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Pool Clarifier vs Flocculant and When to Use

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Owning a pool has many challenges. Often, it's quite difficult to understand all of the products, tools, and techniques that you need to keep your water crystal-clear and safe for swimmers.

A topic that often causes confusion among new pool owners is the difference between flocculant vs. clarifier.

Both of these products are designed to remove tiny particles from your pool and make it crystal-clear, removing cloudiness and debris. But what's the difference between each one, and which one should you be using?

In this article, we'll be taking a detailed look at the difference between pool clarifier and flocculant, in order to help you understand which products you should be using in your pool – and when.

What Is A Swimming Pool Clarifier?

Let's get started by talking about swimming pool clarifiers. Swimming pool clarifiers are products that are designed to help the floating particles in your pool "clump up", allowing them to be disposed of by your pool filter, and clearing up your water to ensure that it is not cloudy or otherwise dirty.

Cloudy water can obscure visibility when swimming, which makes it more difficult for swimmers to stay safe in the water. It's also unappealing, and makes swimming a bit less fun. However, it is important to note that, even if the water is cloudy, it is perfectly safe to swim in if the chlorine levels are adequate, and the water is otherwise in good condition.

Because swimming pool clarifiers are used to clear up your pool, they are often confused with flocculants. However, the two products are completely different.

We'll explain in further detail later on. But for now, we'll just say that swimming pool clarifiers tend to be better for the hands-off, long-term maintenance of your pool, while flocculants are better at getting rid of a large number of particles at once, but require more "elbow grease" to do their job properly.

Why Is A Pool Clarifier Needed?

Pool clarifiers are needed because, over time, all pools will collect dirt, debris, dust, and detritus from their natural environments. As organic oils, compounds, skin cells, pollen, and other tiny particles begin to build up in your pool, the effect is usually not obvious, until you reach a point where your water becomes cloudy.

Cloudy water is not, by itself, harmful. As long as your pool has adequate chlorine, you can swim in it safely. But it does make the experience of swimming somewhat less fun – instead of swimming in a beautiful, clear pool, it's like you're swimming in gently-used bathwater. Not exactly our idea of a fun, relaxing summer afternoon!

So, pool clarifiers are needed because they're the best way to remove these particles from your pool – with the help of your pool filter – and restore your pool to a deep blue, crystal-clear state.

How And Why Do Pools Become Cloudy?

There are actually several different causes of cloudy pools – and not all of them can be treated with a pool clarifier. Let's discuss them now.

Improper and imbalanced chemicals – This is actually a very common cause of a cloudy pool, and it can contribute to cloudiness caused by particle buildup, as well. Improper chlorine levels, as well as an imbalance in pH or alkalinity, or an excessively-high calcium hardness level can contribute to cloudy water.

There are a couple of reasons that imbalanced chemicals can cause cloudy water. First, improper pH causes the free chlorine level to go down, causing a buildup of chloramines, which can make your water appear cloudy, and have a strong "chlorine" smell. It also reduces the ability of your pool water to kill algae and bacteria.

To make sure that your pool cloudiness is not due to an incorrect chemical balance, you'll want to measure it regularly with a testing kit, and maintain the proper level of chlorine, pH and alkalinity, and keep calcium levels low. If you maintain your pool's water and find that it's still cloudy, this was likely not the cause of the cloudiness.

A faulty or clogged filter – Pool filter cartridges usually have a lifespan of about 1-2 years, depending on how many hours per day they are run. After this, their efficiency decreases, and they cannot filter out as much debris, and will have to be replaced.

You should also clean your filter regularly. Even if it is in good shape, the buildup of particles or larger debris can decrease its efficiency. If you notice a lot of larger particles floating in your pool, chances are that your filter needs to be changed or cleaned.

Environmental factors and debris buildup (particle matter) – There are a ton of different particles that end up in your pool, based on your environment. Everything from pollen, to skin cells, hair, dirt, dust, and even algae can build up in your pool.

If these particles are extremely small – usually 5 microns or less in diameter – they tend to simply slip past your pool filter without being removed.

Even if you take great care of your pool and regularly cover it, chances are that the buildup of particles will continue until it's cloudy. That means it's time to use a pool clarifier – or a flocculant.

How Do Pool Clarifiers Work?

Pool clarifiers work based on the principle of coagulation. Though there are many different pool clarifier products out there, they all use the same basic method of action to bind together smaller particles into larger "clumps".

Most pool clarifiers use some kind of polymer-based (plastic) molecule or an organic molecule that is extremely reactive to other particles in the pool. Picture a ball of "Silly Putty" rolling across a dusty floor – and picking up all of the tiny particles on the floor.

