The Ultimate Guide to Pool Clarifiers

ultimate guide to pool clarifiers

Owning a swimming pool comes with responsibility, such as maintaining clean and clear water. Not only will this make your pool’s aesthetic more attractive, but it also keeps swimmers away from unwanted bacteria and other elements. Lucky for you, there are several ways to keep a swimming pool clean and balanced. One of the best ways is by using a pool clarifier. You might be asking, “What’s a pool clarifier and how does it work?” You’ve come to the right spot!

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about pool clarifiers and how it contributes to clean and healthy water. 

How Do They Work?

Pool clarifiers are polymers that act as coagulants on suspended particles in the water. Specifically, clarifiers impart cations or positively charged ions to the pool, which are attracted to negatively charged suspended particles.

Opposites attract, and when adding a clarifier to a pool, the positive (+) polymer molecules immediately bond with the negative (-) particles that make pool water cloudy. As attraction continues, the particle quickly grows from microscopic size to a larger clump that can be removed by your pool filter.

There’s an important distinction to make. Most pool clarifiers do not destroy particulate matter or consume colloidals; they simply gather them up in larger and larger clumps to a size that won’t pass through your pool filter. A properly operating pool filter is of paramount importance, to a clarifier’s success.

What Are They?

in the swim pool clarifier

The most common type of pool clarifier chemical sold and used is known as a PolyDADMAC, an ammonium chloride with a highly positive charge density. Different concentrations of 10% to 40% are useful for nearly any negatively charged colloidal particles.

Another common and very effective type of pool clarifier makes use of the natural cations known as Chitosan, or Chitin. Extracted from crab shells, chitosan is bottled in low concentrations of around 10% and are usually labeled as a natural clarifier.

Another natural chemical used as a pool clarifier are Enzymes, positively charged particles that actually do consume organic and inorganic colloids or suspended material. This is especially useful for oils and organics.

gel cube clarifier

A group of clarifying agents known as Polyacrylamides, or PAM, makes another fine ionic polymer. For pools, you’ll find these packaged in the form of a Gel Cube, which is long-lasting and easy to use. However, it’s not recommended to use on Cartridge or D.E. filters as the gel can clog the fine pores of their filters.

And there are Aluminum Sulfate products, called simply Alum by those in the know. Alum is used as a flocculant, as it can clog pool filters. After adding a Pool Floc product the filter is shut off to allow the heavy particles to sink to the pool floor, usually overnight. A slow vacuuming to waste the following day will expel the gel-like material, which has the consistency of wet toilet paper.

Finally, we have Blended Clarifiers, which are formulations that contain mixtures of polymer ions, chitosan, enzymes, phosphate removers, or sulfates of alum. Multipurpose blends solve several problems at once. These will usually have higher prices as they contain several pricey ingredients.

When Should Pool Clarifiers Be Used?

Pool clarifiers are not meant to be used all season long, but are quite helpful at pool opening after an algae bloom, or battles with cloudy pool water.

pool perfect phos free

Follow label directions, but most pools can be retreated after 5-7 days, with a lower dosage than initially used. When clearing turbid water conditions, remember to keep your pool water balanced properly and run your pool filter nearly 24 hours daily.

Be careful not to overdose pool clarifiers, especially if you also use a metal sequestrant product in your pool. Too much clarifier in the pool can act as a dispersant instead of a coagulant, compounding your water problems!

Why Are Pool Clarifiers Needed?

It’s not uncommon to have cloudy water upon opening the pool, after an algae bloom, or as a result of reduced filtering or chlorinating. However, if you need to use a clarifier regularly to maintain water quality, it could point to other problems. You may have an undersized or worn pool filter, ineffective pool sanitation, and/or poor water balance.

High pH, low chlorine, high TDS, high calcium hardness, high alkalinity, high cyanuric acid – all can lead to cloudy pool water when conditions are right.

Poor filtration, poor circulation, and poor sanitation can also lead to poor pool water clarity. It could be that your pool filter is too small, or that the filter media (sand, cartridge, or grids) need replacement, or perhaps you are just not running the filter long enough each day. Filtration needs change throughout the season, more is needed during hot weather and active pool use.

Pool Flocculants or Clarifiers?

super floc out

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in other industries, but for swimming pools and spas, a flocculant will attract suspended particles to itself, resulting in marble-sized clumps that sink slowly to the bottom of the pool. The filter pump remains off during treatment, and after 8-12 hours a thick white carpet needs to be slowly vacuumed – to waste.

Clarifiers, on the other hand, work with your filter to trap visible and invisible particles floating in the water. Some particles may settle out, but most do not become heavy enough to sink. Instead they are drawn into the filter with constant circulation during treatment.

Tips on Using Pool Clarifiers

  • Read and follow label instructions exactly, in regards to pool water balance requirements, correct dosage, application method and pool filtration following treatment.
  • Overdosing the pool with polymer clarifiers can change the charge of the suspended particles from negative (-) to positive (+), resulting in increased water turbidity.
  • If pool clarity problems began with an algae bloom, be sure to kill algae before clarifier treatment. This requires 10-30 ppm of chlorine, with a suitably low pH of around 7.2.
  • Operate the filter 24 hours per day during treatment, or as long as possible each day and night to improve circulation and filtration.
  • Resist the urge to over-clean the filter. Backwash or clean the filter only when the pressure gauge has risen 7-9 lbs.
  • Maintain proper water balance and chlorine levels following treatment. Some clarifiers may increase pool pH levels.

187 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Pool Clarifiers

  1. Kate Taylor

    My pool water us a little green, I did the weekly shock , then added 4oz ,as directed for 17000 gal aboveground pool. I swept the entire pool and skimmed everything off the top before adding clarifier. Its been 24 hours pool still cloudy n a little green. What do I do now ? reshock,?

    • Hi Kate, yes if it is a little green still, more shock… first check pH and be sure that it is on the low side 7.2-7.4, and then shock with 2 lbs of granular shock, per label.Keep running the filter, clean as needed. Add more Clarifier after 36 hours.

  2. I filled my pool with well water now it looks like rusty water . What should I’d to clear it up

    • Hi David, Run the filter and add a ‘sequestering agent’, or a ‘stain & scale’ chemical. these re-absorb minerals and metals back into solution, where they won’t color the water, and perhaps more importantly, won’t stain the pool. Use per label dose, and apply regular maintenance doses, per label for continued protection.

  3. Don Payne

    Does adding DE Media, Focc or Aluminum Sulfate for cloudy water to a sand filter damage the the filter or the sand? Which in your opinion is the better for sand filter aid? And lastly how often can the preferred media be added?…..My pool and sand filter are only two months old. I’m thinking about changing to DE filter in the spring.

    Thanks!

    • Hi Don, Alum is best, and no it won’t damage the filter sand or the filter. DE is a great filter type, the best performer, but I would guess that your sand filter may be a little small, and/or the pump a little large. Sand filters can be wonderful filters, when they are big enough. The same with cartridge filters – and the trend now for inground pools is to install 300, 400 or even 500 SqFt cartridge filters, that need only one or two cleanings per season. I like to say that I would rather have a big sand filter, than a small DE filter, so whatever type you choose – go big!

  4. Renee' Seago

    What is a safe clarifier to use with filter balls? I am going to add some filter balls to my skimmer as you suggested. Pool water is still a little cloudy do I am about to double shock, also as you suggested. I get a lot of great insight into pool maintenance from your column!! Not a novice exactly, but I am using filter balls for the first time!

    • Hi Renee, FilterBalls recommends using 1/3 of the dosage suggested by the Clarifier manufacturer. I would also recommend using a Natural Clarifier such as SeaKlear 4-in-1, made with Chitin, and also would suggest limiting dosage to once per week.

  5. Marc Harrison

    How can I tell if my sand filter is not working properly? I keep having to add clarifier to get the pool clear but the last few times I’ve tried are not working. I’m leaning towards the filter but I’m not sure how to tell. I did add a little DE to the skimmer and the filter pressure did go up a pound and didn’t release any back into the pool. Should I change my sand? Please help! Thank you!

