If you've had a storm or even a damaging algae bloom, where large amounts of debris & algae are commandeering your pool, regular cleaning methods might not be enough to clear it up. This is where flocking comes into play. Flocking helps clump (coagulate) small and tiny particles together, making it easier and possible to vacuum and remove them from your pool.
Why Flock Your Pool?
Storms often blow leaves, dirt, and other debris into pools, which can leave your water cloudy and murky. These often create excess algae to compound the issue. Tiny particles, too small to be captured by your pool’s filter, will remain suspended in the water, leading to poor water quality. Flocking works by binding these small particles together, so they sink to the bottom of the pool for successful vacuuming. Like, you can't vacuum up debris thats literally suspended in the water.
Here are some scenarios where you would need to flock your pool:
After heavy rainstorms or windstorms that blow in significant debris.
If the water becomes murky or cloudy after using regular cleaning methods.
When the filter system can’t handle the fine particles that have entered the pool.
When Not to Flock Your Pool
Though flocking can be very effective, there are times when it might not be necessary or beneficial:
Minimal debris: If the storm hasn’t caused much debris to enter your pool, regular filtration and skimming may be enough.
Proper filtration: If your pool’s filtration system is functioning well and handling the water clarity effectively, flocking may not be needed. Sometimes you just need to run the pool filtration system a little longer and keep the filter working most efficiently by regularly backwashing. How to back wash a pool?
Chemical imbalances: If your pool’s water chemistry is off, you should address those issues first, as adding flocking agents can make the problem worse. Checking your chlorine levels, phosphate levels, stabilizer levels are all checks that can help find a solution.
HANDY HINT : Why is my pool murky and cloudy?
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Flock Your Pool
If you’ve decided that your pool needs flocking, follow these simple steps:
Balance Your Water Chemistry - Before starting the flocking process, ensure your pool's pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6. Adjust your pool's chemistry if necessary, as proper chemical balance is key to effective flocking. Raising the PH alkalinity will make the flocculent work more efficiently.
Turn your filter to recirculate & If you have a cartridge filter (Let it be noted that we don't always recommend flocking a pool with a cartridge filter ) remove the cartridge element altogether.
Add the Flock - Purchase a pool flocking agent (also known as flocculant) from your local pool supply store. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct dosage, based on the size of your pool.
Distribute the Flock - Slowly pour the flocking agent around the edges of your pool, ensuring even distribution. This will help the agent reach all areas of the pool and bind the suspended particles.
Let your system run for 3-4 hours This will disburse the flocculent
Turn Off the Filter - Flocking works best when the water is still, so be sure to switch off your pool’s filter system and let the flock do it's job
Let It Settle - After adding the flocking agent, leave the pool undisturbed for 8 to 24 hours. During this time, the flocking agent will bind small particles together, and they will slowly sink to the bottom of the pool.
Return the cartridge element back into place UNLESS you have a waste redirection value (applicable to cartridge filters)
Vacuum the Pool - Once the particles have settled at the bottom, it’s time to vacuum. Set your pool vacuum to waste mode (if your system allows) and vacuum the settled debris directly out of the pool. Avoid using the filter setting, as this could send the debris back into the water.
Backwash the Filter - After vacuuming, backwash your pool’s filter to clean out any residue that may have gotten into the system. This ensures that your filter is running efficiently afterward. You may need to do this a number of times to ensure the filter maintains it's absolutely efficiency.
Run the Filter - After backwashing, turn your pool filter back on and let it run for a few hours. This will help to further clear up any remaining debris or cloudiness.
! Beware !
Unless you have a valve that pushes the water directly to waste, we don't recommend flocking a pool with a cartridge filter.
The cartridge filters cannot always handle the coagulation process and can take a long time, and a lot of cleaning the cartridge filter to eventually rid all of the flocculent from the water. A "caked up" cartridge filter is very inefficient.
If you do flock a pool with a cartridge filter without a waste redirection valve, you would need to clean the cartridge filter very frequently during the vacuuming process, ensuring that both the cartridge filter is not clogged up and that the flocculent is not returning to the water during your vacuum.
TOP TIP: Stop vacuuming and clean your filter immediately if you see dirty water returning to the pool
We also often recommend replacing your cartridge filter element after flocking your pool.
Summer storms don’t have to ruin your pool days! By understanding when and how to properly flock your pool, you can restore its crystal-clear water and ensure it’s ready for swimming. If you ever need assistance or want to avoid the hassle, don’t hesitate to reach out to PoolZone for professional help.
For more information, or for help with your pool, please contact us today for a pool service.
Poolzone 0432 105 352
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