Remove copper stains in swimming pools

The task to remove copper stains in swimming pools can be very challenging. Copper stains in swimming pools can appear in a variety of colors.  However, most often appear as a light (mint) green or a light brown/grey stain on the walls and floor.  A copper stain in your pool can look like algae stains. In fact, some people will shock-dose their pool with granular chlorine which then oxidizes the copper staining. This turns the copper stains in pool surfaces to a dark color almost right away.

Even without shock chlorination, copper stains in swimming pools will become darker and discolored by dirt, chlorine, and other minerals over time. This can make them appear in various colors and shades on the pool surface. Remember, copper stains are often the same in color or appearance as algae and this often leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment.

Copper staining occurs when you introduce copper into the pool from sulphate blocks, copper and silver systems, low-quality pool salts or copper-based algaecides. All these products add invisible copper ions to the pool water. Remember, if residual copper is not properly removed or managed, staining can occur – particularly if the water pH exceeds 8.3. This rise in pH causes the suspended (floating) copper ions in the pool to ‘plate out’ or bond to the pool surface. Finally, this then causes discoloration in the form of a stubborn colored stain.

Also, unbalanced water will strip the copper from pipework in pool heating or solar equipment and bring it into the pool water.

Remember, you should remove copper as soon as possible to prevent it from staining the pool. We can assist you in removing copper and other metals from your pool with CuLator Metal Eliminator