OK - so the blue in the ears, on the Q-Tips..true or untrue? We're about to sign a contract for a new pool with an EcoSmarte system. I hate the idea of swimming in chemicals, so it sounds like a great deal. But blue ears?? Makes me wonder what is going to be getting into our bodies when we swim.Can you elaborate on the 'blue ear' comment?
Thanks for visiting the blog, em. Here's the story with the blue ears.
First of all, a balanced pool with the correct level of copper and the recommended pH will not cause blue/green anything.
If the copper level is extremely high in the pool, you can get blue/green ears, fingernails, toenails or hair. Keeping the copper level in the recommended parameters is important, and not just a suggestion. Some people think that if a little bit of copper is good, a lot would keep the pool even cleaner, so they let the copper levels get way too high. I have also seen this happen accidentally when a customer who has the non-programmable system forgot to turn the copper ionization off. He has a small pool and left it on for a few days when it was only supposed to be on for a few hours once a week.
The only other way this can happen is if someone puts chlorine in the pool, which can precipitate out the copper. It is important to use only approved products in an ECOsmarte pool - when in doubt call the 800 number and ask.
What will be getting into your body with an ECOsmarte pool? A little bit of copper...emphasis on the word little, here. If you drank 2 gallons of your pool water (which we would never recommend), you would just reach your recommended daily amount of copper. The more important question would be what is not getting into your body?
Trihalomethanes and Chloramines; Chlorine disinfection by-products I am pretty sure are able to be absorbed through your skin. Cyanuric acid, which can irritate the skin, eyes, respiratory system and digestive tract. And that's just the start - depends what your pool service decides to throw in your pool that week...
Many people are so concerned about drinking clean water without toxic disinfection by-products in it, then they go jump in a pool that is filled with them. Or they take a shower with tap water, which amounts to the same thing.
You will love your ECOsmarte pool. There is absolutely nothing like swimming in chlorine-free water. Your hair, skin, eyes, dogs and swimsuits will all be happier!
