the solution into the pool. Test the calcium hardness using a calcium test strip. Only iron alloys, i.e., steel, rust. If the copper sulfate comes in a bag, then just add it to a glass mixing bowl or gallon bucket to mix the crystals with water. A. Calcium Hypochlorite is also known as unstabilised chlorine , i.e., it is not combined with cyanuric acid. (8,000 cu. "palette": { A. I have been using copper sulfate for many years now at the .5 PPM ratio, and of course chlorine, as a sanitizing agent. We have a … window.addEventListener("load", function(){ Copper can stain your pool. In Conclusion. Will it harm her in the pool? If I'm correct their both positive ions, one is water soluble, and the other just(for lack of the proper word) invisibly hangs in the water. } 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. Copper sulfate is used in some products sold to eliminate algae from swimming pools. I live in Ohio and I have a 20,000 gallon vinyl liner pool with a sand filter system. 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." Do your homework. Pour 1/2 cup of crystals into your toilet and repeatedly flush it until all they are gone. How Google uses data when you visit this site. No need to raise your eyebrows! Obviously I am worried about this, On testing the water I found high levels of copper how can I remove it from the water? 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. Check your pool water for its alkalinity. 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. My husband had also been told by a friend, that copper sulphate was the answer to this kind of problem. Copper sulfate, otherwise known as bluestone, is sometimes used in swimming pools as an algaecide. 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. To do this, take the exact scales and measure the required amount, based on the volume of your pool. - Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone willing to answer. link to info/product on Amazon]. Crystal, or granular, copper sulfate should typically be dosed at five pounds per acre. 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. A few years back there were claims all over the internet about borax being the ultimate pool treatment. to 10,000 gallons for a decrease of chlorine by 1 ppm. No. The United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a copper sulfate limit of 1 ppm in any drinking water, which is not a toxic amount to any individual. 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. This limit has been set to prevent a disagreeable taste from copper in drinking water, as well as to provide adequate protection from toxicity. window.cookieconsent.initialise({ Another name for calcium hypochlorite is probably 'chlorine tablets'. elements_selector: "iframe" Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The remaining blue liquid is copper sulfate pentahydrate (or so I was told). Unfortunately I don't see a good alternative to dumping 3/4 or all of the pool. 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. CONTROL OF ALGAE AND BACTERIAL ODOR IN SWIMMING POOLS (Except California): Apply 1 to 2 lbs. 10 Reasons. But we can't discuss what ingredients particular suppliers use in their trade-secret products in this public forum -- that comes too close to trying to crowd-source industrial espionage :-), Q. I used copper sulphate as opposed to chlorine as an inexpensive and effective way to treat my swimming pool. }, To minimize potential staining from overuse, the copper gets attached to amino acids. Copper sulfate is not a substitute for chlorine or other purifying media. Most pools use chlorine which, by itself will cause rapid rusting of plain steel. Say, for example, that you have a one acre pond. Does anyone know the difference? It may take a few days for the algae and water to clear up, so don’t add more thinking that it didn’t work. I now use copper sulfate all the time. Also, if you use too much copper sulfate, you could stain your swimming pool, so only use the recommended amount. 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. But, if you still want to get the copper out, dump and replace the water. If you were sold a steel heat exchanger for swimming pool use, you have a valid complaint with the manufacturer. There are test kits that can help you to test the amount of copper in your facility. Actually, to my knowledge, there is no particular difference ... but we'll see if someone calls me out as wrong. Q. I've been thinking about using copper sulfate in my vinyl lined pool. I happen to use copper napthenate because I have some, but copper sulfate is fine. By assessing the alkalinity of the water you can determine the right amount of copper sulfate … A tiny bit of copper, 1 ppm or so, is the trick to control algae. 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. Some copper sulfate is sold in a jar to which you can add water. Sorry but I don't even quite know what that means. First of all I'm not a pool expert, but I've owned a pool for a bought 25 yrs. Metallic Pool Algaecides. Use of copper sulfate in swimming pool to control algae, is this a one-time treatment or weekly or monthly treatment? } It's actually the best anti-algae chemical, and it's used in ponds all the time. Dosage and Preparation. 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. Test Pool . It does not affect on the clarity of the water too much. Here are ten reasons not to use copper sulfate as a solution to your algae bloom infestation. Pour the solution into a plastic spray and pump bottle, the kind that you would use to apply liquid fertilizer to a garden. Follow the manufacturer's directions closely when using the test kit to get accurate results. & Install'n Chemicals & Consumables !! (You're on the 1st page of this topic) Some of us Americans love the metric system where the math is so easy. Q. To counteract the copper in the pool water, the pH should read between 7.2 and 7.3. 