What's the difference between flocculant and clarifier?

Author: Christop Dibbert  |  Last update: Sunday, June 26, 2022

Clarifier keeps the bounded matter at the top of the pool to be grabbed by the pool filter. Meanwhile, pool floc snags the particles, assembles them, and then sinks them to the bottom of the surface. You can also leave the pool filter off overnight while the pool floc goes to work, which is one less thing to do.

What is better clarifier or flocculant?

Floc is faster and more effective than a clarifier, but it requires more work and must be manually removed with a pool vacuum. Pool clarifier, on the other hand, coagulates particles into smaller clumps that are removed by the pool filter.

Can you use flocculant and clarifier?

Do you use Clarifier in conjunction with Flocculant? Flocculant can be used after clarifier. However, using too much of any product can work against the clarifying process.

Can you put too much floc in pool?

Flocculation refers to suspended particles in the water that give it a murky appearance. Flocculants are substances that help clear the cloudiness and restore the clarity to your swimming pool water. You can use too much floc, however.

What can you use instead of flocculant?

When to Use a Clarifier Instead of Flocculants

But if you're not in any hurry, a clarifier is a better option because you simply pour it in and let it work.

POOL CLARIFIER vs. POOL FLOCCULANT: When Should You Use Them? | Swim University

Is pool clarifier and flocculant the same?

Clarifier keeps the bounded matter at the top of the pool to be grabbed by the pool filter. Meanwhile, pool floc snags the particles, assembles them, and then sinks them to the bottom of the surface.

How do you clean a flocculant?

How to clean flocculant spills using SpillFix
  1. Step 1 | Shake SpillFix Granular Absorbent on the spill. ...
  2. Step 2 | Sweep the SpillFix until the spill is fully absorbed. ...
  3. Step 3 | Sweep up the SpillFix into a bin or bag. ...
  4. Step 4 | Remove any additional spill residue. ...
  5. Step 5 | Dispose of waste responsibly.

How long does it take for floc to work?

Flocculant, although fast-acting, will still need around 8-16 hours to work its magic. It's easiest to do this overnight. The pump definitely needs to be off as you want the water to be still. The floc will have settled at the bottom of the pool and will require manual vacuuming to remove the debris.

How do you vacuum a pool after floc?

You can even vacuum twice to be sure to catch everything. Usually while vacuuming to 'Waste', you can run the garden hose into the pool to keep the water level the same. But when vacuuming after floccing, we recommend topping the water up afterwards, as the inflow of water will also disturb the debris at the bottom.

Does rain affect pool floc?

How will rain affect the process? Answer: Once the floccing agent has been added with the water circulating for a few hours, turn the pump off to allow everything to settle to the bottom (usually 24 hours). Rain will not affect this process at all.

When should I floc my pool?

Typically, you need clarifiers and flocculants when swimming pool water is cloudy, yet chemical levels are correct and filtration units are working fine. Often, fine particulate matter that leads to cloudy pool water ends up in a pool after heavy winds and rain.

Can you use flocculant in a hot tub?

No, we do not recommend this because the filter cartridge can clog. It's better to let larger dirty particles sink to the bottom where you can easily remove them with a cleaner.

What does floc do for a pool?

Pool flocculants, also known as flocc, make quick work of clearing up your cloudy pool water. After being added directly to the pool water floc causes cloudy water particles to clump together and sink to the bottom of your pool. Your job is to then vacuum the clumped up “clouds” from the bottom of the pool and voila!

Can you floc a pool with a cartridge filter?

Flocculants cannot be used with a cartridge filter because they can wreak havoc on your filter elements. Flocculants also waste a lot of water since you will be vacuuming those clumped up particles to waste.

Does flocculant damage sand filter?

Flocculents cause larger particles to glue together and fall to the pool floor. Flocculents need to be vacuumed to waste and never to the filter. If you have already added flocculent to your pool and let it into your filter: for a sand filter, there is a great chance you will need to change your sand.

Can you use clarifier with filter balls?

This product has recommendations for certain chemicals to be used with them NEVER USE POOL CLARIFIERS it will clog the balls and cause all sorts of problems so check that first, next check your pool equipment that it is all functioning properly it's probably a matter of one or the other is the problem.

Why would flocculant not work?

Floc can't take care of live algae. All of the algae needs to be dead before you try to use floc. There are some other situations where floc might not work completely the first time, but they are far less common. The most common of the uncommon cases is probably not using enough floc.

What do you do after you flock a pool?

So instead of running your pump continuously until your water is clear, you add the floc to your pool usually through a skimmer, run your pump for a couple of hours, shut the pump off for 12-24 hours allowing everything to settle to the bottom.

How do I get rid of small particles in my pool?

Pump and Filter

The filters typically are filled with sand, diatomaceous earth or zeolite, which can remove fine particles and chlorine odors. A pool pump typically runs up to eight hours per day.

How do you get a flock out of a pool?

Welcome to TFP! The trick is to move the vacuum really really slowly so it doesn't create any currents near the bottom. Depending on how much current your return creates you probably will also need to do that while vacuuming to waste, though there is a chance that just regular vacuuming will work.

Can you swim with flocculant in the pool?

If you've added flocculant, swimming in the pool is not recommended because it reduces the flocculant's effectiveness. You should only swim after the particles have sunk and been removed from your pool floor.

What is a good solvent for polymer?

Hydrogen bonding is the giant electromagnet of the polymer world. This means water [super polar] and alcohols [polar but greasy] are good at dissolving things. Why does acetone work well? It is so tiny it fits into most small polymeric crevices.

Can pool clarifier be used in spas?

Unlike pool water, which is generally cool in temperature, spa water is hot and a perfect breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria. This makes sanitizer an essential chemical in hot tubs. Alkalinity adjusters, pH adjusters, algaecides, and clarifiers can be used for this purpose.

How do you use a flocculant drop out?

Use HTH Drop Out Flocculant when chlorine levels are between 1 – 4 ppm and the water is balanced. Distribute the flocculant evenly over the entire pool surface. Keep the pump running for two hours and then turn off. Allow the particles to settle to the pool bottom overnight and then vacuum debris to waste.

Do I need clarifier in my hot tub?

These tiny particles of dirt can make the water look cloudy and uninviting. Over time they can also make the water unhygienic. If your hot tub has been treated for algae using ClearWater Algaecide you'll need to wait 24h and use the water clarifier to help clear away left‑over residue.

Previous article
Is matte or glossy better for backsplash?
Next article
How do you protect a wall behind a stove?