Be a Smart Consumer Use a Sanitizer Beware of False Claims Test Pool Water Regularly Use Copper Sulphate Algicides Safely Use Only Registered Copper Sulphate Algicides Check the Product Package General Safety Precautions Before Purchasing this Product When Using this Product After Using this Product In Case of Accidental Poisoning Disposal

Be a Smart Consumer

Copper sulphate based swimming pool algicides may be used to:

√ control algae
√ improve water clarity
√ reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine based products required

They do not:

× control microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses
× eliminate the need for sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine based pool products

Use a Sanitizer

Copper sulphate based products are used for the control of algae in swimming pools. Copper sulphate based products do not control microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses in swimming pool water. Only chlorine or bromine based products can provide this protection. To protect pool users, copper sulphate based products must be used in conjunction with chlorine or bromine based sanitizers.

Beware of False Claims

Using a copper sulphate based pool algicide can reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine based sanitizer needed in your pool. However, beware of specific claims promoting a certain percentage in savings due to a reduction in the amount of sanitizer required. The amount of sanitizer required in your pool depends on many variable factors such as the number of bathers, water temperature, and the amount of rain which has fallen recently.

Test Pool Water Regularly

Water balance (adequate sanitizer levels, pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness) and an appropriate concentration of copper sulphate based algicide must be maintained to prevent staining of pool surfaces. Water testing can be done using good quality test kits or by bringing water samples to your swimming pool dealer. Only regular testing can determine if the level of sanitizer in your pool is adequate to protect swimmers from disease causing microogranisms.

Use Copper Sulphate Algicides Safely

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada has found that use of copper sulphate based algicides in swimming pools poses no significant hazard to swimmers. When used according to the label directions, copper sulphate algicide should not cause skin irritation for bathers. Label directions should be carefully followed when handling undiluted copper sulphate based product to reduce the potential for skin irritation, so you should always:

Use Only Registered Copper Sulphate Algicides

All copper sulphate based pool products must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act. The PMRA reviews applications for registration of algicides on the basis of scientific information to assess hazards to human health and the environment in addition to product efficacy. Registered products carry labels with directions for use as well as precautions to minimize hazards to users of the products. Registered copper sulphate swimming pool products are easily identified. Just look for the five digit registration number on the front of the package, which should appear as follows:

Purchase only registered copper sulphate algicides and to use them according to label directions.

Check the Product Package

Verify that the packaging and labelling of the copper sulphate based product you purchase is authentic by checking for a registration number. Avoid unidentified or inadequately labelled product.

General Safety Precautions

Before Purchasing this Product

• Read the label directions and safety precautions before buying the product.
• Purchase only the quantity of product needed for the treatment.

When Using this Product

• Carefully read all label instructions and precautions before using this product.
• Do not smoke, drink, or eat while applying this product.

After Using this Product

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after using this product.
• Wipe clean all surfaces that comes in direct contact with food, such as counters, tables and stovetops.
• Always store this product out of reach of children and pets and away from food and beverages.

Please note that these are general precautions. You should consult the label of the product for clarification and additional information.

In Case of Accidental Poisoning

• Seek medical attention or call a poison control centre immediately.
• In case of accidental poisoning of pets seek veterinary attention immediately.

Disposal

• Do not reuse the empty containers. Dispose of them in household garbage.
• Unused or partially used products should be disposed of at provincially or municipally designated household hazardous waste disposal sites.