Used flocculant with no "Waste" option . . . . help?

[TCruz]

My pool filter is a two option stem valve: circulate & backwash.

After repairing my filter and getting algae problem fixed, there was a lot of cloudiness. Chemicals were all balanced.

Flocced my pool based on some advice by pool guy. Worked great. Pool was clear and floc was at the bottom. Here's where the problem begins:.

My pool has jets that turn on to circulate the water. I can't vacuum without those jets turning on. When the jets turn on, they disturb the floc and I cannot vacuum.

I cannot vacuum and backwash and have no waste option.

How can I remove the floc from my pool? Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[JVTrain]

What type of jets to you have? Wall jets? Floor jets? If you can, turn the jets away from the floor to avoid disturbing the settled floc. If you can't redirect all the jets to limit disturbance, can you plug some of them?

 

[pabeader]

Maybe pick up one of those garden hose vacuum cleaners.

Guess you found another reason we almost never suggest floc.

 

[Swampwoman]

Sorry for your unfortunate situation. The garden hose vacuums will not nail this...it will only stir it up.
I'm afraid your best be is going to be renting a trash pump from Home Depot then replenishing the water you lose. If he floc was the type that as to be vacuumed to waste (eg Alum) then I feel you will really want to use this method of removal and keep it out of your system/filter.

 

[Captain 776]

If Home Depot doesn't rent a pump, your local tool rental will...........Lesson Learned..........and SAME for me..........ask your questions HERE, not at pool store, the guys here most likely would have walked you through the process and when they said you MUST always vac to waste after flocculation, it would have come to light. I flocc'd my pool and it was amazing how crystal clear it made it. Best wishes for an easy outcome, let us know how you make out

Bruce

 

[PoolguyinCT]

Just install a 3 port valve between pump & filter & adjust router setting to discharge/waste or to filter as needed.


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[abycat]

Just install a 3 port valve between pump & filter & adjust router setting to discharge/waste or to filter as needed.


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great advice! Or even a tee and two ball valves. Might be a bit cheaper.

 

[PAGirl]

It is seldom recommended to floc here, that I've seen. Generally POP (pool owner patience) is the advice given. Making sure you pass all 3 criteria before ending your SLAM, which includes running your filter and maintaining your SLAM level until the water is clear. Did you pass the OCLT before you did the floc?

 

[PoolguyinCT]

great advice! Or even a tee and two ball valves. Might be a bit cheaper.

Don't go cheap... Go reliable w the 3 way


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[triptyx]

Don't go cheap... Go reliable w the 3 way

This. Ball valves ALWAYS stop working in way too short of a time. If you're going to go through the hard work of installing a valve, use a Jandy Neverlube, not a cheap ball valve.

 

[Captain 776]

My pool plumbing was done before I bought the house. They installed typical ball valves, the socket type, which means they are glued in place and like a few people have said, you will eventually have problems with them. I had one I could hardly turn the handle and one other was tight. I had a quality pool company come out and replace my entire header and install union type ball valves, they operate very easy and if you ever do have a problem with one, just undo the unions with a strap wrench and replace the valve body. NEVER put a socket type ball valve in pool plumbing.

 

[PoolguyinCT]

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