    • Hi Mark, if your water balance and chlorine level is correct, AND, you are running the filter long enough each day, then it could be a filter or filter valve problem. During summer, most sand filters need to run at least 12 hrs daily, some need 18 hrs – so you may experiment with longer daily run times. And of course, excellent water balance (pH/alkalinity/calcium hardness) is also important, and a level of 1-2 ppm of free chlorine, with stabilizer levels (if cyanuric acid is used) below 50 ppm. Since no DE powder came back into the pool, we can assume that the multiport valve is not bypassing water back to the pool, unfiltered. Sand can last 5-7 years or longer, on a large size sand filter (large in relation to pool size). Small sand filters, with sand depths of less than 12″ may need new sand sooner, often every 2-3 years. Filter sand is fairly inexpensive, so can be done easily. You can also try a Sand Filter Cleaner chemical, and/or irrigate the sand by removing the top valve or dome, and using a garden hose, plunged deeply into the sand bed and moved around for 30-45 mins, so that the tank overflows (shield pump motor from water). Getting your hands into the sand too, to check for calcified chunks, or grease balls and such filtration inhibiting things. Another general tip that the sand is bad, is when backwashing frequency increases substantially – used to be every two weeks, and now the pressure rises in one week, for example.

  6. KIMBERLY MARTINO

    Hi! I overdosed my pool with clarifier and now it looks like skim milk. How do I fix this?

    • Hi Kimberly, lower the pH to around 7.4 if higher, and then shock the pool with chlorine to break apart the polymer bonds. Use a double dose, per package label. Run the filter non-stop. It won’t clear up overnight, but keep filtering, vacuum to waste if you can, and can use Clarifier again in a few days, per label dosage.

  7. I have a 22×52 above ground pool and have algae build up. I ordered a vacuum but it hasn’t arrived yet. I put 4oz of clarifier in once I brushed the walls and bottom, but the algae is still there.. What can I do until the vacuum arrives?

    • Hi Tawanda, the Clarifier won’t kill algae, even algaecide is not very good at that. What you need is a few pounds of pool shock, added all at once (pre-dissolve first in a bucket of water, so the granules won’t harm the vinyl). Check the pH first too, and add acid if it is above 7.6, as chlorine is most potent at a low pH, and algae loves a high pH level. Keep brushing, and run the filter 24/7 until it clears up.

  8. Hi Dave,
    My pool water is cloudy and I can’t get it to clear up. My levels are perfect. Shocked it about 3 nights ago. Took sample to pool store and Tested also with the same results. they gave me a clarifier. Tried that ran pump 24 hours it cleared slightly and I see light spots on bottom of pool. Put in my vacuum but still a little cloudy. It’s been near 100 degrees here for a few weeks now and not much rain. Not sure where to go from here. 15 x 30 above ground . We have a pump for inground pool with sand that we just back flushed after it started to cloud up. This is our 3 rd summer and haven’t put new sand in it. Could that be an issue? It is runny well and holds pressure. Have any suggestions? Thanks!

    • Hi Jackie, it could be the sand, if the filter is small, 18″ or less…(?), Use clarifier weekly (but not more often) and be careful not to over-dose. Run the pump longer each day, in these temperatures it really needs 18 hrs+ each day. Keep the chlorine high and the pH low. IF your pool store sells Alum (Aluminum Sulfate), you can put a cup (8 oz) into the skimmer to form a layer on the sand bed, as a filter aid. We also have a product called Slime Bag, a fine mesh fabric bag, that attaches to the return line, as a secondary filter.

  9. Samantha Haynes

    I have a 22×52″ pool and I accidentally put 4 Oz’s. Of clarifier in it. What will be the best thing to do? I do know my pH levels have been extremely high also. Thank you!

    • Hi Samantha, I would lower the pH level and shock the pool, which should destroy the Clarifier. Add a double dose, per label on the shock bag.

  10. Hi Davy,
    I think I have the same problem as some of the others – I have over clarified my pool. I do get a lot to drop to the floor but my vacuum simply just stirs it up. It won’t pick up that particulate. I do believe that my filter pump isn’t adequate and I want to enhance it but due to Covid you pretty much can’t get any pool equipment so I will have to wait until next season. I saw an answer above that said to super shock your pool – up to 3 pounds. Will that clear up the clouds at the bottom of the pool? This happened to me earlier in the season as well and I just drained the pool and restarted but here I am again! I realize I need to lay off the clarifier. So should I super shock or just drain? Draining the pool (16 ft – ~5500 gallons) takes about a day and a half to empty and a day and half to fill. If I super shock how long would it be down. I am not sure I can be without a pool for more than 3-5 days – the kids will go nuts. Thanks!

    • Hi Anne, I think draining will be the best solution, shock won’t get rid of the stuff, and will just add more ‘shock dust’ to the problem. You could rent a submersible pump for about $30, that would drain the pool in 3-4 hours. Then you could start refilling the same day.

  11. Beyond csi / Ca saturation, will a lower ph clear cloudiness? (neutralize charged floaties perhaps?). There is some old adage about acidic pool being a clean looking pool…

    • Hi Rob, yes a lower pH level in the pool makes it harder for calcium and carbonates to precipitate out of solution. It won’t clear a cloudy pool necessarily, but is a good step towards it…

  12. Michelle

    Hi Davy, I appreciate all the information you are sharing…sooo helpful! My son dumped a WHOLE BOTTLE of Clarifier in our 10,000 gallon pool, it is still cloudy after 2 weeks of running the filter almost non-stop.It keeps foaming up on top. I added a bag of super shock today, unplugged the skimmer basket and pump basket and stuff is still floating up to the top. We have vacuumed also. I just put in a new liner and filled the pool last season. Am I going to have to drain it and fill again to get the Clarifier out? It was at least a WHOLE 32oz bottle put in, and it only should of been 2-4 oz.Please help!

    • Hi Michelle, you don’t need to drain, but shock heavily, like 3 lbs of shock, to really break apart the polymers. As you may have read, when over-dose on clarifier, it can act as a dispersant, instead of a coagulant. Shock will kill it, but still will take days to restore, depending on the effectiveness of your filter. Water is cheaper than chemicals, I like to say, so I am in favor of draining and refilling, fresh water is much more easily managed, and $10K will not cost much on the water bill, for most areas (depends where you live). Or just shock and filter, with a good (low) pH level.

  13. Gerry Ginter

    Hi Davy

    I inadvertently used Nature’s Way Ultra Clear 5 n 1 Natural Clarifier in my above ground pool and it’s bubbling like a bubble bath. I see now that this product is not intended to be used in a pool.

    Can you tell me what I can use to get rid of the bubbles?

    • Hi Garry, I don’t think the Clarifier could/would/should directly cause bubbles or foam as we call it, but some reaction to the water chemistry. If you balance the pH level to 7.2-7.6 range, and shock the pool, that should take care of the foam. Keep the filter running, and point return eyeballs down from the surface. You can use it in your pool, aboveground/inground, same thing.

      • Gerry Ginter

        So it turns out my alkalinity and calcium hardness are both low so treating that first.
        Then I’ll treat the phosphates which are really high = bubble bath.

        Thanks for your reply. I’m curious what you mean by “point return eyeballs down from the surface.”

        • Hi, I mean that if your pool returns in the wall have directional eyeball fittings, they often are aimed slightly at the surface to create some surface action to help move the leaves along – however this also creates foam from the aeration and splashing of the water, so I suggested turning the to point downward, for now.

  14. Hello, great site, I have a 9’x 18’ above ground bestway pool, all levels were on mark but water was cloudy, I added some clarifier and it became clear but all of the stuff collected together in the bottom and the filter does not seem to be grabbing it, I run my sand filter 24/7 but it does not seem to grab it, what can I do because now when we go swim it just looks gross and then it mixes all back up in the water. Can I vacuum it out or how do I get it because my hand skimmer does not catch it?

    • Derek, yes the collected or coagulated material should be removed from the pool by vacuuming to waste. Put the filter valve on Waste and then vacuum it out.

  15. Alison Louis

    Hi Dr Pool
    Thanks for your really informative blog. Unfortunately I only found it after putting more clarifier in my pool today as it hadn’t cleared overnight so I thought it needed more! I’m worried I’ve put in too much now and could be making the cloudiness worse 😬Should I just leave it a few days? Or try to vac even though I can’t see the bottom? Also is it ok to add more chlorine as well as it is a little low?

    • Hi Allison, yes keep the chlorine level high and the pH level low. Shocking the pool will break apart most Clarifiers. And yes, vacuum the pool, even though you can’t see, you can still vacuum in straight lines, for full coverage.

