The first thing that comes to our minds when we see a clear swimming pool is how we can get in and get the required rest we deserve. However, to use these pools efficiently they need to be maintained properly or they would turn cloudy from dirt and mucus that grows over the surface. To clear the pool surface requires the use of chemicals known as flocculants. This flocculant is the perfect product to clearing your pool surface especially those that don’t respond to filtration.
In this review, we’re going to explain everything about this product to give you a proper idea.
What is Flocculant?
Also known as pool flocc, the flocculant is a cleaning chemical that clears the surface of your pool from every dirt and cloud. The flocs clump the floating materials together in your pool and sink them to the bottom of the pool for vacuuming. These flocs are made of polymers and come in different forms. They bind the particles and enlarge them enough to be removed by the filters.
Types of Flocculants
Flocculants come in different forms like other pool chemicals. The different types include:
- Liquid flocculants: this chemical comes in liquid form. You’re expected to pour it inside your pool following the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you don’t add excess to the pool.
- Tablet flocculants: this is a solid form flocculant. It takes much time to perform its duties because it has to dissolve totally in the pool. You can pour it directly into your pool or put it in the skimmer.
- Cartridge flocculants: the cartridge flocculant is a permanent fix for a dirty or cloudy pool as they take time to enact its effect over the pool. You do not add this flocculant directly to the pool rather you place it in the skimmer where it begins to work when water flows through that section.
All these flocculants are very effective and can clear the pool’s surface if the right quantity is added. However, before adding the flocculants to your pool turn off the pool’s filter.
Pool Clarifier vs Flocculant
Now we all know what flocculants are but what are pool clarifiers? A pool clarifier is another pool cleaner that also contains polymers that clump small particles on the surface of your pool together for your filter to remove. So both chemical substances look similar and perform the same function but I want you to know that each has their differences when you’re considering which to use. Let’s look at how they differ.
How is pool clarifiers used?
Pool clarifiers are the perfect cleaners to use when you’re not in a hurry to get your pool clean. The clarifier doesn’t require much work or water which makes it take as much as two to three days to clear your entire pool surface. So they are the best option to clean your pool surface of every substance in the long run.
If you want to get double efficiency of cleaning pools, read more about the best robotic pool cleaner.
How are flocculants used?
Flocculants also clump particles together but they enlarge these clumps that they become too big to pass through your filter. Instead, they sink the particles to the bottom of your pool to be vacuumed away. They are fast effective cleaners as they don’t require much time to clean your pool. Your pool can be cleaned in less than a day, however, it requires lots of work from the user.
Now you know how both cleaners function, what can one do if they mistakenly added too much clarifier in pool?
What to do if you put too much clarifier in pool?
When you add too much clarifier to your pool mistakenly, the only way to get rid of it is to drain the pool and refill or you filter out the clarifier from the pool if you can. But you’ll have to take note of your filter’s pressure and media because too much clarifier can stick your pool’s DE/sand together.
If the extra added to the pool was by an ounce or two, you could overlook it as it’s not so harmful to your pool but if you mistakenly add like a handful extra this would make your pool milky causing more problems for the users.
To clear the clarifier, run your pool filter for a couple of days and see if it clears, but you’ll have to observe the filter’s pressure because the excess clarifier can cause pressure to build up fast. If filtering doesn’t work, then you have to drain about a foot of your pool and add more water. Repeat the procedure with the filter on until the pool becomes clear.
Can you swim with floc in the pool?
A lot of people ask this question in this line of work. The answer depends on certain factors. If you just added the flocculant to your pool, it’s not advisable to swim in the pool immediately as this reduces the effectiveness of the flocculant. You’re advised to swim after the flocculant has sunk to the pool of your pool and been removed.
You might as well wait for the whole flocculation process to be over with before swimming because it doesn’t take too much time. The longest it can take is a day. But if you need to use your pool immediately, applying a clarifier would be your best option.
Conclusion
Ensure to follow the advice of the manufacturer when adding these chemicals to your pool. Adding too much or using both with other chemicals can cause a huge reaction in the surface of the pool and on the skin of the users.