Introduction
Noticing green water, stains, or unusual discoloration in your pool? You might be dealing with high copper levels. In this complete step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to remove copper from your pool water safely and effectively. Whether you’re struggling with stains or just want to keep your pool water clear, this guide will help you eliminate copper the right way.
Why Copper Removal Matters for Your Pool
Copper in pool water is more common than many people realize. It can enter your pool through:
- Source water (especially well water)
- Corroding copper pipes or heaters
- Certain algaecides or mineral sanitizers
When copper levels rise, the metal can oxidize and cause:
- Green or teal-tinted water
- Blue or black staining on surfaces
- Hair or swimsuits turning green
- Damaged pool equipment
Removing copper not only restores water clarity and balance but also prevents long-term staining and damage to your pool surfaces and components.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Copper from Pool Water
1. Test the Water for Copper
Start by using a metal test kit or taking a sample to your local pool store. This will confirm whether copper is the issue and indicate how high the levels are.
Ideal copper level: 0 ppm
Action required if: Copper is above 0.2 ppm
Tip: Also test for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to ensure overall water balance.
2. Stop Adding Products That Contain Copper
Check your current pool chemicals. Some algaecides, mineral systems, and ionizers may be contributing copper to the water.
Action: Discontinue use of copper-based algaecides and switch to copper-free alternatives.
3. Lower the pH Level (If Needed)
High pH can cause copper to precipitate out of the water and stain pool surfaces. If your pH is above 7.6, bring it down to the ideal range of 7.2–7.4.
Use: Muriatic acid or dry acid (sodium bisulfate)
Caution: Always add acid to water—never the other way around.
4. Add a Metal Sequestrant
A metal sequestrant (also known as a stain and scale control product) binds to copper ions in the water, preventing them from staining surfaces.
Instructions:
- Use a product specifically labeled for copper or heavy metals
- Follow the dosing guide based on your pool size
- Run your pool pump continuously for 24 hours after adding
Tip: Sequestrants don’t remove metals—they bind them to keep them suspended in the water for filtration or later removal.
5. Use a Metal Remover or Filter Aid
To physically remove copper from the water, you can use a product designed to pull metals out of suspension, especially in conjunction with a clarifier or filter aid.
Options:
- Metal removal products (that precipitate and trap metals)
- CuLator packets (placed in skimmer or pump basket to absorb metals)
- Pool filter aids or clarifiers (to trap suspended metals in the filter)
6. Clean or Backwash the Filter
Once copper is trapped in the filter, it needs to be removed. Clean cartridge filters, backwash sand filters, or deep clean DE filters after treating the water.
Reminder: Repeat cleaning 1–2 days after initial treatment for best results.
7. Repeat Sequestrant Treatments as Needed
Most sequestrants break down over time, especially with high chlorine levels or heat. Continue adding a maintenance dose weekly or as directed to prevent copper from redepositing.
Ongoing maintenance: Helps prevent stains and keeps copper under control long term.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Copper-Based Algaecides
Many pool owners unknowingly worsen the problem by adding more copper.
Solution: Switch to copper-free or chlorine-based algaecides.
2. Letting pH Get Too High
When pH rises above 7.6, copper can come out of suspension and cause stains.
Solution: Keep pH within the ideal range of 7.2–7.6.
3. Failing to Use a Sequestrant
Shocking the pool without using a sequestrant first can cause metals to oxidize instantly and stain.
Solution: Always add sequestrant before shocking or raising chlorine levels.
4. Not Cleaning the Filter After Treatment
If metals are trapped in the filter and not removed, they can return to the water.
Solution: Clean or backwash the filter thoroughly after each metal treatment.
5. Ignoring the Source
If your fill water or heater is the source of copper, treating the pool water alone won’t solve the problem.
Solution: Test source water and inspect heater or plumbing for corrosion.
Extra Tips & Pool Hacks
Install a Pre-Filter on Your Hose
If your fill water contains copper, attach a metal-removing pre-filter to your garden hose before refilling the pool.
Benefit: Prevents adding copper during top-offs or new fills.
Use CuLator Regularly
These maintenance packets help absorb metals passively while the pool runs. They’re great for long-term copper control.
Where to place: In skimmer or pump basket.
Monitor Your Heater
Older copper heat exchangers can corrode and release copper into the water. A professional inspection and regular water chemistry balance can prevent this.
Internal link: Concerned about stains? Check out our article on [How to Remove Stains from Pool Surfaces].
Conclusion
Knowing how to remove copper from your pool water is essential for keeping it clean, safe, and stain-free. With regular testing, proper chemical management, and the right treatment steps, you can eliminate copper and prevent it from returning.
Final Tip: Keep a maintenance dose of sequestrant in your pool year-round if you use well water or have a copper-based system—your pool surfaces will thank you.