  16. Jeremy Toelle

    Can you use a clarifer with a above ground pool that has no filter? New to the game.

    • Not really, a Clarifier works with the filter, coagulating particles to larger particles, big enough to be trapped by a filter.

  17. Wanda Steudlein

    Hi Dave..just want to say thank you for all the valuable information you provide here..learning more here than from pools businesses.Pool owner for 33 yrs and always learning more.lol Thanks for sharing your knowledge to others.

  18. Jamie Douglas

    We have an above ground pool with an oxygen generator, is clarifier okay to use? We do not use chlorine. The pool levels are all good, the water is just not clear.

    • Jamie, yes a Clarifier is a good idea, to help the filter to help your ozonator. Removing as many particles from the water as you can, reduces the sanitizer demand.

    • Hi Jamie, yes you can use a Clarifier, weekly, with a dosage per bottle label. It should help the filter if struggling. Are you running the filter long enough each day? It may need to run longer.

  19. I have an 18 foot above ground pool with a cartridge filter. I started to get dead algae and was told by a local pool supplier to use flocculent. I did and the dead algae is now at the bottom of the pool. When I couldn’t rig up a vacuum to bypass the cartridge filter I was told by a rep, where I purchased the pool, that I would have to vacuum out the bottom of the pool into our street since the cartridge wouldn’t catch the small particles. I was additionally informed that i would have to do this about four times !!!! Can you recommend another game plan?

    • Hi jack, when using a flocculent, the result is a gelatinous substance on the bottom of the pool, with the consistency of wet toilet paper. Vacuuming slowly to waste, is the method of removal, as it will clog up your filter very fast. With a cartridge filter, you could either open up the filter and remove the cartridge, shield the pump from the water splash, and vacuum, letting the filter tank overflow onto the ground. Second way is to cut the pipe between the pump and filter, and turn the pipe so you can eject the waste water away from the pump/filter – or, install a 3-way valve in the location, that will allow you to vacuum to waste or lower water level in the future. Here’s a post with more ideas: https://blog.intheswim.com/vacuuming-to-waste-a-how-to/

  20. Hi I had algae in my pool from rain over several days
    I shocked it and have put in algae treatment the algae is gone but the pool got cloudy and Then the ph was high so I put some ph down to get it leveled
    I added some clarify but misread the directions and put to much so pool is the pool is still cloudy
    I have vacuumed and I run off a filter cartridge pump which I have replaced and keeping clean. There is something at bottom of pool that settles at the bottom but when i vacuum or brush it is just mixes up in the water making pool more milky cloudy not sure what is this is.
    My pool is about 3,300 gallons above ground

    I tried shocking again to see if it would clear it but it still hasn’t and every time I get the sandy like stuff on the bottom to move it just gets cloudier?

    Should I keep shocking it to clear out the clarifier or just keep running the pump to filter it out? Or I’m i going to fave to drain and refill?
    Thanks

    • Hi Shana, it can take a while to clear cloudy water with such a small filter. Best to run it 24/7. Re-dose with clarifier weekly, (not more often), and avoid over-dosing with Clarifiers which can have the opposite effect and function as ‘Dispersants’, and not ‘Coagulants’. Keep the chlorine high and the pH low. For the sandy/silty stuff on the floor, you will need a vacuum. Small pools can use a siphon, connecting a garden hose to a wooden pole, starting the siphon, and slowly moving around the floor. Battery powered vacuums will also work well. If you have no vacuum, brush the pool at least once per day, and skim the surface and floor. Leaf Rake nets are good tools for scooping and skimming, and the Leaf Gulper garden hose vacuum is good for debris, but very silty dust will pass thru the bag – but still helps, to get it off the floor, and into solution, where it can make its way to the filter.

  21. How long after using clarifier until I can swim? There are no indications on the bottle.
    ClearView Super Crystal clarifier by Oreq

  22. Amanda Reed

    I have a 36,000 gallon inground. We pressure washed the concrete around and the pool has a haze/cloud that won’t seem to filter out. I used super floc from Leslie’s pool store around 9pm, can I shock it this AM?

    • Hi Amanda, check the Super Floc label, it may suggest a vacuum to waste. Just be sure the “Floc” process is complete, and then with a suitable pH level of around 7.2-7.6, you can shock the pool, using 4 lbs of pool shock.

  23. I think I added too much clarifier, the polyDADMAC type. My pool water was balanced before I added the (overdose of) clarifier. The pool did not immediately turn milky blue, it took about 48 hours after adding the double dose of clarifier. Now it has been opaque water for 2 days. I run the filter 24/7. I shocked the pool last night with 3 bags of chlorine, but chlorine still zero this morning. The water is still balanced (ph, hardness, etc), except the zero chlorine. Pool is a little clearer, but seems it has a long way to go. What should my next steps be? Keep running the filter and wait? Keep adding chlorine shock? What about trying non-chlorine shock? Last resort, drain some water and refill? I am afraid to make the situation worse! Thanks!

  24. If I used Clarifier for my very cloudy but blue pool for a previous algae problem. Can I now use flock instead to spread up the process? Thanks

    • Hi Maria, you can use both, sure. The main difference is that Clarifier will coagulate colloidals (suspended particles) into larger clumps more easily trapped in the filter, and Floc (flocculents) will also coagulate, but become heavy fast, to sink the particles to the floor, for vacuuming to waste. You need to have a multiport valve, or some way to vacuum to waste, to use a flocculent successfully, or correctly. https://blog.intheswim.com/vacuuming-to-waste-a-how-to/

  25. Added Pool Magnet Plus after Metal out to help remove the iron in our water.(Water was a brownish color as we initially had added shock once filled) Woman at pool store recommended the pool magnet plus, then shocking and adding algaecide-all of which we did. Our pool water is now an extremely cloudy, opaque white color.Filter cartridges have been coming out filled with white substance looking similar to wet toilet paper almost. I added a super clarifier to try and help with the cloudiness. About how long will it take to see an improvement with water clarity? pH level is between 7.2-7.4, but chlorine is reading practically 0ppm, even after shocking on Saturday evening. Should I put chlorine dispenser back in pool? I don’t want to overdue the chemicals(I’m afraid I already have!) but know chlorine needs to be Ideally around 3ppm. Filter runs 24/7. What should my next steps be? Thanks in advance!

    • Hi Blair, let’s get the chlorine reading up to 3 ppm, add diluted shock in small does throughout the day, not all at once. Heavy shock will destroy both the metal outs and the algaecides. Continue to filter, and consider that the cartridge may need to be replaced, or soaked to degrease and descale, esp if pressure is higher than normal. Lay off the clarifier for now, over-dosing with clarifier can have the opposite effect.

  26. Courtney McClellan

    I tested my pool its blue but cloudy. Test strip says high ph. Added shock, chlorine tablet, claifier, and ph down. Do you run the pump constantly until it clears?

  27. Sonia Cost

    I have a 30’ round above ground pool the water was cloudy. I added shock then add clarifier, ran the filter for 24hrs and the water is clear but I have NO chlorine in it when I tested the water. Should I shock it again or what do I add in so it has chlorine?

    • Hi Sonia, assuming your test strips are good, you just need more chlorine. Are you also using tablets for daily chlorination? How is the level of cyanuric acid (stabilizer)? The sun may be burning it off as fast as you put it in. Or in other cases, there are organics in the water consuming the chlorine, in which case you need a triple shock or more, to break thru.

  28. I haven’t used Clarifiers yet I just added acid to my pool last night and shocked it a couple of hour later. Today in the morning I checked it and my PH was still high and chlorine should I add more acid ? My pool is a 6000 gallon. Also Should i wait on Clarifiers until I get my level right ?

    • No need to wait on using the Clarifier, but be careful not to over-dose with Clarifier, follow label dosage closely. Add more acid if your pH is still high, yes. Best range is 7.2-7.4, where chlorine is most potent.

  29. David A Lopes

    Super informative blog – Thanks. I’ve noticed an oily sheen on the water in my pool after opening and shocking. The water is essentially clear, but not crystal clear. All chemicals are in balance per my testing. I’ve used a clarifyer chemical and some enzyme treatment. Sorry I don’t have the names with me. Wondering what else to do to clear the sheen and achieve total clarity? Chitosan? More enzyme? More time? It’s been 5 – 6 days since opening up!! Thanks…

    • Enzymes do dissolve oils – so perhaps you need more time. You could open up the skimmer more, or close the drain partially to produce more skimmer suction. Scrubbing the inside walls of the skimmer will help the stuff stick to the skimmer, so you can clean it again! Oily sheen… maybe you can pinpoint the source, could be lubricant perhaps?

