Many DIYs and self-help recommendations became popular down the years for swimming pool maintenance. The proposed solutions and methodologies differ due to regional differences, materials availability, or level of expertise of the home users.
Several naturally occurring and artificial substances or chemicals like lime, vinegar, baking soda, locally made chlorine, and others have been used without professional counseling and engineering. Copper Sulfate, another typical chemical used in swimming pool maintenance, raises the curiosity and the concern of many who heard about it to ask if it is truly good to be used for the swimming pool.
Now the question arises, can you use copper sulfate in a swimming pool?
Yes! You can use copper sulfate in your swimming pool following the laid down guide to the letter, but there are still risks attached to it. If you can, it is advised that you go for a substitute.
Table of Contents
What Does Copper Sulfate Do To a Swimming Pool?
In a plain sense, copper sulfate reacts with water to form copper sulfate pentahydrate. The water will become blue. Copper Sulfate attacks algae present in swimming pools if added in adequate amounts.
The time it takes to dissolve finally allows it to take action through the algae and erase them almost entirely. The main reason for this DIY is to eliminate algae and have a clear surface.
Is It Safe To Apply Copper Sulfate To The Swimming Pool?
As much as you might be interested in clearing off the algae in your swimming pool with copper sulfate, you are open to many health issues or body reactions.
A little contact with the pure form of copper sulfate will cause permanent yellow discoloration of the skin accompanied by itching.
Suppose a large amount is added to your swimming pool which the water content can’t neutralize. In that case, anyone who swims in the pool is liable to vomiting, nausea, and damage to the body cells, tissues, liver, and kidney.
The body will absorb it through the skin pores, and in a very high concentration, it can lead to shock, fainting, or even death.
All the points mentioned above are that copper sulfate is toxic to the human body, but it doesn’t make it unusable in the swimming pool.
Many home users have used copper sulfate in their pools without any discomfort, but this requires precautions and knowledge of its application.
How To Apply Copper Sulfate To Your Swimming Pool
Copper sulfate is an inexpensive means of clearing algae in private and commercial swimming pools. The disadvantages encountered can be prevented so that you can go on with the application.
Your target is to get the adequate amount needed to cover your pool effectively, but it is much better to get a low concentration that didn’t clear off all the algae than to have a higher concentration that will put your health status at risk.
Before proceeding, kindly ask yourself, “Do my swimming pool need this?”
Yes, is there a need to apply copper sulfate? What level of algae is present in your swimming pool to think of clearing them off? Or are you just guessing there is? It would help if you took a little research or analysis of your pool’s condition before embarking on anything.
Measuring the Level Of Algae
Water with high pH allows the growth of algae and cloudy water. Faulty filter circulation processes and low levels of chlorine can also contribute to the presence of algae.
Algae is a collection of very tiny plants. The most effective solution to their presence is preventive measures as if it’s left to grow into a visible section before the control, and it might have posted issues to the users or made the swimming pool appear hideous.
You can measure algae levels by taking a water sample to a certified swimming pool cleaning company or by just checking the pH. A high pH is an indication of their presence.
You can also know how much they are when they grow into sections visible to the human eye. They exist in colors black, green, and yellow.
It might be another indicator when the swimming pool also starts giving out foul smells. Nonetheless, you can apply the copper sulfate at any time if you notice the mentioned signs.
Copper Sulfate Amount Calculator
You need a concentration of 1.0ppm of dissolved copper in your swimming pool. With this information, you must only apply a tablespoon of copper sulfate to 1000 gallons of water. Get the correct figure of the water content in your swimming pool and try to avoid assumptions.
Applying Copper Sulfate
First, obey the precautions written on the product you bought. Avoid any direct contact with the substance, and it’s poisonous. After this, head towards your skimmer and apply there. You can also apply it directly to the pool through its surface. Calculate the amount required and apply it through the surface.
How Long After Application Can You Start Swimming In The Pool?
Copper sulfate takes 24 hours to effectively dissolve in the water, of which it will take effect on the algae and clear the pool. You can then engage the swimming pool’s filter system and have a clearer pool.
After hours stated, the water is safe to swim in, but there might be a delay in dissolving in some cases, so it’s advisable to extend the period till maybe two days after.
Substitute for Copper Sulfate in a Swimming Pool
There are several other algaecides available for application for your swimming pool. It is, however, advised to use government-approved algae preservatives rather than trying to use copper sulfate.
Most people use algaecide every week, but copper sulfate isn’t advised to be used in this form—test for your pool’s condition before using any substitute.
Final Thoughts
Although copper sulfate is harmful to swimmers if used without caution or un-calculated portions, it is usable. Follow the recommendations mentioned in the article and focus on reducing exposure to it.
Back to the question, “Can one use copper sulfate in a swimming pool?” The answer goes as, “Yes, but you should try another substitute. The risks can be overwhelming if you’re not cautious.”