That's pretty much what's happening in your pool when you use a pool clarifier. The individual particles bond together to create a larger, single particle. This may seem somewhat silly – after all, why would you want larger particles in your pool? But it makes sense when you think about how your pool filter works.

Pool clarifiers are designed to make your pool filter more efficient. Even the most finely-meshed, high-quality pool filter is still unable to capture particles of matter if they're under a certain size. Extremely fine particles, therefore, will continue to collect in your pool, and they won't be cleaned away by your pool filter.

The process usually takes several days, as well. Pool clarifiers are designed to work gradually to boost the efficiency of your pool filter – not to remove all of the particles immediately.

What Does A Clarifier Do For A Pool?

Pool clarifiers boost the performance of your pool filter by creating larger clumps of smaller, fine particles such as skin cells (gross, we know), dust, and other particles that may otherwise avoid filtration by your pool filter.

It also removes all of the cloudiness associated with these particles, allowing you to have more fun in the crystal-clear waters of your pool.

It can also help you narrow down the cause of cloudiness in your pool. For example, if you use a clarifier and your pool is still cloudy after a day or two, chances are that your pool filter needs to be cleaned, or there is a serious chemical imbalance causing the cloudiness.

How Do I Use Pool Clarifiers?

The specific method of using your pool clarifier may be somewhat different, based on the brand and type of clarifier that you have chosen to use in your pool. You should consult the instructions on the packaging to make sure that you're using it properly.

However, the basic method of using a pool clarifier will likely consist of the following steps:

Balance your pool water – First, you want to make sure the chemical balance of your water is appropriate, and safe for swimmers. Check it and shock your pool or add more chlorine tablets, if necessary.

Read the instructions (and don't add too much) – When it comes to adding your swimming pool clarifier, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the "T". This is because if you add too little, it won't work properly. And if you add too much, some swimming pool clarifiers can actually have the opposite effect, and work as a dispersant, failing to pick up particles from the pool water.

Run your pool filter as much as you can – Because clarifiers are meant to boost the performance of your pool filter, you should be running your pump for 16-24 hours per day while treating your water with a clarifier. This will ensure the best results.

Dilute the clarifier into a bucket and pour around the edge of the pool – An even distribution of clarifier will help it spread through the water more thoroughly, enhancing its performance and ability to catch small particles.

Backwash and clean your filter when PSI hits 7-8 – If the pressure in your filter rises too high, the particles may be clogging it. When the PSI gauge hits 7-8, it's time to backwash or clean your filter to ensure it filters water correctly.

Maintain proper water chemical levels – Don't let your chlorine levels sink – ensure that your water remains properly treated.

Vacuum and brush pool daily to remove any settled particles – Some larger particles may sink to the bottom of the water. These can be removed by brushing or vacuuming.

Re-dose after 5-7 days (if needed) – If your water is still cloudy, you can consider adding another dose of swimming pool clarifier after about 5-7 days.

Follow these steps, and your swimming pool will look clear and beautiful in no time!

Tips On Using A Pool Clarifier

Need some extra tips on how to make your pool clarifier work even more effectively? You're in the right place. Here are a few of the ways you can turbocharge the performance of your pool filter and clarifier.

Turn your main drains on (or use a manual vacuum) – If you have a main drain, open it up to ensure that the pool water on the bottom of your pool can reach the filter. Don't have a main drain?

You can use a manual vacuum to achieve the same effect! Set it up as if you were going to vacuum, and leave it turned on on the bottom of the pool. This will help remove sinking particles.

Swim! – Over the next several days, after you add pool clarifier, you should swim in your pool! Swimming helps kick up particles and move them around, and improve the circulation of water to your pool filter.

Keep that pool filter running – If you can, keep your pool filter going 24/7. The longer it runs, the more particles will be filtered away!

Buy a filter enhancer – If you have a DE filter, a filter enhancer can help increase its effectiveness even more! The most common filter enhancers are diatomaceous earth (DE). If you have a sand filter, try using BioGuard Sparkle Up. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to add it to your filter, and you'll be able to catch even the tiniest particles that your filter may otherwise miss.

How Often Can I Use A Pool Clarifier?

You can use pool clarifier as often as you need it! However, if your filter and other pool systems are working properly, you will not need to use it too often.

If you find your pool water is getting cloudy after just a few weeks, you may need to do a full-scale inspection to see if all of your equipment is working properly. When your pool is running correctly, build up of small particles should only be a minor, infrequent issue.

Can I Use Too Much Pool Clarifier? Safety Tips

Yes, it is possible to use too much pool clarifier. However, pool clarifier is usually inert and does not harm swimmers – so you don't have to worry about unsafe water.

