How to Use Flocking Agent to Clean a Green and Cloudy Pool

I recently received a service call for a green pool cleaning. The state of the pool when I first arrived is pictured above. Below is a step-by-step explanation of how to turn your pool from green to blue.

When I tested the water, the P.H. was around 7.2. That is a little low for pool water, but perfect for adding shock.

Because this particular pool was a bit larger than most residential pools, I added approximately seven pounds of granular chlorine, also known as calcium hypo-chloride or shock. Within five minutes, the water began to lose its green coloring and began to turn blue again.

Flocculation is a process in which a chemical, or flocking agent, is added to green pool water. The solution causes algae particles to bind together and sink to the bottom of the pool. After the particles sink, they can be vacuumed.

The next step is to make sure the filter is clean, since the pump will need to run for 24 hours. With a D.E. filter, you will need to backwash.

Add four scoops of D.E. powder to coat the filter grids. This is added directly through the skimmer while the pump is running.

Now the timer needs to be set to run continuously until the next day. Remove the "off" trip lever to allow the pump to run until it is manually shut off.

After being subjected to treatment for 24 hours, the pool should have become clear. There may some stubborn areas, especially on the walls. On the bottom of the pool, there may be dead algae and some leftover shock dust. This needs to be vacuumed. You can only vacuum these particles if a D.E. filter is being used, otherwise it needs to be vacuumed to waste.

After the pool has been vacuumed, backwash the filter again.

You should brush the green areas that can't be reached by the vacuum, such as the tiles, steps, etc.

Chemicals should be well balanced. The chlorine level may be slightly elevated.

The finished result should be a clear, bright blue pool.