What to Do If a Copper Strip's Color Is Lavender in a Saltwater Pool

Source of Copper: Copper Pipes

• If your pool has copper piping, the pipes may be decaying. Over time, copper can degrade when exposed to salt water. Small amounts of dissolving copper from the piping will leach into your pool water, and the first symptoms may be a blue, gray or purple stain on the walls of your pool. Remove and replace the copper pipe with a zinc, stainless steel or titanium plumbing system to reduce the risk of future copper leaching.

Source of Copper: Heater

• If your pool is heated, the heater core may be leeching copper into your pool water. Examine the heater for signs of decay or damage, and consider replacing the core before it causes a leak. Ensure the new core is rated for use in a saltwater pool and is constructed of zinc, titanium or any other material suitable for use in a high-salt environment.

Drain the Water

• Once you have removed the source of the copper, drain and refill your pool. Contact your local municipality to ascertain the proper method of disposing of the salt water from your pool. Never drain it to the street or storm gutter, as the salt along with the copper is highly toxic to plant and aquatic life.

Continue Testing

• Test your pool immediately after you have refilled it and balanced the pH and salinity. Continue testing your saltwater pool even after the source of the copper has been removed and the water has been replaced. Water that is contaminated with copper will have a somewhat light-green appearance. There are commercial products that can prevent the staining inherent in copper contamination, but they work best when the problem is caught early.