Copper is a naturally occurring element that is essential for the human body. Though it is common in nature, in much smaller quantities, it is a poisonous substance that can cause health problems. Too much copper in your pool water can lead to health issues such as redness, scaling, and, in severe cases, liver damage.
What causes high copper levels in pool water? There are several different reasons why this could happen, but the most common one is improper pool maintenance. If your pool maintenance company has not been doing their job properly, they could be the cause of your high copper levels. Let’s take a look at some of the other factors that could contribute to this problem:
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Chlorine Shock
If you are not properly “shocking” your pool, or if you are using the wrong products to do it, then this is a major cause of high copper levels. Chlorine shock occurs when too much chlorine is present in your pool for a length of time. This can cause the pH balance of your pool to become unsettled, which leads to the formation of copper deposits on the surface of the pool. These copper deposits are called “chlorophyll”, and they are a clear sign that you are experiencing chlorine shock.
When the pH balance of your pool is disrupted, your fish and other aquatic life are more likely to become sick. Your pet fish are particularly sensitive to changes in their water, and if they start showing signs of sickness, then it’s time for a change. Your pet fish should NEVER be kept in a pool with a pH above 7.5; above this amount, the health of your pet fish is put at risk. The proper pH level for the well-being of your pet fish is 7.2 to 7.4.
To avoid this problem, make sure that the pH level of your pool is checked at least once a month, and if it’s above 7.5, then the chlorine level should be reduced. The best way to determine if the chlorine level is too high or low in your pool is to use a testing kit that provides instant results.
Improper Cleaning
Proper cleaning of your pool is another important factor that can contribute to high copper levels. During cleaning, the filter cartridge, skimmers, and other parts of the pool that come in contact with water should be cleaned at least twice a month with a proper pool cleaner. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how much water your pool contains; the more water, the more frequently you should clean it.
If the filter cartridge, skimmers, or other parts of the pool are not cleaned properly, then they will start clogging up quickly, which will cause the copper levels in your pool to increase. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a pool cleaning apparatus that is designed for the size of your pool. These pool cleaners are available in different size configurations for different sized pools, so make sure that you are purchasing the right one for your pool. If you are unsure which pool cleaner to purchase, then call your local swimming pool store and ask for help; they’ll be able to advise you on what would be appropriate for your pool size and situation.
Leaky Faucet
If there is a faucet near the base of the pool, then all of the water that runs through it will be free flowing for the entire length of the pool. Because copper is highly soluble in water, this type of faucet will cause copper levels in your pool to increase quickly. Make sure that there are no leaks near the base of your pool; this could be the cause of the high levels of copper that you are experiencing.
There are several different types of faucets that you can use to prevent copper from leaching into your pool. If you have a leaky faucet, then you should stop using it immediately and replace it with one of the following types:
- SPF
- GPM
- LGP
- NGP
- Sump Pump
- Siphon Pump
The NGP (no-leak faucet) is the best choice for keeping copper levels in your pool stable. With no-leak faucets, there is no need to worry about the pH balance of your pool becoming unsettled; all you need to do is prevent water from leaking into your pool. Some no-leak faucets are even designed to handle very high water pressures, so make sure that you are purchasing one that is powerful enough for your needs.
Treatment Plants
The treatment plants that are available for pools can also contribute to high copper levels. Many pools now have treatment plants that are designed to remove nitrates, phosphates, and other chemicals from the water. These treatment plants typically use an algae called “nitrosomonas” as their main source of nutrition. If there is too much nitrates in your pool, then the nitrosomonas could start eating away at the plastic liners that are used in pools. This could lead to more serious damage.
If you notice that your pool water is becoming progressively more cloudy as time goes by, then it could be a sign that your treatment plants are not functioning properly. This is why it is important to check the PH levels of your pool water often, as algae leaves have a very different PH value than water. Call your local swimming pool store to ask if they are experiencing any problems with their treatment plants, and if so, they should be able to fix it for you.
Saltwater Swimming
If you are a saltwater swimmer, then avoiding high copper levels in your pool will be much more difficult. While in the water, the solubility of copper increases, which makes it much more available for absorption. If you are going to be swimming in the water anyway, then there is no need to prevent copper from entering your body. Just make sure that you exercise caution when handling your body wastes (urine and fecal matter) while in the water, as this too can contribute to your copper toxicity.
You should always wear protective goggles when in the water, and never eat any seafood unless you have confirmed that it was harvested in a reliable manner. The most common way of ensuring that the seafood you eat is fresh is by making sure that it is displayed in a seafood store or restaurant that you can trust. Never eat any meat that has not been properly refrigerated, and make sure that all cooked foods are thoroughly cooked before serving to avoid the risk of food poisoning. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water while in the water, and make sure that you wash your hands before and after eating.
Overall Health
Healthy, overall physical conditioning can also contribute to lower copper levels in your pool. It seems that athletes who are in good physical shape have lower levels of copper in their systems. Make sure that you are physically prepared for summertime, and make sure that you are eating healthy and staying hydrated. Also, you should get a good nights sleep and maintain an appropriate body weight, as there are known links between elevated body weight and elevated levels of copper in the blood stream. Too much copper can be extremely dangerous to your overall health, so monitor your blood pressure and remain well-hydrated at all times.
Once you have determined that high copper levels are the cause of your problems, then it’s time to take action. You should start by reducing the amount of water that is in your pool, and depending on the type of faucet that you have, then either using a different faucet or fixing the one that you have. If the issue cannot be resolved with these two steps, then there are other options such as installing an inline filter system that will prevent any unnecessary copper from entering your pool. Lastly, you should call your local swimming pool store and get an estimate on how much it would cost to have their plumbing technician come out and fix the problem. In most cases, this will be a one-time service call, and you will not have to worry about copper levels in your pool again. This is because the plumber will install a copper filter that will prevent any future copper contamination.