CuLATOR INFLATED LIKE A BALLOON, IS THIS NORMAL?

CuLator Ultra 4.0 hydrated and puffy.
CuLator Ultra 4.0 hydrates and puffs up. This is normal.

Message: 

I’ve used CuLator 4.0 for the past few years and have been happy with the results. I believe there is a problem with the CuLator 4.0 I purchased this year from Leslie’s Pool Supply. After placing it in the skimmer, the bag in the plastic holder has inflated like a balloon. Is this a defective product?

Response:

Thank you for your email and continued use of CuLator!

Your new CuLator Ultra 4.0 is supposed to inflate.  The polymers inside hydrate and then start to bind the metals. Often, it looks like a grenade when the polymers are hydrated inside the bag.  When the bag shrinks to ½ the size, feels watery inside, or crunchy inside, then the CuLator is finished and needs to be replaced.  If the bag is still puffy, then it has capacity to remove metals.  

Note:  Sometimes in our production process, polymers get onto the outside of the CuLator bag.  Don’t worry, the polymers are non-toxic and they will slough off and get caught by the filter.  These will show up as a clear gel on the outside of the bag.  If you happen to see a white substance, which looks like Crisco, form on the outside of the CuLator bag, that is phosphate remover which gets caught by the bag.  Just rinse that off and the CuLator will work normally.

 

phosphate remover on CuLator bag
Phosphate Remover collects on the CuLator bag (white goo). Just rinse this off and the CuLator works fine.

Is the CuLator Still Working When Puffed Up?

We get questions about if CuLator is working and when you know it is finished and needs to be replaced.

Here is an example of a question:

Love your product my pool had very high copper levels after 4 days my bag is blue and puffed up. Should I take it out if it is puffed up ? I bought the 1.0 and seems to really be working so I purchased the 4.0 also!

Here is an answer:

When the CuLator is puffed up, it means the CuLator polymers have “hydrated”.  This is normal and does not mean all the metals have been removed from the water.  When the contents of the CuLator bag shrink to half their size, or the contents feel watery or like pebbles inside, then it is time to replace the CuLator.  This may take 1-3 months with the CuLator 1.0 and up to 6 months with the CuLator Ultra 4.0.

When the contents of the bag turns blue (or another color), that indicates that metals are being removed from the water.  The best way to see if metals are being removed is to hold the bag up to the light (with the light behind the bag) and see if there is a color INSIDE the bag.

If the bag is “puffy” it still has capacity to remove metals from the water.  If you aren’t sure you can always call Periodic Products at 954-764-7654.

 

CuLator Ultra 4.0 hydrated and puffy.
When the CuLator is Puffy There is Still Capacity to Remove More Metals from Pool Water
Used CuLator with Copper Removed From the Pool.
CuLator 1.0 Used and Blue Indicates Copper was Removed from the Pool Water

We also have a product call the CuLator Metal Indicator Tabs, which is an easy visual to use to determine if you have metals and which one you have in your pool water.

CuLator Metal Indicator Tab Showing Copper Present in Pool.
Metal Indicator Tab Turns Blue/Teal Indicates Copper Present in Pool Water
CuLator Metal Indicator Tab- Indicating iron is in the swimming pool water
Metal Indicator Tab Turns Yellow/Orange/Rust Indicates Iron Present in Pool Water

CuLator Dosage Chart

CuLator Dosage Chart

The Periodic Products and CuLator Dosage Chart provides essential guidelines for using CuLator and related products to effectively remove and prevent metal stains in pools and spas. Whether dealing with iron, copper, or other metal contaminants, this chart ensures precise application for optimal water clarity and equipment protection.

CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventers

CuLator PowerPak 1.0 and Ultra 4.0 both use non-toxic polymers that physically and chemically remove metals from pool water. The PowerPak 1.0 (removes 1.0 ppm metals) is for regular maintenance and works for 1-3 months, while the Ultra 4.0 (removes 4.0 ppm metals) is for high-metal content water or larger pools and works for 4-6 months. The PowerPak 1.0 is placed in the skimmer basket while the Ultra 4.0 is placed in the pump basket for passive metal removal. CuLator is the only way to remove and eliminate metals completely without draining precious pool water.

Mega Maintain Metal, Stain, and Scale Control

Designed for ongoing maintenance, Mega Maintain sequestering agent is used to continuously prevent staining and discoloration. It is ideal for pools with persistent metal problems and ensures short-term protection by keeping metal levels in check. Use with CuLator to finish metal removal.

Super Start-Up Sequestering Agent

Perfect for new pool start-ups or refilling after resurfacing, Super Start-Up rapidly sequesters metals introduced by fresh water sources and bricks, and stones. This prevents stains before they occur and provides a clean foundation for water balance and chemical treatments.  Super Start-Up also dissolves plaster dust and clarifies the swimming pool water. Use with a CuLator Ultra 4.0 to remove any residual metals and keep your new finish looking new.

