Has anyone used EZ Pool (copper) chemicals, and if so how do you like it?

Question

We recently got an above ground pool and have decided to use Baquacil for the chemicals since my son has asthma and I've heard not to use chlorine in that case. However, it smells horrible, like dead fish. We are considering changing to EZ Pool, since that is the other chlorine-free chemical our pool dealer uses. I would like to know if anyone's used it, and if so, is it really EZ like the name? Also, does it stink? Please help! We can't swim in a pool that smells like dead fish!

Answer 1

Chaoticbliss is pointing you to a VERY helpful website. Asthma problems resulting from chlorine exposure is most often associated with large indoor swimming pools. More often than not these pools use more chlorine than is needed resulting in chlorine gas (not a dangerous level for most but can cause asthma attacks) building up inside the structure OR these pools do not use enough chlorine resulting in a substantially high level of chloramines (most often the chlorine "smell" is actually chloramines and not the chlorine) which cause asthma attacks. If you have an outdoor pool and keep your chlorine at proper levels then your son should be fine. I have only heard bad things about baquacil and this is just another. I dont know much about EZ pool. Have you considered bromine? A bit more expensive but you wont have a "fish" smell and bromine is less "harsh" than chlorine.

Answer 2

I believe you are inquiring about an alternative to a chlorine pool, EZ Pool a non chlorine pool.  These ionic sytems want you to believe they make copper, silver and zinc ions and purify the water without chlorine.  Well this remains to be seen, I for one do not buy it and it sounds like another system to lighten your wallet.

One system that you might want to look at is made by delozone.com.  Their system is an ozone generator see Eclipse.  This works with a chlorine dispenser that puts 1/2 the amount of chlorine in the water, 0.5 to 1.5ppm.  Now ozone is a known irritant to the lungs and in normal people can cause constriction and wheezing.  But del's Eclipse makes the oxone and injects it into the return water to the pool and it is gone before it comes out of the return line into the pool so exposure is very minimalized.  You have to run your equipment longer with ozone, and it uses more electricity, but that is a good trade off for reduced chlorine and peace of mind for you and your family.

A properly maintained chlorine pool is the way to go.  Get a good test kit one that the maintenance guys use, check into Taylortechnologies.com who make a chlorine test kit that specifically tests for chloramines in the water.  This FAS-DPD kit is available by itself or as part of the great test kit that tests, pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid.

Alternatively get a good pool maintenance guy who can test for chloramines and maintain your pool.  Have him come twice a week when the water is 80* or above and you will have the basis for outstanding water maintenance.

I do not think your son would be allergic to the chlorine but the combined chlorine or chloramines is a very well known and documented irritant.

You're welcome!!

Answer 3

NO don't use copper! Baquacil is no good either. We have a 27' AGP and I use the BBB ( bleach, baking soda and mule team borax) method and our pool is sparkling clean!

Come visit us over here at http://www.troublefreepools.com

LOTS of very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly people that will help/teach you get your pool on the right track and enjoying it all summer.

Answer 4

I have not used EZ brand,but I have used several copper algaecides....they work excellant with hydrogen peroxide 25%-also have you considered these: http://www.swimming-pool-information.com...