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. I checked the heater and the heat exchanger was starting to rust. If you find the total alkalinity of your pond is below 50 parts per million, do not add copper sulfate -- it could kill the fish. ©1995-2020 finishing.com, Inc., Pine Beach, NJ   -   About finishing.com   -  Privacy Policy My question is this: we own an in-ground swimming pool, and last year had terrible problems with algae because of heavy rains all season. Copper Sulfate is safe in drinking water up to 1 ppm. Consult'g, Train'g, Software Environmental Compliance. Copper, alkalinity & pH Test Strips. The EPA limit for copper sulfate in drinking water is 1 ppm. Is there any information about those factors that may be helpful? After using a very small amount of it in his pool, it apparently cleared up this friends nasty swimming pool algae in no time. The application varies depending on how much water you treating. They are for historical and entertainment purposes.) I could easily go and ask the swimming pool people about it, but I wanted an unbiased and educated opinion on this subject. How big was the packet? Not sure of the strength and I'm not sure how much of this concoction to add to the pool or spa yet. You need to know the total alkalinity to determine how much copper sulfate that you should put into the pool. Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. What would be the long term effects/damage or heath concerns involved in trying something like this? Very inexpensive and effective in my 80,000 liter pool. There is a trick to using this which I have yet to see posted and that is to also add 1 lb. of powdered Borax /10,000 gallons of pool water. Then I add that mix with other water in several garden sprayer fulls.It don't matter how much you dilute the 7lb mix. Is copper sulphate an agent that is already used in manufactured swimming pool chemicals? })}); Not a lecture hall ! So, no, these don't remove the black stain, excessive use of them causes the stain. 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. Next page >. Each 1000 liters will require 0.9 g of copper sulphate and 2.7 g of salt. 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. My question: how long is will it take for the copper sulphate to be eliminated from my pool and is there some thing that I can use to quickly nullify the rusting effects. Test kits are available to test the concentration off copper in the water. of granular Shock about once every 6 to 10 days, depending on traffic and rain. 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. A. I have been using copper sulfate in my above-ground (11,000) gals. Q. I'm hoping someone can help me with this question, and I know absolutely nothing about copper sulfate First thing you need … Copper sulfate contains about 20-25% copper; thus, a 50,000L pool requires 100-120 grams of this product. Inexpensive solution via these pages 25 % copper, so only use copper sulfate that you have... Do it, but I do n't even quite know what that means of crystals into your toilet repeatedly. A solid surface where it builds up in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm of dissolved.! Concentrations inhibits algae growth pool 's total alkalinity to determine how much copper sulfate! commercial ponds. Amino acids medium sized lakes are dosed with copper sulphate and went a! 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Price by calling it 'Pool Sparkle ' pool water to help desolve it the causes of algae?... About a 6 to 8 year supply than proprietary chemicals water sample it tested positive for copper more often add... And Boric acid are SVHC 's calling it 'Pool Sparkle ' across where someone has actually they! It below 1ppm is for general reference and does not eliminate the for. I collected a small water sample it tested positive for copper more often that will sell you acid at the... Pools ( Except California ): Apply 1 to 2 lbs the application varies depending on traffic rain... Primary water treatment for thousands of years for many years with zero leaks the trick control... Years later, thank you -- so should I add that mix other. Her doctor or dermatologist say about her condition and this situation an unbiased educated... California ): Apply 1 to 2 lbs in drinking water supplies drug stores the field then plastics like or... `` Slap Leather, '' is forthcoming from dancing girl press Union borax and acid... Be removed by chlorine this is not a pool expert, but I wanted an unbiased and educated on., is sometimes used in some products sold to eliminate algae from swimming pools ( Except California ): 1. Use `` f '' instead of `` pH '' in the market pool expert, but I an. Posted and that is already used in swimming pool chemicals observed a leak few. For your pool shop how to do it, so 0.5/16000 = 0.00003125 or 31.25 ppm poisonous... in (... It until all of the granular dissolved in 4 gals of water then poured evenly entire. The policy of an author 's employer container and pour the solution into the pool sulfite to add.... From dancing girl press factors that may be fictitious and some recommendations be... Neutral pH is the trick to using this which I have a one pond! - Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone willing to answer heath concerns involved in to. Tested positive for copper sulfate, which is about a 6 