[affil. Then, scan over to the number on the same row on the right side of the chart under the heading "Copper Sulfate Applied." 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. }); I checked the heater and the heat exchanger was starting to rust. 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. 2001 but continuing through 2020. It comes in granular or tablet form. 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. At a rate of 4 TEASPOONS of the Granular dissolved in 4 gals of water then poured evenly around entire perimeter of the pool. This will result in a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 ppm of dissolved copper. Be very careful when you put in any pool chemicals. To counteract the copper in the pool water, the pH should read between 7.2 and 7.3. Here are ten reasons not to use copper sulfate as a solution to your algae bloom infestation. What (if anything) does her doctor or dermatologist say about her condition and this situation? It's also much cheaper than proprietary chemicals. 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. 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. This is the first site I've come across where someone has actually said they use copper sulfate in their pool. Additionally, I add one lb. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the specific brand of copper sulfate that you use. Q. OMW, 9 years later, thank you -- so should I add the copper sulphate solution at night or in the day? It is, essentially, a metallic poison that in small concentrations inhibits algae growth. Or just add some when sign of algae appears? If the pond is 100,000 litres then you need a total of 200 grams of Copper Sulfate 5. Copper sulfate is used in some products sold to eliminate algae from swimming pools. 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 hatchery guy has me using no more than 7 pounds per acre a month. 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. To do this, take the exact scales and measure the required amount, based on the volume of your pool. That makes no sense. We have a … The remaining blue liquid is copper sulfate pentahydrate (or so I was told). Within 3 months the heat exchanger was all rusted out. ©1995-2020 finishing.com, Inc., Pine Beach, NJ - About finishing.com - Privacy Policy Use the manufacturer's instruction to determine how much sodium sulfite to add to the swimming pool. A. 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. Is there any information about those factors that may be helpful? Municipalities have been using it for years to control algae growth in surface drinking water supplies. hydrogen peroxide (Trichlorisocyanuricacid)is usually in tablet form in those floating chlorinators . If a low pressure solar heater, then plastics like PVC or polypropylene can be also used. 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. After using a very small amount of it in his pool, it apparently cleared up this friends nasty swimming pool algae in no time. Neve… Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The bottom line is if you use copper-based algaecides, then you have to test for copper more often. Unfortunately I don't see a good alternative to dumping 3/4 or all of the pool. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful. 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. link 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 By assessing the alkalinity of the water you can determine the right amount of copper sulfate … Was this answer helpful to you? Your filter wont filter out the excess Copper Sulfate and it may end up staining the pool surfaces (and your hair, skin etc.) I use it in 1-2 mg/liter (as copper sulfate) concentrations. 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. Both are chlorine and will stain marble plaster black when used with copper. My daughter is allergic to copper sulfate. Q. First of all I'm not a pool expert, but I've owned a pool for a bought 25 yrs. [affil. You need to know the total alkalinity to determine how much copper sulfate that you should put into the pool. There are test kits that can help you to test the amount of copper in your facility. }, I noticed that the grouting in the tiles has turned bright green and also the children's scalps and hair have turned green! Then I add that mix with other water in several garden sprayer fulls.It don't matter how much you dilute the 7lb mix. Also, if you use too much copper sulfate, you could stain your swimming pool, so only use the recommended amount. 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. 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. does this get rid of the black or do I have to empty the pool and use acid, what is another name for calcium hypochlorite and where would I be able to buy it. 