How to use pool flocculant?

Is the water in your pool cloudy despiteregularand diligentmaintenance of your pool? The problem is likely with your filter, which can no longer prevent the formation of floating particles.

Used to improve the performance of thefiltration system, theswimming pool flocculantallows you to restorecloudy swimming waterto a beautiful crystalline color.

But how does flocculation work? What are the different types of flocculants? How to use flocculants correctly? In this article, discover all the answers to the questions you may have about the principle of flocculation.

What is a pool flocculant?

Used in addition to yourswimming pool filtration,flocculant productsare maintenance products capable of cleaning and purifying water in the blink of an eye. To do this, theflocculantacts as an agglomerator: upon contact with micro-particles present in the pool, theflocculant productwill transform into what are called "flocs" around which suspended particles will attach, agglomerate, and coagulate. Subsequently, these flocs are filtered and more easily eliminated by thefiltration system. Your water then regains its natural clarity.

This chemical treatment is particularly recommended in cases where the filtration system has difficulty filtering fine particles and the water becomes cloudy. This is the case, for example, when you carry out an anti-algae shock treatment with chlorine or bromine.

Depending on the filtration system used, there are mainly two types of flocculants :

Liquid flocculants

Reserved for pools equipped with asand filter,liquid flocculants for swimming poolsare recognized for their speed of action. Very often, these are used after ashock treatmentof the pool, to restore healthy and clear water almost immediately.

Before pouring the product into the pool water, make sure you read the instructions for use. In fact, to avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the recommended dosages. These are calculated based on the number of cubic meters of water the pool contains.

Cartridge flocculants

Unliketablet or liquid flocculants, this system allows for slow diffusion and permanent treatment. Once placed in the skimmer basket (or in your pool's buffer tank),the flocculation actionbegins as soon as water enters the filtration system.

In this way, cartridge flocculants are ideal as a preventative measure, when the water is naturally cloudy and the filter no longer achieves sufficient efficiency. In fact, it acts as a sort of complementary treatment to that used regularly. Please note, this solution is not suitable for bag filters or cartridge filters. It is only reserved for sand filters !

Finally, watch out for overuse of your filter: to avoid this situation, you will need to be vigilant and clean it regularly.

How to use swimming pool flocculant?

Toensure effective flocculationandswimming pool maintenance, it is important to strictly follow the dosage indicated on the product. However, be aware that this dosage will depend on thetype of flocculantused, as well as the reason for its use.

As an indication, for a standard maintenance, you will need to add approximately 10 ml of liquid flocculant/m³3 water in your pool, once a week. If you use Cartridge flocculant, you will need to place one in the skimmer or the buffer tank of your pool every 15 days.

But dosage is not the only thing to check if you want tosucceed in flocculatingyour pool. Indeed, for everything to go well, it is important to follow these few recommendations:

– Check that the pool pH is between 7 and 7.4. Readjust if necessary;

– Before using the flocculant, stop the pool pump and read the instructions carefully;

– Clean the filter and set the filter valve to “circulation” so that water no longer passes through the filter. This will prevent it from becoming clogged;

– Once the product has been administered, activate the pump for a few hours so that the water is properly mixed;

– Stop the pump for 24 hours to allow the flocculant to act. Agglomerated residue will begin to fall to the bottom of the pool;

– Set the filter valve to “filtration”, turn on the pump and clean the bottom of your pool using a vacuum cleaner.

How to remove pool flocculant?

Your pool water remains cloudy despite using flocculant? You may have addedtoo much flocculant to the pool, thus causingan overdose.In this case, there is no need to add more products to the pool, as this would only worsen the problem.

Conversely, immediately stop using the flocculant and wash (or replace) your pool filter. Also stop the filtration system for 24 hours to allow the product to settle at the bottom of the pool.

After that, vacuum the flocculant deposit using avacuum cleaneror amanual broom. Do not use yourpool robotfor this operation, as it could disperse the particles throughout your pool.

Additionally, you can also use a clarifying product to obtain crystal clear water.

If despite your efforts, the water remains cloudy for several days, calling a professional may be necessary. To do this, do not hesitate to contact ourAboral team.Specializing in pools for over 30 years, they will be delighted to provide you with the necessary advice toimprove your pool maintenanceand avoid this type of disappointment.