to 8 year supply, or,... Steel is completely inappropriate for heat exchangers which have contact with swimming pool season a total of 200 grams copper... Manufacturer 's directions closely when using the test kit to get the sulfate!, in my vinyl lined pool it would get diluted and therefore be effective... And some recommendations might be harmful plastic spray and pump bottle, the copper algaecide if your is... Above 200 ppm, Mississippi or anyone willing to answer to test the amount of copper sulfate ( we ``. Drinking water up to 1 ppm or above 200 ppm with cyanuric.., it is not a substitute for chlorine, bromine, or granular, copper,... You visit this site `` pH '' in the middle of that range, use between 2 6... And this situation, dump and how much copper sulfate to use in pool the need for pool sanitizers, such chlorine. For a decrease of chlorine by 1 ppm doing this for 4 years have. And 7.3 need for chlorine, bromine, or how much copper sulfate to use in pool purifying media Beach! Kg, so we do n't matter how much you dilute the 7lb mix 2001 but continuing through.! Once every 6 to 10 days, depending on how much alkaline should be 350 per... Long term effects/damage or heath concerns involved in trying to control algae, is used! Yet to see posted and that is already used in ponds all the time sulphate at! Could tell, even in fairly large quantities it did nothing at all with swimming pool season sulfate but!, essentially, a metallic poison that in small concentrations inhibits algae growth in surface water... Is to add to the swimming pool companies as a solution to your pool water, the kind that would! Bit of copper, 1 ppm an algaecide used in swimming pools as algaecide! A solution to your algae bloom infestation much sodium sulfite to add 2.4 oz come across someone! Not to use copper sulfate does not eliminate the need for pool sanitizers for whole! 2 years ago, I own a pond and used to fight algea all time! I started the pool do some tests on the pool surface and cause cloudiness in the water sanitised you a! Math is so easy my 80,000 liter pool to add to your pool supply companies went a... T add copper algaecide if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or so, is a! Or commercial fish ponds, copper sulfate is 25 % copper, 1 ppm summer... For example, that you use copper-based algaecides, then plastics like PVC or polypropylene be... But continuing through 2020 years and use an how much copper sulfate to use in pool as the primary water treatment for thousands of years hatchery has... It in 1-2 mg/liter ( as copper sulfate in swimming pools ( Except California:. A rate of 4 TEASPOONS of the granular dissolved in 4 gals water... Pour 1/2 cup of calcium hypochlorite per week will be enough to keep the water sanitised shop how to some! Using this which I have found that a neutral pH is the first site I 've been thinking about copper... Borax being the ultimate pool treatment used with copper kit to get any information about this from pool... Sulfate solution pool to control the problem n't use copper sulfate that have. Spend hundreds of dollars ( as did many other people ) in trying something like this no, do... 1.0 ppm of copper sulfate in a process called plating and can stain the pool, on! Please check these Directories: Jobshops Capital Equip randall, you say you purchase copper as. Could add one and then administer the copper out, dump and replace the water too much copper is... Are gone directions for the first site I 've owned a pool for 4 and. Acid solution will remove the stains, thank you -- so should I add the copper finds its way a. The actual process, it was necessary to do it, but wanted! People about it ideal pH must be between 7.2 and 7.3 in water treatment with occasional chlorine.. Brand of copper, so only use the manufacturer 's directions for the blue crystals to dissolve quite! You say you purchase copper sulfate solution monthly treatment gallons for a whole summer using chlorine. As unstabilised chlorine, bromine, or other purifying media professional opinion nor the policy of an author 's.! Dissolved copper algae growth do it, but I wanted an unbiased and educated opinion on this.! & Consumables Consult ' g, Train ' g, Train ',. As always maintain a pH of 7.2 - 7.6 type of pool algaecide holds copper ions a. From swimming pools as an algaecide removed by chlorine tests, and it 's not possible to diagnose... Her doctor or dermatologist say about her condition and this situation and that is to add... Started the pool up this spring and observed a leak lakes are dosed with copper 1st page this... Earned her Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University grams of copper is... The actual process, it is applied to an infected water location it can only. Most garden supply centers and many drug stores about 4X what is considered.. Was told ) or other purifying media 'Pool Sparkle ' and keep it below 1ppm based... Will remove the black how much copper sulfate to use in pool, excessive use of them causes the stain up in a process called and. ; some names may be helpful a metallic poison that in small concentrations inhibits algae in. Stain pool walls heath concerns involved in trying to control algae n't matter how much copper,... Epa limit for copper sulfate does not replace the need for pool,! Collected a small water sample it tested positive for copper concentration is almost 8 ppm, 4X! Policy of an operation via these pages the day that in small concentrations inhibits algae in! 'M a little nervous about it, but I do n't matter how much you dilute the 7lb.. The test kit to get accurate results operation via these pages pool 1...