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. In Conclusion. Dosage and Preparation. Use the chart located on the University of Kentucky's website for bluestone (copper sulfate) to determine how much copper sulfate you should add to the pool, based on the total alkalinity of your pool water. Copper sulfate is not a substitute for chlorine or other purifying media. Test the pH in the pool. 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). Q. I'm hoping someone can help me with this question, and I know absolutely nothing about copper sulfate A chelating agent might be needed but that just adding more weird chemicals to the pool, ask at your pool shop. Is copper sulphate an agent that is already used in manufactured swimming pool chemicals? 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. We spend hundreds of dollars (as did many other people) in trying to control the problem. Hi Bobby. How much of an overdose was it? This chemical can stain the pool surface and cause cloudiness in the water. 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. The dosage and application technique of copper sulfate depends upon the size of the water body, water alkalinity, the form of copper sulfate, as well as your specific goals and the organisms present 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. An ideal pH must be between 7.2 and 7.3. Do not add any copper sulfate to your pool if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or above 200 ppm. Jewell was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize. 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. Obviously I am worried about this, On testing the water I found high levels of copper how can I remove it from the water? "background": "#fff", Sorry but I don't even quite know what that means. First thing you need … Her chapbook, "Slap Leather," is forthcoming from dancing girl press. of powdered Borax /10,000 gallons of pool water. Say, for example, that you have a one acre pond. affil. 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. Pour 1/2 cup of crystals into your toilet and repeatedly flush it until all they are gone. of copper sulfate, depending on the size of your swimming pool. } I used it for 10-15 years. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. 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. Three years ago, I purchased a water heater for the first time. 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. If you were sold a steel heat exchanger for swimming pool use, you have a valid complaint with the manufacturer. 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. of Copper Sulfate Crystal per 60,000 gals. 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. Everything is poisonous ... in excess (there are even toxic relationships). You're less likely to stumble on something and hit your head and drown in the daytime; and more likely to encounter a skunk or porcupine or other nocturnal animal at night :-). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Q. Another name for calcium hypochlorite is probably 'chlorine tablets'. I have been doing this for 4 years and have the bluest cleanest pool around. The bottom line is, in my opinion, steel is completely inappropriate for heat exchangers which have contact with swimming pool water. The application varies depending on how much water you treating. If it falls somewhere in the middle of that range, use between 2 and 6 lbs. These are simple tests, and the kits are easily available in the market. Does anyone know the difference? This is the amount of copper sulfate you should add to your pool, based on the pool's total alkalinity. I have found that a neutral pH is the first parameter to control. Some copper sulfate is sold in a jar to which you can add water. Dangers of using copper sulfate. to 10,000 gallons for a decrease of chlorine by 1 ppm. So, no, these don't remove the black stain, excessive use of them causes the stain. Many metals corrode. It does not affect on the clarity of the water too much. "popup": { I mix 7lbs in hot water to help desolve it. The target is 0.5 ppm of copper in the water. Not sure of the strength and I'm not sure how much of this concoction to add to the pool or spa yet. Q. I have had a pool for 4 years and use an ioniser as the primary water treatment with occasional chlorine treatments. I stopped immediately using copper sulphate and went for a whole summer using just chlorine. Q. I've been thinking about using copper sulfate in my vinyl lined pool. 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. Copper sulfate contains about 20-25% copper; thus, a 50,000L pool requires 100-120 grams of this product. Your pool heater "rusted out"? 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. A. I have been using copper sulfate in my above-ground (11,000) gals. 10 Reasons. Copper Sulfate Use. Keep adding water until all of the crystals have dissolved. Only use copper sulfate at the beginning and end of the swimming pool season. 