  30. Hello. I have a 30000 gallon above ground… I shocked my pool on Saturday still green Sunday… I put clarifier in Sunday. I could see in Monday morning, went in to sweep, turned green again and can’t see in… what do I do now?! I have bumped then changed the DE twice today because of gage going up and to clean the earth

    • Cindy, if you are still green-ish, check the pH and adjust to 7.2 if it is higher, and then shock the pool again. Keep running the filter, nearly non-stop. Afterwards, you will want to disassemble filter to spray off the nest assembly and flex tubes, soaking them in a DE filter cleaner, or in TSP, before rinsing and replacing.

  31. I have a 30,000 G Inground chlorinated pool. I put 2 bottles of metal magic to get rid of metals in my pool and 36 hours later my pool is cloudy. My reading of metals is back down after I tested my water. Can I add clarifier to my pool to clear it up?

    • That can happen sometimes with metal chemicals. Yes you can use a clarifier, and some extra filtering. Keep the chlorine high and pH low.

  32. james woodall

    Can a super Clarifier be used and followed up by polaris running then backwash to clear and remove dead algae?

    • James, yes Clarifier is always helpful in clearing up an algae bloom. Pool First Aid specifically, a blend of clarifiers and enzymes, is particularly effective.

  33. what would happen if i used a flocculant on a pool after double shocking to remove alge and succeeded . the pool is still hi in shock the next day.can i add it now or do i have to wait till its down to 3ppm?

  34. Dawn Callahan

    I have a 10000 gallon in ground pool My pool water is still extremely cloudy after running the filter For 24 hours and I’ve also added simple blue ultra clear 6 and 1 clarifier half a bottle And also added a fat 5 pound bag of alkalinity plus What should I be doing at this point to clear my Pool up

    • Dawn – just keep running the filter, and resist the urge to clean it, until the pressure gauge rises at least 5 psi. Also don’t use more clarifier than listed on the bottle, and wait 5 days before retreating with Clarifier. Keep your pH low and your chlorine high. If your filter does not seem effective, you may need a new cartridge or filter sand.

  35. I have a 4000 gal pool. How many chlorine tabs should I keep floating around in it per week. I’ve been using one 3in tab per week but there is slight discoloration on bottom and sides of pool. Do I need more?

    • Your test kit will tell you for sure, if you are using enough or too much. If you are below 2 ppm, add more chlorine, and/or open up the vent baffles more. If you are over 3 ppm, reduce number of tablets or close the vents a bit.

  36. Gary Quintana

    I used 1 cup and half of clarifier. My pool is 8800 gallons. I was suppose to use 1 ounce and a half. It is so cloudy. I miss read the directions. What do I do now?

    • Hi Gary, yes as you may now know, over-dosing Clarifier can have the opposite effect, acting as a dispersant, instead of a coagulant. Shocking the pool should break apart the polymers and restore order in a few days. Try 1 lb of granular shock, with a good pH level of 7.2-7.4, and run the filter.

  37. My pool was sparkling clean and balanced, then it rained and left red dust all over the pool. Can I use a clarified to clump the dust to get rid of it quicker?

  38. I did a big boo boo tonight, and i put in a clarifier, then I also put in liquid chlorine because we’ve been battling algae non-stop for the last month, and it was still growing and there’s in the morning. Well needless to say, as soon as I put in the chlorine, it turned my water instantly to brown…. the whole pool…. what can i do to help this?

    • Hi Melanie, that’s an interesting reaction, I’ve not seen that before! brown is usually associated with iron. In cases of very high metal and mineral levels, shocking the pool with chlorine can knock them ‘out of solution’, making them visible. The best solution in such cases is to balance pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels, and then use a sequestering agent, sold under many names like Stain Away, Metal Free, Scale Free, Metal Magnet, Iron Out, etc… add the initial dose to try to reabsorb the minerals and metals back into solution…

  39. Evan Sharp

    Not sure whats happening. All levels in my pool are spot on. I think my pool store miss guided me. I used a protector to add house water to my pool and added a clarifier in my pool 2 days prior. My pool water looks like a gritty cloudy throughout and doesnt settle even with filter off. I have a sand filter with new sand. How can i get this to some how filter out.

    • Hi Evan, are you running the filter non-stop 24/7? Is the filter pressure increasing at all? Is the filter pressure the same as it was last year? The new sand was labeled “Pool Filter Sand”? and you used the correct amount (not too much, not too little)? The valve was assembled again correctly, and is operating correctly (the multiport valve)? Sand filters do have trouble with very silty, small particles, using clarifier is a good idea (just don’t overdose!). Also helpful to not backwash, until pressure rises at least 5 psi, as trapped dirt helps trap more dirt. Filter Aids can be helpful, such as a cup of Alum, aka Aluminum Sulfate, or a cup of Jack’s Filter Fiber, added thru the skimmer to form a layer on top of the sand bed. A product called “The Slime Bag” is also very useful in such situations.

  40. Tiffany Hulsey

    Can Clarifier drop Chlorine level? We have just opened our pool and have been battling the algae. We shocked the pool and got the level above 9. I added clarifier after 4 hours (as per directions on lable) then vacuumed to waste after 8 hours. I tested the water and the chlorine level is now at 0.7. Would the clarifier affect the chlorine level like that?

    • Hi Tiffany, My guess is that there is still enough ‘gunk’ in the water that is consuming the chlorine, or you still have a high chlorine demand in the water. I would shock the pool again, shoot for higher, like 20 ppm, or even 30 ppm, and you should be fine. Algae is best killed (completely) with 30 ppm, and a suitably low pH level of 7.2-ish when shocking.

  41. Kent Carter

    HI – I used ascorbic acid to remove metal stains from my 10.5K gallon Marcite pool. It really worked but after I added the metal sequestrant the water got real milky. Ph is around 7 and the chlorine is 1-2. Can I add a clarifier to get rid of the milky looking water or should I wait? Thanks for your advice

    • Hi Kent, entirely common I’m afraid. Just keep filtering the water, a clarifier will help, run the filter 24 hrs for a few days. Begin adding chlorine if not done already and avoid shocking for a few weeks if possible.

      • Nicole Bolinger

        I was told to turn the pump off and let the clarifier work for 48 hours. Then vacume it put to get large particles out then turn the pump on again. Is that correct? Our pool was looked nearly black when I first opened it. It’s now more blueish green but I still can’t see the bottom of the deep end. I put green to clean in it, and about 12 bags of non-chlorine shock one night. Pump has been running 24/7. I just added one gallon of muriatic acid and another 15 bags of chlorine shock this time. It’s looking better. I’ve brushed it consistently and skimmed it often. Now I think the clarifier will help I’m just not sure about leaving the pump on or turning it off.

        • Hi Nicole, sounds like you are nearly there. If you are using a Flocculent type of clarifier, then you would shut the pump off overnight, and vacuum to waste the next morning. But not off for 48 hours, you could find your pool green again. Check the label instructions on the Clarifier, it will be the best source of dosage and usage.

  42. Ida F Aspinall

    I’m new to this pool stuff, so for a couple days after a big pool party I didn’t add any chemicals to the pool..when I checked on it, the water wasn’t filtering/pumping and it was green. I’ve been trying to balance stabilizer and the alkalinity and pH (none of them even registered on the color test strips) and the water is no longer green, but it is cloudy. I haven’t shocked the pool but have used a little clarifier and have been quite consistent about brushing it. How can I get rid of the cloudiness so that I can see to the bottom of the pool?

    • Hi Ida, sounds like your test strips may be bad, because pH and alkalinity will always have a result, they are never zero… For the cloudiness, keep running the filter 24/7. Your filter may be overwhelmed if it is small or inefficient. It may need new filter media (sand or cartridge), or may need a deep cleaning with a filter cleaner. Using clarifier is helpful, but don’t overdose, redosing is ok after 5-7 days, as per the label. Keep your chlorine level high, and pH level low, and check the cyanuric acid (stabilizer) level to be sure it’s 20-50 ppm. Good Luck!

