Reverse-Engineer and Formulating a Mineral Pool Purifier

Need an expert contract lab to deformulate a leading mineral pool purifier product (e.g., POOL RX / BlueRay XL), then develop a functionally equivalent or superior formulation with a complete, documented manufacturing process that we can produce in-house (or tech-transfer to a toller). Target use is residential and commercial swimming pools.

Scope of Work
1) Deformulation / Reverse Engineering

Inputs: We will provide sealed retail units from ≥2 lots of each competitor product (and can supply additional lots if you recommend it).

Tasks:

• Component identification and quantification of all actives and excipients (metals/minerals, salts, chelants/complexants, binders, coatings, carriers).
• Delivery system characterization (e.g., tablets, canisters, beads, inserts): matrix composition, porosity, particle size, coatings, and dissolution modifiers.
• Ion-release kinetics profiling in simulated pool water (chlorinated and salt-chlorinated systems).

Suggested methods (as applicable): ICP-OES/ICP-MS, XRF, SEM-EDS, XRD, FT-IR/Raman, TGA/DSC, GC-MS/LC-MS, ion chromatography, pH/ORP profiling, particle size analysis, porosimetry/BET.

Deliverable: Deformulation report with quantitative bill of materials (ranges and best-estimate targets), ion-release curves, and a hypothesis of the release mechanism.

2) Formulation Development (Bench)

• Create one or more prototype formulations that meet or exceed the competitor’s performance at equal dosage.
• Tune metal ratios and complexants to control release rate, minimize staining/scale, and ensure chlorine/salt-system compatibility.
• Define target specifications: composition ranges, tablet/canister dimensions, hardness, moisture window, dissolution profile.

3) Performance & Compatibility Testing

• Algae control efficacy screening (standardized algae challenge protocols).
• Release-rate stability across temperature (70–95 °F), pH 7.2–7.8, alkalinity 80–150 ppm, calcium 200–400 ppm, and salinity typical of SWG pools.
• Surface compatibility (plaster, quartz, pebble, vinyl, fiberglass; staining/etch risk).
• Interaction with common pool chemistries (chlorine, stabilizer/CYA, borates, sequestrants).

4) Scale-Up & Tech Transfer

• Provide a manufacturable recipe and batch process: unit operations, order of addition, temps, dwell times, binder/cure steps, press tooling or packing method, in-process checks.
• Run pilot batches (e.g., 10–50 kg) that meet spec; supply COAs and retains.
• Deliver full documentation:
• Costed BOM with qualified suppliers and alternates.
• Master Batch Record (MBR), SOPs, quality plan (incoming, in-process, finished), and acceptance criteria.

Packaging recommendations (materials, closures, desiccant if needed) and 12–24 month stability plan (accelerated + real-time).

5) Regulatory & Safety (U.S.)

• Advise on EPA/FIFRA pathway if claims constitute an algaecide/biocide; outline test data needs and labeling requirements.
• Provide SDS (GHS) and product label inputs (hazards, first aid, storage, disposal).
• Note any state-specific considerations (e.g., CA). If algaecide registration is pursued, propose a data and timeline plan.
• Target Performance & Acceptance Criteria

Treats 20,000–30,000 gallons per unit for 4–6 months (or provide equivalent dosing plan) with controlled mineral/metal release.

Maintains target free copper (and other metals, if used) levels to achieve algae control without staining—demonstrated by lab testing.

Compatible with chlorine and salt-water chlorine generators; no adverse effects on clarity, filters, or typical pool surfaces.

Passes our customer-ready spec: appearance, dimensions, hardness (if tablet), release curve within agreed tolerance vs reference product, and efficacy threshold in algae challenge.