Mineral Treatments
MINERAL TREATMENTS
Minerals such as silver and copper have long been recognized for their ability to keep water fresh for drinking. The pioneers used to place copper and silver coins in their barrels of drinking water as they traveled west. Over the past 50 years or so these minerals have been used to treat pool water. The minerals copper and silver have received most of the attention and more recently zinc has gained interest as well.
Using copper sulphate algaecides
Copper sulphate-based swimming pool algaecides can be used to:
- control algae
- improve water clarity
- reduce the amount of chlorine- or bromine-based products needed
They do not:
- control microorganisms like bacteria and viruses
- eliminate the need for sanitizers
Copper sulphate-based products must be used along with chlorine- or bromine-based sanitizers to protect bathers.
The amount of copper sulphate-based algaecide needed will vary depending on the size and type of your pool and its location, for example how much sunlight it receives.
Note: Using copper sulphate-based algaecides in swimming pools is not dangerous to swimmers. Also, these products are not known to cause corrosion of pool equipment. If you follow all label directions, copper sulphate algaecides should not cause skin irritation. However when handling undiluted products, care must be taken to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
The levels added to water do not assure control of all bacteria or algae and it is highly desirable to supplement these minerals with low levels of chlorine or bromine. The combination of the halogens and minerals results in a true synergistic ability to control undesirable organisms and wastes at low levels.