LaMotte DPC-52 Water Testing Laboratory - Manual (Page 10)

COPPER
Copper imparts an undesirable blue-green color to pool water. Acid water may cause
corrosion of copper pipes and fittings and result in contamination of the pool. When
copper compounds are used in the pool to control algae growth, it is essential to
maintain the copper concentration at the recommended levels for an effective
treatment, otherwise high concentrations of copper may cause staining problems.
Copper concentrations above 0.5 ppm should be avoided in pool water.
RANGE:
0.0 - 3.0 ppm Copper
METHOD:
Cupric ions form a magenta color with bicinchoninic acid
under neutral conditions, pH 6 - 8, in proportion to the
concentration of copper in the sample.
INTERFERENCE:
If the Calcium Hardness is high, a precipitate may develop in
the copper test. If this occurs, repeat the test but add two drops
of *Iron Reagent 1 (4450) to the 10 mL sample before adding
the Copper Tablet.
PROCEDURE
1. Fill colorimeter tube (0967) to the 10 mL line with the water sample.
2. Add one Copper Tablet (WL-3808) to the tube. Cap and mix to dissolve tablet. The
development of a purple-red color indicates the presence of copper.
3. Wait 2 minutes. With the “Copper” text appearing on the meter display, place the
treated sample into the colorimeter chamber. As soon as the display stabilizes, read
result in ppm Copper.
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