Iron
Iron typically enters the pool when it's filled. However, as more municipal districts replace iron pipes, it becomes less common. When dissolved in water, iron is completely colorless. Therefore, it is often hard to tell if it's present. If it is, however, the iron will immediately react with the present chlorine. The chlorine and iron will bond, creating iron III chloride (see Image 4) (21). Iron III chloride is a rusty red color that will create orange stains on the walls of the pool. Other chemicals can be used to remove the stain. (22)
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Copper
Copper usually enters the pool if the system uses a copper heater (which means it has copper coils). Low pH, unbalanced total alkalinity, and low levels of calcium can all lead to the corrosion of the heater. If the heater corrodes, the copper will enter the pool. In the pool, the copper will react with the water and air to form copper carbonate (CuCO3) (24). CuCO3 is a green molecule (see Image 5), that will turn the water into the same color. It can also create blue-green to black stains along the walls of the pool. It is also the presence of copper that will turn your hair green! (25)
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