Swimming pool flocculants

Products for clarifying pool water go by many names, although they serve the same purpose. You may encounter terms like flocculant, flocker, or sparkle. These products work by clumping together small particles of dirt, which then bind and can be captured by the sand filter. These products can only be used for cloudy, or milky water. If the cloudy water is green, you should also use an algaecide. If you're unsure which product to use, feel free to call us, and we'll be happy to help you choose the right flocculant for your pool.

Flocculant Composition

There are basically two types of flocculants – the first is aluminum sulfate. A white crystalline substance that you dissolve in water and then pour into the pool. In our range, we also offer a flocculant sock. This also contains aluminum sulfate, and when placed in the skimmer, it triggers the flocculation process.

The second type is polyaluminum hydroxichloride – PAX 18, a liquid flocculant suitable even for public pools and reservoirs. Only a small amount is needed.

Flocculant Use – How to Dose?

Using aluminum sulfate: Dissolve the flocculant in plenty of water and pour it into the skimmer while the filter is running. Run the filtration for 15 minutes and then turn it off. Let the water sit overnight. The flocculant will precipitate the dirt to the bottom of the pool. Remove the resulting sediment with a pool vacuum. Before application, adjust the pH to 6.8 - 7.4.

Using polyaluminum hydroxichloride – PAX 18: Pour the flocculant into a watering can and dilute with water. Evenly distribute it over the surface of the pool. After 12 hours, flakes will form. Turn on the filtration and vacuum the sediment from the bottom. Leave the filtration running for another 5 hours, then backwash the sand filter.

CAUTION! – You can use flocculant a maximum of 2 times per week (2 days in a row and then nothing for 5 days); otherwise, over-flocculation can occur, and the flocculant itself will start behaving like a contaminant!

Cloudy Water in the Pool

If your pool water is cloudy, it is recommended to use a flocculant. The water must be milky white.

If the water is green and cloudy, first use a chlorine shock treatment. Then adjust the pH levels in the pool. Finally, add a flocculant.

It’s important to backwash the sand filter before vacuuming the pool. Then apply the flocculant.

Milky Water in the Pool – How to Deal with White Cloudiness?

Follow the same procedure as described in the paragraph above.

Avoid Common Mistakes

We often encounter problems with flocculants in various discussions. Here are a few tips:

1) Buy undiluted flocculant. It should not be transparent but rather bronze or brownish in color.

2) Use a sand filter, as it's difficult to get rid of cloudiness without one