  43. When using cubes for swimming pool do I still need to add chlorine in my pool everyday? I thought i will use these while I am away on vacation instead of chlorine.

  44. Rhonda Cain

    My pool is above ground about 10k gallons and I am unable to use the filter right now due to it being unlevel (I will level next year when I put it back up) but I added too much clarifier, without a pump should I just shock it and keep manually skimming and vacuuming? How long before we can swim?

    • Hi Rhonda, yes add shock and monitor the pH level, and brush and skim twice daily. It still may not be safe for swimming, filtration and circulation is very important! But keep it clear until you are ready to close. Clarifiers work with a pool filter, and won’t work properly without the pump running.

  45. Stephanie

    Every time kids got out of pool it was cloudy but the last time it was really bad I shocked it which usually helps and it didn’t work. I added the clarifier now there seems to be an excessive amount of stuff on the bottom I tried vacuuming it but it blows out the vacuum and just re-settles what can I do?

    • Hi Stephanie, if you have a multiport valve, you can overfill the pool, and vacuum to waste*, quickly before the water level reaches the bottom of the skimmer, which takes 15-20 mins usually – should be enough time for most pools. *set the MPV on the waste position and roll out the backwash hose, and vacuum like normal

  46. Corrine Dail

    I added to much clarifier – water was blue and milky and ph was high- to I added a -ph product yesterday and changed filter 2 times. Water has chunks of blue film ( slime) and filter was caked with blue slime- ph is lower and chlorine level is good. Water is clearer( not milky) but visible film ( chunks) on top. Can we still swim?

    • Hi Corrine, Skim the surface and shock the pool later tonight to break up the polymer clarifier. Too much clarifier, as you may have read, can have the opposite effect, but the shock should put things right. Probably the pool is safe to swim, but use goggles to keep any particles out of the eyes.

  47. I had my sister put in the pool clarifer and I forgot to tell her to spread it around the pool. She poured it directly into the pool skimmer.. will it still be affective?

    • Hi Lora, I think that won’t be a problem – generally you don’t want to put any chemicals in the skimmer (except for stabilizer / cyanuric acid), but I’m sure that it will still be effective.

  48. MATTHEW SISK

    I have a 5000 gal Intex Easy Set pool. It has an green algae bloom. The pH is in the high 7’s and Alkalinity is 90 ppm and free Chlorine is 0 ppm. My initial idea was to add Leslie’s Clear Aid. I realized that this likely would not solve the problem and hastily shocked the pool. Would I expect any issues other than a dead algae bloom?

    • Matt, for algae the best treatment is to shock the pool with chlorine, and having a low pH in the range of 7.2 allows the chlorine to be much more effective, and also algae does not like lower pH levels. After shocking the pool may be cloudy for a few days, and then you will find some ‘shock dust’ on the floor of the pool, which is vacuumed up. After shocking to kill algae, Clear Aid or other Clarifiers can be used to help coagulate the shock dust and other particles.

  49. Yvonne Robbins

    Hi My husband and I are a new pool owner. And we have very bad hard water with rust and filling our pool it looks like a rust color my husband had checked the Ph balance and got that to where it supposed to be. Then he added clarifier last night and it’s getting a little lighter but we were wondering What or is there anything that we should be using? And my husband was wanting to know how often can he use the clarifier? Thank you

    • Hi Yvonne, with clarifier, you should wait 3-4 days before redosing, as an overdose can cause the opposite reaction, acting as a dispersant. For the rusty fill water, I can recommend the Pleatco Pre-Filter, to strain out metals, minerals, silt, etc. Attaches to your garden hose. You didn’t mention chlorine level and stabilizer levels, those should be 2-4 ppm and 30-50 ppm, respectively. Also, keep running the filter non-stop until the water clears. If it looks like it is not filtering the water well – it may not be, so investigate for filter problems if needed.

  50. Okay so I accidentally added way to much clarifier to my pool. It says one oz per 5,000 gallons so I should have only used 1 1/2 oz and I had another bottle of something else that said use half of a bottle well I got them mixed up( it being dark) that’s when my pump runs so I put a half bottle of the clarifier in my pool. Help please

    • Kaleigh, with regular polymer clarifiers, overdosing is said to cause the opposite effect, acting as a dispersant, rather than a coagulant. Shocking the pool heavily should break apart the polymer, if the pool appears to have a problem with the overdose. If the water is clear, no worries, the clarifier will deplete eventually.

      • stefanie davis

        How do you correct the water if too much clarifier was added?????

        • Hi Stefanie, just have to give it time, although… a good shocking of the pool, with liquid or granular pool shock, or non-chlorine pool shock – should help break apart the polymers, used in most Clarifiers.

  51. I am adding algaecide to my pool. Can I add clarifier at the same time or wait to see the results of the algaecide?

    • Hi Steve, I would let each work separately, at least for a few hours, although if both were added near the same time, there would be no problem with that.

  52. Evelynn Thomas

    Free chlorine is 1, PH is 7.2, Alkalinity is 100, Cyanuric acid is 70. Added ph up now pool is milky. It has been this way for 72 hours with pump running constantly. Please help. This was fresh water as I just filled the pool. Very little alge on bottom when I refilled it. HELP!

    • Hi Evelyn, it may not be related to the pH chemical, unless you saw it happen ‘before your very eyes’. It could be a result of the filter not working as well as it should to remove fine particles. I would start with a pool clarifier, adding to the water per label, to help coagulate the small particles. That should show improvement (some) within 24 hours, and continue to improve. If it does not, the filter media (sand or cartridge) may need to be replaced, or water could be bypassing the filter somehow, either through damaged filter media, or thru a faulty multiport valve, or other damaged filter parts (internal). Or the pump could be too large for the filter, in some cases, where the original pump was replaced with new (and different). — So try a clarifier, and be check out the filter, it may be slacking off!

  53. Joan hopkins

    We have a sand filter and i am unable tomaintain a blue pool. We have had lots and lots of rain this year, and during rain to
    Imes, i let the filter run. I vaccuum to waste but it seems that the pool never clears properly. Should i clean the filter?.How?
    Thanks for your reslponse

    • Hi Joan, sand filters have a limit to particle size, especially smaller filters, under 24″ tank diameter – passes a lot of stuff right through the sand. There are some things you can do to improve filtration with a sand filter:
      1. Clean the sand with Sand Filter Cleaner
      2. Use pool clarifier every week, or every other week
      3. Add a cup of Dica-Lite filter aid into the skimmer to trap smaller debris
      4. Use a Slime Bag, a fine filter bag that attaches to your wall return fitting
      5. Replace the sand with new filter sand – or sand alternatives like FilterGlass, Zeosand or FilterBalls, which filter down to a smaller particle size

      Also, shocking the pool after a rain storm can often be helpful to oxidize organic particles that give water a greenish brown tint, and take a load off the sand filter. Hope that helps!

  54. I have added sodium bicarbonate and waiting on alkalinity to rise. (Chlorine is perfect, PH is good). How soon can I add Flocculant after the sodium bicarbonate.

    • Davy Merino

      Hi April, no need to wait longer than a few hours. Should be good by now!

      • Hello,my husband was helping me with the pool and instead of liquid shock he used a whole bottle of clarifier. What should my next steps be? It’s a 16×48 above ground pool.

        • Hi Haley, well in some cases, an overdose of clarifier can produce the opposite effect, acting as a dispersant, and actually causing cloudy water. If that occurs, I would shock the pool heavily (2 lbs per 10K gals), to break apart the polymers in the clarifier. However, if the water looks OK… or if it ain’t broke… no worries then! It will naturally dissipate …

  55. I have added sodium bicarbonate and waiting on alkalinity to rise. (Chlorine is perfect). I know I need a clarifier; I always do upon getting pool open. How soon can I add it after the sodium bicarbonate. I wasn’t sure if the clarifier would prevent it from working.

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Stacey, the alkalinity should absorb or dissolve into solution within seconds, so should not be a problem to add clarifier immediately afterwards, well maybe not immediately – but you don’t have to wait… thanks, good question!