For most pool clarifiers, adding too much clarifier simply reverses the clarifying effect – it can make the pool even cloudier.

To stay safe and use the proper amount of clarifier, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for your brand of clarifier.

How Long Do I Have To Wait Before Swimming After Adding Pool Clarifier?

About 20 minutes! Swimming pool clarifiers are not dangerous chemicals, and you could start swimming immediately. But waiting 20 minutes is a good idea, to make sure that the chemicals are evenly-dispersed.

In fact, swimming after adding pool clarifier is a great idea. It helps to circulate water more effectively, and boosts the efficiency of the clarifying chemical.

What Is A Swimming Pool Flocculant? Understanding The Basics

Okay – now that you've got a comprehensive understanding of a pool clarifier, let's discuss swimming pool flocculants.

While swimming pool clarifiers are designed to act gradually, flocculants (floc, for short) are intended to act very quickly, allowing you to clear your water almost instantly.

The basic way flocculant works is simple. A flocculant quickly binds to all of the particles in your water, and sinks them all to the bottom of your pool. Then, you simply vacuum it all out.

The main drawback of flocculants is that you have to do all of the work – rather than letting your pool filter clear up your water, you have to vacuum out the floc that has collected on the bottom of your pool.

After adding floc, you'll let your pool filter run for 2 hours, so the chemical can mix into the water. Then, shut off the filter and pump for 8 hours. The pool must sit still. Do this overnight.

The next morning, you'll see a "cloud" at the bottom of your pool. Using a manual vacuum, you'll then filter out all of this debris, and your pool will be crystal-clear.

When Should I Use A Clarifier Vs. A Flocculant? The Pros And Cons Of Each

As a rule, clarifiers are the best to use when you don't need to clear out the water of your pool in a hurry. That means that if you're not planning on swimming too much in the near future, or you don't mind slightly cloudy water, a clarifier will be the simpler, easier way to clear up your water.

The primary advantages of clarifiers are that they work to augment your pool filter, provide consistent results, and take less work than flocculants. However, their disadvantages include a longer time to clear your pool, and the potential for over-using the product, nullifying its beneficial effects.

Flocculants are best for when you need to remove the debris and particles from your pool – fast. Just got back from vacation? Hosting a pool party the next day? A flocculant is what you want to use.

This is because flocculants work in just a few hours, and can clear your pool almost immediately, both of large debris and smaller particles.

The main drawback of a flocculent is that you will have to spend quite a bit of time vacuuming your pool. You'll also need to use the "waste" setting, so you'll actually be removing water which must be replenished and treated with chemicals.

Both flocculants and pool clarifiers are very useful. To figure out which one to use, simply consider the amount of work you're willing to put in – and how soon you'll need to clear up your water. There's no "wrong" choice!

The Best Brands Of Pool Clarifiers And Pool Flocculants

There are many different types of both pool clarifiers and pool flocculants. In this part of our guide, we'll discuss some of the top brands of both clarifiers and flocculants, to help you find the right product for your pool.

Robarb Super Blue Clarifier – This clarifier is super-concentrated, treating 10,000 gallons with just 1 oz of product. It can also be used with all filter types, including sand filters, and even with "saltwater swimming pool" designs. It can destroy algae and remove all other tiny particles from the water and it's non-toxic and non-irritating.

Scum-Ball Pool Water Clarifier – This product is in a solid, convenient "ball", and is designed to attract oils, soap scum, and other such particles from both pools and spas. It can simply be placed in the pool and left alone – it will absorb about 40x its weight in oils and particles, before it loses effectiveness.

Arch Chemical HTH Super Concentrated Clarifier – This clarifier treats about 5,000 gallons per oz of product, and is compatible with salt systems and all pool filters. It's also completely non-toxic and safe to swim in after it's been added.

Clorox Pool & Spa Sink To Clear Flocculant – Clorox has a history of making affordable and effective flocculants and pool products. This flocculant is highly effective at removing debris of all sizes, and can clear even the murkiest, cloudiest pools with ease.

Baquacil Flocculant – This treatment uses aluminum sulfate to remove particles of all sizes from pool water. While it takes 24-48 hours for maximum effectiveness, making it a bit slower than other flocculants, it is highly effective at the removal of debris.

Know How To Use Pool Clarifiers And Flocculants – Keep Your Water Clear!

Both pool clarifiers and flocculants are extremely useful for pool owners, and we recommend having both types of products on-hand to treat your water when it becomes cloudy or full of debris.

We hope this guide has been helpful and beneficial – and that, whether you're a pool expert or a first-time pool owner, you've learned something new from us, and you can use that knowledge to keep your pool in great shape. Happy swimming!