Switching from Pristine Blue/Copper in Water

[jman1975]

I have had it with Pristine Blue. I switched to this from Bacquasil and it is just as useless. I want to switch to chlorine. Do I need to remove the copper before starting with chlorine?

[PoolDoc]

1. Get a K2006 test kit -- accurate test results are ESSENTIAL to avoid staining from copper, during the switch. Link to Amazon in my signature.

2. Get some polyquat -- probably 1.5 quarts per 10k gallons of pool water. You'll need it to help with the switch. If you have any traces of algae now, get 3 qts per 10k. Polyquat is moderately effective algaecide and a very good clarifier that is compatible with both copper and chlorine. If you have algae, follow the label. If not, wait till you begin the switch. www.poolsolutions.com/polyquat.html

3. Get some HEDP -- probably 1 qt per 10k gallons. Again, you'll need it during the switch. Link below.

4. Tell us what sort of filter you have -- to get the copper out, you have to precipitate it and filter it. Type of filter matters.

5. Use household bleach to maintain the chlorine levels currently recommended by Pristine Blue.

6. If you have not replaced your sand or cartridge, since you used Baquacil, plan to do so BEFORE you convert from Pristine Blue. You will need a well functioning filter to trap the copper. If you have a sand filter, you can get labeled filter sand locally. If you have a cartridge filter, let me help you find a Unicel or Filbur cartridge. Do NOT buy a Pleatco or no-name cartridge or ANY cartridge made in China. OEM -- with labeling!! -- Hayward or Pentair cartridges are also OK, and might be available locally. If you have a DE cartridge, give us the model info. We'll need to help you inspect it, to see if it is ruined. DE filter can be used with Baquacil, unharmed, but ONLY IF you are very careful about the DE precoat.

HEDP is a dissolved phosphonate product that is pretty chlorine stable, and very good at keeping dissolved metals IN the water, instead of ON your pool surfaces. It can lift recent stains, OR it can be used along with ascorbic acid, to keep the metals in the water, after the ascorbic acid is consumed by chlorine.

Jacks Magic The Pink Stuff 1qt (60% HEDP) @ Amazon
20% KemTek HEDP @ Amazon