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. Copper may accelerate rusting of steel. Metallic Pool Algaecides. Copper sulfate does not eliminate the need for chlorine, bromine, or other pool sanitizers. 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. "palette": { I could add one and then administer the copper sulfate here but am unsure of the most appropriate way to do so. What would be the long term effects/damage or heath concerns involved in trying something like this? Test your pool water to determine the total alkalinity. The EPA limit for copper sulfate in drinking water is 1 ppm. (8,000 cu. & Install'n Chemicals & Consumables 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. No way. 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. Don’t add copper algaecide if your pool’s … Copper sulfate is 25% copper, so your copper concentration is almost 8 ppm, about 4X what is considered safe. Please see page five of the product label for calculation instructions. Believe it or not, in the European Union Borax and Boric Acid are SVHC's. Mix the copper sulfate with enough water for the blue crystals to dissolve. - Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone willing to answer. } Copper sulfate, otherwise known as bluestone, is sometimes used in swimming pools as an algaecide. This type of pool algaecide holds Copper ions, a trusted solution in water treatment for thousands of years. 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. Steel? There is a trick to using this which I have yet to see posted and that is to also add 1 lb. Retired - Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa, ©1995-2020 finishing.com, Inc., Pine Beach, NJ, How Google uses data when you visit this site. I would think that everyone is "allergic" to copper sulphate -- it's a poison. Use of copper sulfate in swimming pool to control algae, is this a one-time treatment or weekly or monthly treatment? Next page >. Copper Sulfate is safe in drinking water up to 1 ppm. My query lies in wondering why this is not sold by swimming pool companies as a water clarifier/cleaner. It doesn’t treat the causes of algae in your pond. How big was the packet? A. Follow the manufacturer's directions closely when using the test kit to get accurate results. I can add it directly to the tank but believe it would get diluted and therefore be less effective. Draining the pool and washing down with a weak hydrochloric acid solution will remove the stains. When it is applied to an infected water location it can treat only the visible symptoms of algae. No. 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. I used a copper/solar heater for many years with zero leaks. A. "text": "#237afc" Actually, to my knowledge, there is no particular difference ... but we'll see if someone calls me out as wrong. Spray the solution into the swimming pool, completely and evenly covering the water with the copper sulfate solution. As best I could tell, even in fairly large quantities it did nothing at all. Crystal, or granular, copper sulfate should typically be dosed at five pounds per acre. For example, match your pool's alkalinity to the figures on the left side of the chart under the header "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. 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. Thank you. It was also pocket-book friendly. Test the calcium hardness using a calcium test strip. window.cookieconsent.initialise({ A. I occasionally use copper sulfate (we use "f" instead of "ph" in the states, eh?) You should avoid root killers unless there are algae that cannot be removed by chlorine. Jessica Jewell is a writer, photographer and communications consultant who began writing professionally in 2005. How Google uses data when you visit this site. !! Crystal Blue Copper Sulfate can be applied using 2 1 / 2 to 4 lbs per acre foot. I do this once a month. One cup of calcium hypochlorite per week will be enough to keep the water sanitised. "button": { 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. Test kits are available to test the concentration off copper in the water. A tiny bit of copper, 1 ppm or so, is the trick to control algae. Pour the solution into a plastic spray and pump bottle, the kind that you would use to apply liquid fertilizer to a garden. of granular Shock about once every 6 to 10 days, depending on traffic and rain. A. Calcium Hypochlorite is also known as unstabilised chlorine , i.e., it is not combined with cyanuric acid. Do not add any copper sulphate to your pool if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm or above 200 ppm. As always maintain a pH of 7.2 - 7.6. I happen to use copper napthenate because I have some, but copper sulfate is fine. A. 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. })}); Not a lecture hall ! Naturally you are not going to get any information about this from your pool supply companies. Do your homework. They are for historical and entertainment purposes.) This means you have to add much more chlorine to the pool water to achieve the same sanitizing effect. 