  56. Marc Fisher

    Hi… I have a cartridge filter. What’s the best clarifier to use? Kind regards Marc Fisher. Cape Town South Africa

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, many basic clarifiers or cationic polymers are not recommended for cartridge filters in general, and in particular Gel caps or dissolving gel types of clarifier are best for sand filters and can clog up a filter cartridge. The best clarifier for a cartridge pool filter would be a natural clarifier, made with chitin, like SeaKlear or our Ultra-Clear. You can also use a bit of Puri-Fiber as a filter aid, instead of using a clarifier. But try to stay away from regular clarifers and flocculents, overuse can gum up between the pleats with a viscous goo. If it’s too late and you have used regular clarifiers, give them a degreasing soak in a Filter Cleaner or TSP and warm water, and they can usually be restored. Update: The same applies to DE filters, although to a lesser degree, due to the coating of DE powder, however clarifier overuse (and DE powder underuse) can lead to greasy, clogged DE grids as well.

      • Karl Rauscher

        My pool water is milky light blue.

        Background:
        -Have a copper ion system so opening procedure not typical.

        -DE filter using Awuapearl DE substitute

        – 28,000 gallons

        -northeast US

        -Pool not opened last summer so water greenish brown from start this year.

        -In the last two weeks have: pulled up leaves from bottom until hardly anything would come up anymore, used non-chlorine shock three times at two day intervals. Followed by algaecide each time. When that did not work was advised to raise ph to above 7.4 and add aluminum sulfate to clear up water. Used baking Aida and some ph riser (sodium carbonate) to get ph up. Then gave 28 pounds of aluminum sulfate and recirculated water for four hours then let water rest for 36 hours. Ph dropped but milky cloudiness did not. Raised ph to 7.8 with baking soda and ph riser and recirculate water for 4 hours then 36 hrs again. No difference in cloudiness. Though ph stayed up. Then advised to put 25 gallons of concentrated liquid chlorine in. Did that and recirculated water. Cloudiness still there. I think have a chemical soup. Light blue and very cloudy.

        • Davy Merino

          Karl, is draining and refilling not an option? I hesitate to suggest, after you have spent ($$$) so much trying to correct the water, but the water is choked with solids, so much that it cannot absorb any more. Have you vacuumed the alum to waste (very important after alum treatment). These amounts that were suggested to you (28 lbs of alum and 25 gallons of liquid…!) are excessive besides, I would have recommended 1/4 of that amount. If you can drain all or half, or even 1/4 of the water, that would help. Drop the pH again to 7.4, if not done already, and keep filtering and backwashing as needed. A clarifier would be helpful, just follow label directions. You may want to open up the filter, hose it off completely and inspect for any holes or problems – some of the suspended material could be DE powder (Aquaperl).

          • I have the same problem, but still have milky water. I changed the filter media to Zeobrite 2 years aha and have had a ton of problems, so I’m wondering if it is suspended DE powder. I’ve already drained and replaced 1/2 of the water. What can I do to get rid of the particles?

          • Hi Stacey, ZeoSand is a sand replacement made with zeolite minerals. It requires cleaning every few years, using a Zeosand cleaner, to remove oils and ammonia, and reactivate the sand. It is a good product, if you use the proper amount and the pump is not too powerful for the filter (which is a problem for any sand filter). Sand filters in general are the poorest performers for small particles – some ways to improve filtration in a sand filter are to use Clarifiers, or add a filter aid like DicaLite powder , or use a Slime Bag attached to the pool return line. And using sand filter cleaner every year, or in your case, Zeosand cleaner. Especially for small sand filters, under 24″ diameter, sand filters need a bit of help cleaning up in spring.

  57. When I put the gel cube in the skimmer, do I place it inside the skimmer sock/stocking or underneath?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, I would probably place it underneath, so the gel won’t clog the skimmer sock, although not sure if it would, but it may… you can also place it on the skimmer shelf, the opening in the tile line…

  58. Hi!

    We are new pool owners and made the mistake of not shocking our pool after a pool party. Plus we had the solar cover on and didn’t in the filter as much as we should it 90+ degree weather. So obviously you couldn’t even see the bottom when we took the cover off a week later. I shoved tonce, but then out the cover back on(I think I shouldn’t have?) and two days later it was still really murky.

    So I vacuumed again, checked the pH. (Was at 7.0, raised it to 7.4) shocked it again, and added an algaecide, because at this point it was yellow/green. That was yesterday and the filter has been running all night.

    I guess my question is- could I use a clarifier now, and then in a few days use the floc if it’s still gross? I need to the pool clear by next Monday so I’m starting to panic!

    It’s an above ground pool and the filter intake is on top of the water (there’s only one) so I’m afraid it will take too long if I just use a clarifier. The clicker I have is Super Blue Water Polisher, is that the same as others? I ordered Hth Green to Blue (which includes a floc) but it wot be here until Saturday.

    So could I use the super blue today, let it run for the next 3-4 days, then floc what’s left on Saturday?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, you can use the clarifier, be careful not to overdose however. Run the filter 24/7. Replacing the cartridge is probably a good idea and will speed recovery. To improve circulation brush the pool often, and set up the vacuum or use an auto pool cleaner, to draw water from the deeper areas. May want to reshock the pool if it still looks green-ish, if not keep the chlorine high and the pH low. (…and you are right, about leaving the solar blanket off the pool after shocking, the chlorine can damage a solar cover)

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, you can use the clarifier, be careful not to overdose however. Run the filter 24/7. Replacing the cartridge is probably a good idea and will speed recovery. To improve circulation brush the pool often, or set up the vacuum or use an auto pool cleaner, to draw water from the deeper areas. May want to reshock the pool if it still looks green-ish, if not keep the chlorine high and the pH low. (…and you are right, about leaving the solar blanket off the pool after shocking, the chlorine can damage a solar cover)

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Cassidy, yes you can use the clarifier, but be careful not to overdose. Run the filter 24/7, replacing the cartridge will be a big help, solids overload can damage a filter cartridge. Keep the chlorine high and the pH low, and brush the pool daily, twice if possible, also to improve circulation you can also set-up the vacuum, or run an auto cleaner, to draw water from deeper areas, into the filter.

  59. Jennifer

    I use Super Blue water polisher in a 196,000 gallon pool. is it ok to add it to the surge tank? I always broadcast it when the pool is people free, but I need to add it and there is a lot of swimmers.

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Jennifer, yes that’s OK to add to the surge tank. Or you could sneak it into a skimmer 🙂

  60. Brent Barber

    After using a floc, is it OK to collect the jelly using my iRobot pool cleaner or will this just re-distribute it? It would be nice to just run the iRobot through 5 or 6 times and collect things instead of dumping it all to waste and then having to refill the pool with the lost water?

    • Hi, it will clog very fast, in the irobot filter, and some may pass thru, and yes probably won’t work well. Alum floc must be vacuumed to waste. For DE filters with a push pull valve, you can pull out the grids and put the valve on backwash… For a sand filter with a push pull valve, you can pull out the plunger, and plug the top of the valve body with an expansion plug, #11 or #12 I think fits most… For a cartridge filter (with no backwash valve), you can install a 3-way valve and a bit of pipe between the pump and filter, and connect the backwash hose to the pipe. Turn the valve whenever you want to vac to waste, or lower the pool water level.

  61. JACLYN SIBILIA

    I am so sad. I added pool flocc but I have to waste valve on my de filter now these particles just sink but ultimately get recirculated. What can I even do?!

    Is there a way to reverse the effect of flocc ?

    • Davy Merino

      When floccing the pool with Alum, you shut the pump off overnight and let it all settle, then vacuum to waste very slowly in the morning, to remove the jelly like silt (like trying to vacuum wet toilet paper, lol). If you don’t have a multiport valve, you can’t easily vacuum to waste, but there are ways to do it…
      1. Install a 3-way valve between the pump and filter, and attach a bit of pipe and clamp on the backwash hose.
      2. Remove a push-pull valve plunger and clean any grease around the top, securely plug the top with a #10 or #12 winter plug.
      3. Remove the filter DE grid assembly, and reassemble the tank tightly. Place push-pull valve on the backwash position, and vac to waste – probably the best and easiest way..

  62. How long after adding clarifier should we wait to swim? The package does not state to swim or not to swim for any period of time…

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Rikki, no need to wait to swim with clarifier, or most pool chemicals actually. The only chemical that you really want to give some time is granular pool shock, the main concern that undissolved granules can get in your eyes, or get stuck between your suit and skin and cause irritation. Some pool shocks like Lithium or Non-Chlorine shock are specifically “No-wait, swim immediately”, but Cal Hypo or Dichlor shock will instruct you to wait a certain period of time. Generally if no mention is made of a wait time, there is none… thanks, good question

  63. Hi I just used Proteam Microflocc Clarifier, that was recommended by the guy at a local pool store. I see that is it really coagulating all the particles but it’s too the point where it fills my skimmer basket within a short and doesn’t have enough suction to keep working unless I scoop the crap out. From what he told me he said run the filter the next few days until it’s clear. But does it make sense that I have to scoop out the ‘junk’ out of the skimmer? Or does something seem wrong with the pressure or filter? Please help!!

