Floc in cartridge filter

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K

kczigg

New member
May 17, 2023
3
Pittsburgh
Hello!

So, my pool was green, I shocked it, and it turned to blue, but extremely cloudy. I made a mistake and used floc in a pool with a cartridge filter. Didn’t know that I couldn’t do this until afterwards.

After adding the floc, I ran the filter for a few hours, turned it off overnight, and then removed the cartridge and tried to vacuum to waste after letting the pool settle overnight. However, the pool was so cloudy, couldn’t even see the bottom to vacuum, though I tried for a little while, and it began to start everything up again. I decided to replace the cartridge and just let the filter run to clear out the remaining particles.

This morning I went to clean out the filter and it has a thick glue like substance. I hosed a good bit of it out but it’s still in between the pleats. I turned to Google and try to do some research and this is how I found out you should never add floc to a pool with a cartridge filter. Pool is clearing a little but still extremely cloudy and I’m not sure what to do.

Is there anything that will dissolve the floc from the cartridge? I work from home and can take breaks periodically to rinse the filter.

Thank you!
 
Welcome to TFP! :wave: So you have two issues - algae and floc on the cart filter. For the algae you should follow our SLAM Process. The filter is another story. You can try a deep cleaning solution of powdered dishwasher soap or TSP solution, but don't be surprised if it goes in the trash. :( Yeah, floc can be a real pain.

But look over the SLAM link and our Pool Care Basics page for lots of applicable info. If you have any questions let us know.
 
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Hi, not sure if you found this already but here's more information on floc with a cartridge filter. There's a good chance that cartridge won't be salvageable. :(
Floc is definitely the devil. Rookie mistake - I used it our first year and didn't realize to vacuum to waste and had to replace the sand in our filter.
 
You should never run floc through any type of filter. You’re likely going to need to replace it ☹️
As Pat mentioned, you need to do the
SLAM Process to actually rid yourself of your algae problem. While doing that you may be able to use your cleaned yet compromised filter until you’re certain you have removed all the floc from the pool. Then switch to the new.
 
Thank you, everyone! I did read that article about floc however, it’s already done so now I need to figure out how to fix it. I understand that I likely have to replace the cartridge, but want to use it for now so that I don’t ruin a new one, until this floc dissipates.

I’m going to try to clean this filter with dishwashing detergent just so that I can try to salvage it temporarily. Is there anything else I can add to the water that would potentially make the flock work itself out faster?

I did use the slam method for the most part… up until the end and I just tried to use the floc to clear up the cloudy faster. Strangely enough, I have used floc before, as recently as last year, and never had this problem.

It is now starting to clear up enough so that I can see a pile of leaves in the middle, whereas you couldn’t see anything before.
 
kczigg said:
Is there anything else I can add to the water that would potentially make the flock work itself out faster?
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I can't think of anything other than time. Letting it settle and doing your best to vacuum it up without disturbing it too badly. Might take multiple attempts.
 
What type of pool is this? A large drain and refill is likely the easiest thing to resolve this, but there are risks, especially depending on what type of pool this is.
 
I tried soaking the cartridge filter in cascade powder detergent overnight. It loosened all of the gluey gunk, I sprayed it off thoroughly and the cartridge looked like brand new!

I had the pump off overnight while the cartridge was soaking, and nothing really settled that I could see because the water was so cloudy.

I put the cartridge back in this morning and ran it most of the day, took it out mid afternoon and hosed it off again, and just checked, and I can finally see the bottom! Just slammed it tonight, and still a way to go with cloudiness, which I’m sure will take time…..

However,if anyone ever makes the mistake of adding floc with a cartridge filter, cascade powder works amazingly well!!
 
kczigg said:
I sprayed it off thoroughly and the cartridge looked like brand new!
Click to expand...
Good for you! :goodjob: Squeaked by on that one and saved a few bucks. Now be sure to follow the SLAM Process carefully to the letter. No shortcuts. You came this far, so don't stop short now. Good luck.
 
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