Polymer or "Pool Clarifier"

[dmcody]

Due to the recent storms that have rolled through my area, I'm left a pool full of turbid water. This happens once every 2 years or so, and I usually just wait for my DE pool filter to take out the sediment. However, I'm contemplating using a "Pool Clarifier" or polymer to help settle out the solids and vacuum to waste vs replacing DE media 2 or 3 times. I've never used it, is there a reason i shouldn't or should?

 

[Richard320]

It's sort of a glue and will probably gum up your filter grids.

 

[dmcody]

Thanks - I see many backwash's in my future

 

[Bama Rambler]

We don't normally recommend using binding agents, but if you want to use one, use clarifier and not flocculent. People have pretty decent luck with clarifiers (myself included). More issues have been reported with floc due to it either clogging up filters to not working at all.

If you do decide to use clarifier, don't be tempted to overdose the pool. "If a little is good, a lot is better" is not a rule to follow in this case. Follow the instructions and it will probably work pretty well.

 

[dmcody]

Thanks. Do you have a recommended clarifier? My local Lowes had the Clorox Pool&Spa Super Water Clarifier (Amazon.com : Clorox Pool&Spa Super Water Clarifier 32 oz : Garden & Outdoor)

 

[ajw22]

I stay away from all things Clorox in pools.

 

[mknauss]

Seakleer makes quality products. They are not cheap.

 

[dmcody]

Thanks. I'm just going to see how long it takes to clear by filtering. Switching the subject a bit, when do you think i should start the SLAM process? I was going to wait until i could kind of see the deep end drains just to prevent wasting money with the constant backwash's. I performed a complete clean out of the DE filter this morning and added new DE. After ~ 2 hours of run time the pressure raised 10 psi, which is when i normally backwash.

 

[ajw22]

Do you have RECIRCULATE setting on your filter? If so use it while doing the SLAM Process

Separate the algae killing of the SLAM Process from the filtering. When you pass the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test move onto filtering.

 

[dmcody]

I get it, kill the problem before it starts. Thanks ajw22!

to be clear, the picture was taken just after a severe thunderstorm dumped turbid stormwater runoff into my pool. Yes it flooded the pool into the automatic cover box.