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Steve, I have not used Enhancer, or MicroFloc Clarifier before, but the reaction is certainly unusual, would not expect that from a clarifier. Must be some unknown type of chemical reaction, although the Microfloc is just a regular polymer clarifier. I see that for their other product, Dry Clarifier, they instruct to ‘remove the skimmer basket’, but that’s a different product, no mention of this for the Microfloc. Keep at it another day or so, should diminish, you can remove the basket if that will help.

  64. question for anyone that can help me out. I added to much hth super clarifier to my pool amd now the water is really really blue. How do I fix this problem?

    • Davy Merino

      Blue Water? Not a complaint from most pool owners, lol. I suspect it will naturally diffuse and dissipate in a few days, or you can shock the pool, and it should break apart the clarifier. The larger problem may be that over-dosing with clarifier can have the opposite effect, acting as a dispersant, not a coagulant.

  65. After I clarify my pool it says to put the filter on drain now I’ve never done that and I don’t know the steps to do that and what I do after I put it to drain

    • Hi Kryss, it may be asking you to ‘Vacuum to Waste’? If there is a lot of sediment in the pool. This is done by placing a sand or de filter multiport valve on the “Waste” setting or “Drain to Waste” setting, and vacuuming like normal, except you are pumping water out of the pool, so go fast! Or perhaps it is asking you to close the skimmers and operate the pool on the drain only? (not possible if you don’t have a drain), and I’m not sure why a clarifier would say to operate on drain only. Hope that helps!

  66. We are being plagued with cloudy water in our 18ft above ground pool. The chemical levels are good and where they should be, yet the water is cloudy. We’ve tried flocculent, clarifier, vacuuming, shock. We’ve exhausted our options. We don’t know what to do to resolve the cloud. Any ideas?

    • Hi Melissa, a few things to check at this point. Water balance? A pH of 7.2-ish works best, along with a constant and consistent chlorine level of 2-3 ppm. How long are you running the pump? I’d let it run 22-24 hours per day, cleaning as needed. Finally, the filter is likely struggling, consider a replacment filter cartridge, or new sand, or trying a filter cleaner product. A product called the slime bag is another option, to improve filtration.

  67. Suzanne Snyder

    I have zero chlorine do I Shock first then clarify and if so do I clarify in the day or evening

    • zero chlorine is first, very important to correct quickly. To raise the chlorine level with granular shock you can use much less, say 1 lb, to raise it to 3-5 ppm quickly. This is usually called ‘superchlorination’, or a quick way to boost chlorine when you discover it’s at zero, because tabs take too long to do it. Shocking however, is when you use much more granular shock, to raise chlorine level above 10 ppm, or as high as 30 ppm, to kill bacteria, algae or remove chloramines, and to help clarify cloudy pool water. So, shock first, with an appropriate amount to do the job (dark green pools need much more), and then wait to clarify, until the chlorine level drops back down below 5 ppm. Add shock when the sun is not shining directly overhead, evening or dusk. Add clarifier anytime.

  68. I over did it with the clarifier 3 weeks ago and still cloudy. Filter pump running 24/7 and still cloudy. Cleaned filters twice and still cloudy. All chems are perfect. What else can I do????

    • Peggy, sounds like you have done most things… did you overdose with clarifier? If so, shocking the pool may break it down. Second thought is that maybe your filter cartridges are allowing material to bypass, might be time for new carts.

  69. I have 2033 ppb phosphate will using a cationic polymer reduce the phosphate levels? the water is clear and algae free.

    • Hi Joann, that is a very high phosphate level! Cationic Polymers is another way to say Clarifier, and it will not reduce your phosphate level, to my knowledge. PhosFree, or other phosphate removers would be the thing to use.

  70. Caroline Hopkins

    I have above ground pool 26’x52″ intex brand and i cannot get rid of this cloudy water. Is it safe to use shock when i have put in the 3 ozs of clarifier.
    I have not shocked in 2 days but have used the clarifier 2 days ago and again today. And is still white cloudy. HELLLLLP..

    • Hi, sure you can, very important to keep chlorine level high and pH level low, with near constant filtration, to clear cloudy water

  71. I can’t get rid of green algae. I have done everything pool service has told me to do. It cleared for a couple days then rained a lot now back to green pool. We’ve treated again but still green. Sand was replaced 1 year ago.

    • Hi Teresa, prevention of algae is multifacted – involving good long filtering each day, spot on water balance, and consistently high levels of chlorine. When that isn’t enough, you may have a phosphate contamination, and a phosphate remover can solve the problem. Using algaecides can also help prevent reoccurance by working with chlorine to keep them suppressed.

  72. Jake myers

    I opened my pool to find my water was overtaken by algae. After I shocked the pool the water turned to a cloudy blue color. I added a clarifier and 15 hours later with the pump running the water is still cloudy. Do I need to shut the pump off to allow the algae to sink to the bottom? How do I clear this up ASAP?

    • Hi – don’t shut off the pump! Keep filtering non-stop, and resist the urge to add more clarifier, it can act as a dispersant when overdosed. It can take a few days or longer, depending on the effectiveness of your pool filter. If no improvement after 5-7 days, retreat with clarifier. Clean the filter only when the pressure rises, especially for sand filters, which filter better when they are a bit dirty. If it goes 2 weeks and still not there, considering changing the filter sand or filter cartridge, which has become a bit overwhelmed. But for a properly sized filter, you should be good in another 48 hours.

  73. I believe I have dead algae on the bottom of the pool with Crystal clear water. When Vacuuming the algae it is powder thin, cloudies the water and instantly returns to the pool water through the return inlet. I have a sand filter. Will clarifier help this substance filter out?

    • Hi Jamie, good question, thanks. Sand filters often have the problem you describe, when vacuuming silty stuff, a portion of it passes through (though not all). Clarifier would help, good idea. Or you can keep vacuuming, eventually you’ll get it all. Slime Bag is a product made specifically for this, a felt filter bag that attaches to the wall return fitting, to act like a second filter. Some people leave it on all the time, to improve filtration, or others just use it when vacuuming.

  74. Shannon Lewis

    How long do I have to wait to swim after using the Liquid clarifier ?

    • Hi Shannon, you can swim immediately with clarifier. Best method for use is to add the clarifier to a bucket full of water, stir to dissolve, and pour around the edge of the pool.

  75. Robert Nipper

    I accidentally used Flocculant in my saltwater pool that does not have backwashing capabilities. I am not sure how to remedy the cloudiness. What should I do? leave pump off, drain the water, clean the filters?, thanks

    • Hi Robert, if you used flocculent in the bottle, a liquid type then you can just clean the filters, as needed. Be sure that your pH remains balanced and the chlorine level good. If you used a granular floc like Alum, you will need a method to vacuum the precipitate to waste. This can be done with a portable pool vacuum pump, or by modifying the plumbing of your system, to install a 3-way valve after the pump (but before the filter), so you can divert the vacuum water out of the system. If there is no thick layer of precipitate on the floor, no need to do all that, just keep cleaning the filters…

  76. J.C. Stocker

    G.Morning Davy, re. your opinion ref “Buffering” of chlorine, without wishing to be a P I T A, could you give me a “thumbsuck” idea of how much acid I would need, say per 1000 gallons of water, to “neutralise” the effect?. Thanks again for your help, B.Rgds, John S

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, it’s actually buffering of pH, not chlorine – but the first thing to do would be to check the alkalinity level, to be sure that it’s too high. 80-120 ppm is the range, but some pools can operate OK at up to 150 ppm. Too much alkalinity can make pH difficult to adjust. To lower alkalinity, shut off the pump and allow water to become still. Then gently pour acid or granular pH down into one area of the pool (don’t walk it down the edge). In your case, keep the pump off while adjusting, to prevent any low pH damage to a pool heater, if you have one. Generally speaking, 1 cup of acid will lower alkalinity about 20 ppm, in 1000 gallons of water.

