I can’t get the copper level to increase to 0.2ppm
There are a number of possible reasons why you can’t get the minerals to register in the correct range. Keep in mind, it’s a slow process to increase or decrease the mineral ion level in a pool. But once they are in there, they are very stable and will stay in the water for several weeks. First and foremost, you need a good copper test. Expired tests won’t register properly and most pool store labs are only accurate to within 0.5ppm for copper.
1. Ensure you have the right model for your pool size. The model number is on the back of the controller. The A-800/CBI-350x-25 model is rated for pools up to 25,000 gallons (95,000 L). The A-850/CBI-350x-40 model is rated for pools up to 40,000 gallons (150,000 L). If your pool is on the cusp (e.g. 20,000 gallons), we recommend going with the A-850/CBI-350x-40 model, especially in warm climates with lots of sun. If you have purchased the 25,000 gallon system and you would like to upgrade to the 40,000, please contact us.
2. Make sure the Mineral Action (Ionizing) light is on, or flashing.
3. Make sure your ClearBlue Ionizer controller is on 24/7 (not on a timer).
4. Make sure your pump is running at least 8 hours per day
5. Make sure that your copper test kit has not expired. There should be an expiry date on the bottom of the bottle. You can order replacement test kits at your pool store or online (in Canada and US).
6. Ensure you are using the copper test kit properly (read the instructions on the test kit or strips carefully).
7. Ensure you have the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting correct according to your volume of water. You can check that on the settings calculator or in the Operating Manual. You can increase the setting higher than what it says in the manual if the copper test readings are low. For the Mineral Lion, the single number setting is like the Maintain setting.
8. Set Increase (Large Dose) to the value on the settings calculator or in the Operating Manual for your pool or spa. This will run the controller full blast for the number of hours indicated. For example, setting the controller to Increase (Large Dose) and then setting the number value to 48 will run the system full blast for 48 hours. You can test the copper level after 48 hours and if you do not get a 0.2ppm reading, you can run the Increase (Large Dose) as many times as necessary until you get the copper to this level. If you have a Mineral Lion system, there is no Increase mode. You can simulate the Increase mode by setting the controller number to 99. However, it is important that you test the copper every few days. When it reaches 0.2ppm, set the number back to what it was.
When the controller is set to Increase (Large Dose), the Mineral Action (Ionizing) light should be flashing blue or solid red (depending your ClearBlue model). If the Ionizing light goes off after 5 to 10 minutes, there could be a problem with the controller. Contact us for assistance.
9. Check your phosphate level. Phosphates act like fertilizer for algae. Algae grows quickly and the copper is used up as it is produced, so it cannot build up a residual for the test to detect. Most pool stores can test this for you if you bring in a water sample. If your phosphate level is over 200ppb, we recommend controlling it with a product like Orenda PR-10000.
10. If you have used a stain and scale chemical or sequestering agent, this will remove minerals from the water and will neutralize the generation of new mineral ions. After a month, the sequestering agent will dissipate and your ion levels will rise to the correct level.
11. Make sure you are keeping the chlorine at 1-3ppm while the minerals are ramping up. This is equivalent to adding two or three chlorine tablets to your skimmer or inline chlorinator. This will help control algae and make it easier for the minerals to reach the recommended range. Once the copper ion level reaches 0.2ppm, you can start ramping down the chlorine level by using one 3″ tablet once per week, or equivalent sanitizer to maintain 0.5ppm of chlorine.
12. If there is any question as to whether the controller, cell or copper test kit are functioning properly, you can test the system by putting the two metal bars of the cell in a glass of water, and set the Ion Action (Maintain) to 99. Within 15 minutes, the water should turn blue, and the reading should be over 1ppm. View Photo.
If you have the controller version with the RED lights and the ‘Ionizing’ light is NOT flashing (or solid when on Large Dose) or if you have tried all of these things and still have a problem, please contact us for assistance.