Rust and Iron Stain Remover

Iron stains create unsightly discoloration on pool surfaces. The Iron Stain Remover dissolves and lifts rust and iron stains, restoring surfaces to their original appearance. It works effectively with CuLator to eliminate iron completely from the water.

Copper Stain Remover

Copper staining often results from algaecides, heaters, and source water. The Copper Stain Remover breaks down and removes copper stains from pool surfaces, preventing green, blue or black stains. It pairs well with CuLator products to adsorb released copper from the water and prevent re-staining.

By following the Periodic Products and CuLator Dosage Chart, pool owners can effectively prevent and eliminate metal stains, keeping their water clear and surfaces stain-free.

 

Why does the CuLator Ultra 4.0 Swell Up?

When CuLator is added to the skimmer or pump basket, it usually swells up and becomes very puffy. This is normal. The best way to see if the CuLator is catching metals is to hold it up to the light. In this case, there is some blue at the top showing that the CuLator is binding copper out of the swimming pool water and preventing stains..

 

 

Why does the CuLator Ultra 4.0 puff up? The CuLator polymers “hydrate” when they enter the water and puff up.  As they bind the metals out of the pool water, the CuLator bags will “shrink” back down to a much smaller size.  So, when is CuLator finished?  It is easier to tell with the Ultra 4.0 because the bag will be about 1/2 full, or the contents will feel watery inside or they will feel sandy.  With the 1.0 it is a little bit harder to tell, but when the bag feels almost empty or there is a lot of color in the bag after a month, then it is exhausted.

Start Up and Fire Up Your Pool with CuLator Metal Eliminator

The very best way to prevent water discoloration and metal staining on your new pool surface is to remove all the metals from the fill water with a FillFast Metal Remover and Water Pre-Filter:

FillFast Pool & Spa
FillFast Pool & Spa Metal Remover and Water Pre-Filter

 

However, if you are having a professional build your pool, make sure they know you want to use CuLator Ultra 4.0 in the pump basket to remove all stain-causing metals.  They generally will use a sequestering agent, but that isn’t enough.  You see, if you have a gunite or diamond brite or any aggregate surface, you must brush the surface every day for 30 days to help the surface cure and harden properly.  That first month, the surface may release additional metals into the water.  So, even if you have run your water through the FillFast system, you still need to use a sequestering agent and a CuLator Ultra 4.0 to protect the surface.  Just leave the CuLator in your pump basket for several months to make sure your surface is perfect.  To protect from future staining, just replace the used CuLator Ultra 4.0 with a new one!

This works with vinyl pools, and fiberglass pools, as well!

If you are on well water, pre-filtering is the best solution.  Carbon and resin tanks and other pre-filters only get out particulate and treat small amounts of water.  The FillFast uses patented CuLator in a filter to remove the ionized stain-causing metals BEFORE they get into the swimming pool water:

Used CuLator Filters
Used CuLator Filters

And, FillFast treats up to 10,000 gallons!

 

 

To review:

  1. Pre-Filter your water with FillFast.
  2. Use a sequestering agent  CuLator Metal Sequester
  3. Use a CuLator Ultra 4.0 <

 

Review of CuLator Metal Eliminator with Before and After Shot

Before and After CuLator
Before and After CuLator

This pool was greenish from oxidized iron and lower alkalinity.  After the chemistry was balanced and a CuLator Ultra 4.0 was used to remove the metals from the water, the pool stair stains were gone, the cloudiness was gone, and the metals were out of the pool water.

Here is the review:

Hi,     I placed the CU Lator in the skimmer basket last week. The results from the test at Leslie’s is no copper. The chlorine and other test items were just about ok. So yesterday the family used the pool.     I want to thank you for the product, CU Lator, and the kind and attentive assistance you gave to me in getting my pool dilemma resolved.     Now I will have to learn how to balance the pool chemicals, so it  does not repeat again. Thank you again and have a nice day.

F.T.  Lincoln Park, NJ

Kids Hair Turned Green From Pool Water

Here is a recent question we received that I wanted to share:

I have a question regarding the Metal Eliminator. We have copper in our pool (about 2.0) no staining or water changing color… just the kids hair is getting a green tint. Do we have to use the Metal Sequester first (I did use metal free at the beginning of the season)? Or can I just get the CuLator Metal Eliminator and put it in my pump basket. Much Appreciated!!

K.D. California

Here is the response:

K.D.

Copper will definitely turn your kids hair green.  No, you don’t have to use the Metal Sequester first, but rather use it at the same time with the CuLator Metal Eliminator Ultra 4.0 ( in your pump basket) for best results.  All metal sequestering agents have a limited life span.  Usually about three to four weeks; so, the best way to deal with stain-causing metals is to get them out of the water.  CuLator is the only product that gets the metal out of the swimming pool water.

Thanks!