  77. J.C. Stocker

    Hi, I’ve just come across your blog whilst searching for a solution to the following problem. My pool is 50 cubic Metres (approx 14000 gallons. The water is clear but the pH is low, < 6.4. I have done all the usual things to raise it ( pH Up, bleach etc)beside the addition of granular chlorine without success. It simply refuses to budge. Your advice would be most appreciated. Thanks, John S

    • Hi JC – “it simply refuses to budge”, makes me think that the alkalinity is high, and buffering the pH too much? If above 120 ppm, you use an acid to bring it down. Also would question the reagent or strip, could it be inaccurate? After that, is there a source of acid or co2 getting into the pool? Not sure what, animals, goblins?

    • J.C. Stocker

      Hi Davy, I’ve re-read your reply and your statement that the high alkalinity might be “Buffering the pH too much”. What does this mean exactly? Would I be correct in thinking its something like “chlorine lock” except that the “Acid” side of the equation is not being allowed to work for some reason. If so, how do you break the deadlock? Unlike chlorine -lock in which adding appreciably more chlorine breaks the lock, I somehow don’t think adding more acid should even be considered. Thanks again, Brgds John S.

      • Hi JC, Buffering refers to the ability of alkalinity to lock-in the pH level, kind of like a chlorine lock… High alkalinity makes pH very resistant to change, and low alkalinity makes pH ‘bounce’, or change rapidly and dramatically. Adding acid to the pool is the only way to lower alkalinity, with exception to draining and refilling with lower alkalinity water. Check the Alkalinity level first, that may not be the problem, but very possibly could be, even likely…

  78. Hi
    I had algae, so used chlorine shock and algecide. Was of course left with a very cloudy pool. Then I used a flocculant (alumium salt) that gave me a nice snow white carpet on the pool floor. Vacuuming out was a neat job, but could not complete it as it showed that the house drainage system had some block and could not cope with the huge output of water the pump on waste jetted through it. So I had to stop putting to waste. There is a bit of snowy bottom left. Can I get things right by now using a clarifier, as it may take a whole for the drain to be repaired ? Or shall I just swim in slightly clouded water and hope it goes away? Is that safe ?

    • Hi Johan

      The alum that was left can be brushed or vacuumed into the filter, and backwashed out. You can use a clarifier now as well. I don’t think it would be unsafe to swim with some alum residue in the pool, as long as your chlorine and pH levels are normal.

  79. Like a dummy I added a whole bottle of super water clarifier to my 35000 gallon pool that was really cloudy after a alagae Bloom I had just killed off & vacuumed out. I should have only used 7 oz but used 32…What can I expect for the next few days, and what should I do to correct this problem or can or should I do anything?

    • Hi Donna, I’m interested to know too! You likely read that overdosing with clarifier can cause the opposite reaction, it can behave as a dispersant, and not as a coagulant, which can cloud the water. However that should happen immediately or within a few hours. I would keep an eye on the filter pressure, and backwash as needed, and run the filter as much as possible day and night. If you notice anything wrong with water color, clarity – or cloudiness does not improve steadily – I would check and balance pH and alkalinity, adjusting to the low side 7.2-ish and 80 ppm-ish, and shock the pool with 8 or 9 lbs of pool shock. You may also use a flocculent chemical, or add Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) to floc the pool – but give it some time, if it’s not clear in 7-10 days, with good filtration and sanitation and water balance, Floc the pool. I would also clean the filter thoroughly after the water clears, it’s possible that an overdose of clarifier may ‘gum-up’ the pool filter. Soak grids or cartridges in a Filter Cleaner product, same for sand, to remove any residues from clarifier, that may hinder your filter performance.

  80. I have tried Metal Out in my pool with no effect. The water tests at .8 iron and .2 copper. The water is clear but green. Will a flocculant work to clear my pool?

    • Hi, flocculents like alum can be used with some success on suspended metals. There are also some people who like to lower pH and shock the pool to oxidize the metals and then filter them out – but in both cases, if you have a plaster pool you risk staining. If you can improve your filtration, with a large DE filter installation, that would also help, albeit an expensive solution. When you used metal out, it should have re-dissolved the visible metal, back into solution, or that is the idea anyway. Many factors are at play, including temperature, chlorine levels, and water balance at the time of treatment. You may want to try again, or switch to a different brand, although metal out is well respected.

    • Hi, flocculents like alum can be used with some success on suspended metals. There are also some people who like to lower pH and shock the pool to oxidize the metals and then filter them out – but if you have a plaster pool you risk staining. If you can improve your filtration, with a large DE filter installation, that would also help, albeit an expensive solution. When you used metal out, it should have re-dissolved the visible metal, back into solution, or that is the idea anyway. Many factors are at play, including temperature, chlorine levels, and water balance at the time of treatment. You may want to try again, or switch to a different brand, although metal out is well respected.

  81. caroline

    Hi Davy we are looking for our pool treatments of chlorine ,more eco friendly, and living in France. We found a company named Clear Choice (usa and uk)claiming enzymes are the best. They say: By adding our Clear Choice Treatment with its special blend of enzymes, bio-oxidizers and surfactants to your pool, you only need to maintain a level of .5ppm chlorine. About the same amount of chlorine in city tap water. This is a BIG SAVINGS.
    Aside from the cost savings, you will now be swimming in water that is as close to nature as we can get it in a swimming pool. Your pool walls, equipment, skin, eyes, hair, and bathing suit will all thank you for the decrease in chemicals.
    Is this true? We can reduce with the enzyme clarifies to .5ppm chlorine? Thanks dr pool

    • Hi Caroline, I am dubious of the claims. It is true that enzyme treatments lower chlorine demand by reducing contaminant loads in the pool, but I’m not sure that the average pool could effectively use enzymes and 0.5 ppm of chlorine – not without a very effective filter, and regular shock treatments, and possibly other chemicals like algaecide or clarifiers. After reading their website, I’m even less convinced. What IS proven to reduce chlorine usage down to 0.5 ppm however, is a Nature 2 mineral purifier or an Ozone system.

  82. Kathy Russell

    Our pool is clear, but pool samples show metals. It was recommended that we use clarifier, but when we add it, the pool becomes cloudy. What are the benefits of adding it vs not adding it?

    • Hi Kathy, clarifiers are not used for metals, with exception to REVIVE, which lays claim to being suitable for everything. Clarifiers work by coagulating particles together in larger clumps so the filter can trap them. Overdosing with clarifiers can have an opposite effect, and can cloud the water, under certain conditions. For metal control, you can use any Stain & Scale treatment, as a sequestering agent, to keep them in solution. For metal removal, you can use CuLator to trap metals and minerals. But not clarifiers, they do very little to control or remove metals. For the cloudy water problem you now have, run the filter overtime, and make sure the water is balanced (ph, alkalinity and calcium hardness), and the chlorine level is good – then you can use a pool clarifier to help your filter trap smaller particles.

  83. Margaret Brown

    Will clarifer get rid of the lst resudie of flocculant used

    • Yes, it can help to remove final residue floating around, after vacuuming to waste the majority of it from the floor. Also running the filter for 24/7 for a few days can help clean it up faster. And also brushing or running the pool cleaner, to help keep it in suspension.

  84. Dear sir.id like to know how much is different total hardness between before and after the clarifier.
    thanks

    • Hi Ali, clarifier won’t reduce total dissolved solids, but it will reduce total suspended solids. If your calcium hardness level is high, clarifier does not affect it, or reduce calcium levels. If some of the calcium is suspended (not dissolved) or precipitated out of solution, making the water cloudy, clarifier will remove – but this amount is likely a small % of total hardness in the water, most of it is still dissolved.

  85. Randy from Camp Inn lodge

    Was wondering how long does it usually take a clarifier to work
    Thanks

    • Hi Randy; Clarifiers begin to work immediately, to coagulate smaller particles into larger ones, big enough for your filter to capture. You should run the filter as much as possible, up to 24/7 while using clarifier, and resist the urge to backwash too soon, especially with sand filters. If you don’t see (enough) improvement within 3 or 4 days, you can re-dose the pool, but be careful not to overdose with clarifier, which can have the opposite effect.

  86. […] water was cloudy all weekend because I overdosed it. As I later read (on this very blog), too much clarifier can have the opposite effect, and act as a dispersant, not […]

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