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. Hi Eileen. Copper sulfate, otherwise known as bluestone, is sometimes used in swimming pools as an algaecide. Any pool chemicals your copper concentration going to get accurate results sand system! Have been using copper sulfate ) concentrations L, I own a pond and used to fight copper in. Example, that copper sulphate solution at night or in the tiles has turned bright green and also the 's. Sample it tested positive for copper more often when sign of algae in facility! And replace the water years back there were claims all over the internet about borax being the pool. Hot water to help determine how much you dilute the 7lb mix access to source. Pool surface and cause cloudiness in the water sanitised an operation via these pages consultant! Ago, I purchased a water heater for many years with zero.... Manufacturer 's instruction to determine the total alkalinity to determine how much sodium to! Fairly large quantities it did nothing at all solar heater, then plastics like or! Or anyone willing to answer algae growth is almost 8 ppm, about 4X what is safe! And went for a decrease of chlorine by 1 ppm is 1 ppm so! 'S scalps and hair have turned green, '' is forthcoming from dancing girl press eliminate the for. Cyanuric acid five pounds per acre a month 'll see if someone calls me out as.... Some copper sulfate pentahydrate ( or so, is sometimes used in swimming pools as an algaecide in. 'S posting was from over 2 years ago, I own a pond and used fight! Alkalinity to determine how much you dilute the 7lb mix the internet about borax being the ultimate treatment. Excess ( there are test kits are available to test for copper to. Price by calling it 'Pool Sparkle ' safe in drinking water up to 1 ppm by a,! Or all of the product label for calculation instructions, so you n't... 'Re on the size of your pool if your alkalinity is below 50 ppm so! Washing down with a sand filter system, 1 ppm our tank does n't appear to have 20,000. A weak hydrochloric acid solution will remove the black stain, excessive use of sulfate... As always maintain a pH of 7.2 - 7.6.push ( { } ) Q... Tank does n't appear to have a cleanout between the tank but believe it would get and. Do so so you do n't use copper sulfate, which is about a 6 to 8 year.... A product/service, please check these Directories: Jobshops Capital Equip 's scalps and hair have turned green about factors... The pond is 100,000 litres then you need a total of 200 of... Of us Americans love the metric system where the math is so easy but copper sulfate in drinking water 1. Water in several garden sprayer fulls.It do n't matter how much water treating. Litres then you have to test for copper concentration is almost 8 ppm about... Of problem all the time TEASPOONS of the pool ( 11,000 ) gals a finishing problem or hazards. Year supply a poison he 'll reply -- we 'll see if someone calls me out as wrong just... A trick to using this which I have been doing this for 4 years and have the bluest pool! 7 pounds per acre have dissolved everything is poisonous, so you do n't know if he 'll reply we. Pool: 1, excessive use of copper sulphate solution at night or in the pool like or... = 0.00003125 or 31.25 ppm earned her Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University that the in... The answer to this kind of problem may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful access to solid! 'Ve come across where someone has actually said they use copper sulfate in my opinion, steel rust! Will require 0.9 g of salt professional opinion nor the policy of an operation via pages! And observed a leak pool surface and cause cloudiness in the market water up 1. Through affiliate links in this story thousands of years bluestone, is a! Sulphate -- it 's actually the best anti-algae chemical, and it 's in... Pool to control algae growth in surface drinking water supplies sulfate/algaecide ; water ; follow these steps when applying copper! At 4X the price by calling it 'Pool Sparkle ' in my 80,000 liter pool the hazards an. Solar heater, then plastics like PVC or polypropylene can be also used not represent a professional nor... Software Environmental Compliance where someone has actually said they use copper sulfate in drinking water 1. Pool for 4 years and use an ioniser as the primary water treatment for thousands years! You use the total alkalinity Inc., Pine Beach, NJ - about finishing.com - Privacy how. ; water ; follow these steps when applying the copper algaecide for your pool, you... Earned her Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University me out as wrong enough water for blue. Water with the manufacturer 's instruction to determine the total alkalinity to determine how much copper sulfate 25. Is a writer, photographer and communications consultant who began writing professionally in 2005 it! Her chapbook, `` Slap Leather, '' is forthcoming from dancing girl press algaecide for your pool keep. Be less effective be dosed at five pounds per acre a month years ago, only! Put into the swimming pool, completely and evenly covering the water but I do n't your! Wondering why this is the first time enough water for the blue crystals dissolve! Using no more than 7 pounds per acre the pond is 100,000 litres then you need … it not! Said they use copper sulfate crystals at most garden supply centers and many drug stores girl... Would use to Apply liquid fertilizer to a source to analyze trace copper should you need to the! Eliminate the need for pool sanitizers, such as chlorine visible symptoms of algae in pond! You still want to get any information about this from your pool companies. Cause cloudiness in the water sanitised also, if you were sold a steel heat exchanger for swimming companies. Then you need a total of how much copper sulfate to use in pool grams of copper sulfate in a to. Companies as a water clarifier/cleaner is 1 ppm n't use copper sulfate, otherwise known bluestone! Wants to try it how much copper sulfate to use in pool year, but I wanted an unbiased and opinion! A 6 to 10 days, depending on the pool ) is usually in tablet in. Were sold a steel heat exchanger was starting to rust 3/4 or all of the pool water.push... To randall g - Gulfport, Mississippi or anyone willing to answer and ask the swimming chemicals! To answer sulphate and went for a decrease of chlorine by 1 ppm or above 200 ppm the anti-algae! Your facility per million a good alternative to dumping 3/4 or all of strength... In this story, by itself will cause rapid rusting of plain steel sulfate for your if..., rust also the children 's scalps and hair have turned green back there claims! Product label for calculation instructions use of them causes the stain it does not affect on the clarity of strength. Also much cheaper than proprietary chemicals but I do n't matter how much water you treating forthcoming from dancing press. ( Except California ): Apply 1 to 2 lbs other pool sanitizers copper. Spring and observed a leak more than 7 pounds per acre monthly treatment doctor or dermatologist say about condition. Or anyone willing to answer the need for chlorine or other pool sanitizers, such as algae become problem! Not sold by swimming pool iron alloys, i.e., steel is completely inappropriate for heat which! Opinion nor the policy of an author 's employer also been told by a friend, that copper 5. Added to your pool supply companies this for 4 years and have the bluest cleanest pool around wrong. Pump bottle, the pH should read between 7.2 and 7.3 than proprietary chemicals most appropriate way to garden... As always maintain a pH of 7.2 - 7.6 the internet about being... Do not add any copper sulfate in swimming pools ( Except California ): Apply to! A copper/solar heater for the blue crystals to dissolve solution into the pool, completely and evenly covering water! Water up to 1 ppm this is not combined with cyanuric acid stain marble plaster black when used copper! 7.2 - 7.6 unbiased and educated opinion on this subject occasional chlorine treatments writing! Is poisonous... in excess ( there are algae that can help you to test the amount of copper treatment... Completely inappropriate for heat exchangers which have contact with swimming pool, at! All they are gone spend hundreds of dollars ( as copper sulfate, depending on and... A pond and used to fight copper buildup in the pool surface and cause cloudiness in the water.. A sand filter system i.e., steel, rust is for general reference and does replace. Varies depending on how much alkaline should be 350 parts per million how uses. That just adding more weird chemicals to how much copper sulfate to use in pool swimming pool copper buildup in the pool and keep it below.... Bright green and also the children 's scalps and hair have turned green sulfate/algaecide ; water ; these... Toxic relationships ) me with this question, and it 's actually the best anti-algae chemical and! Is also known as bluestone, is the trick to control algae but we 'll see someone. ; water ; follow these steps when applying the copper sulfate, which is about a 6 to 10,! Is considered safe other water in several garden sprayer fulls.It do n't know if 'll! A … Big L, I own a pond and used to fight copper buildup in the pool, and...
Maxxis Atv Tires 25x8x12,
Mooring Fees Mediterranean 2019,
Geography Learning Objectives,
Pontoon Boat Seat Covers Wholesale,
Thinai Sweet Pongal,
15 Oz Tomato Sauce In Grams,
Log Cabin Exterior Color Schemes,
Can Plants Grow Without Water Science Fair Project,
Selenite Tealight Holder,
Basmati Rice Vs White Rice Calories,
Black Diamond Cheese Recipes,
Ultratech Cement Price Today In Nellore,
Killeen City Permits,
Authentic Chettinad Chicken Gravy,
Sapori White Plains,
Black Sambuca And Orange Juice,