12.

FLOCCULATION
Also known as floccing, flocculation is a process in which a coagulent is added to the water
causing very small particles of unwanted matter in the water to clump together and fall to the pool
floor as a
precipitate. This precipitate or floc can then be vacuumed to waste using the vacuum head and
hose.
Floccing is usually undertaken at the start of the season when the pool has been refilled or if the
pool is very dirty.
There are several reasons for floccing pool water. These include the following.

To remove fine dirt, e.g., clay suspensions from river or dam water.

To remove metals such as iron from the water.

To remove 'haze' from pools which sometimes results from using certain preparations as
pools sanitizers.

There are two common types of flocculants.

Alum (aluminium sulphate crystals).

Polymeric Clarifiers, e.g., Crystasol.

USE OF ALUM
Before alum is added in the dosage recommended in Table 5.7, you should check the pH and the
Total Alkalinity of the pool water.
Alum is very acidic and should be used in conjunction with an alkali, preferably sodium bicarbonate
in the dosage also shown in Table 5.7. Even with a high pH reading of 8 or more, sodium
bicarbonate should be used.
TABLE 5.7
ALUM FLOCCULANT DOSE

Pool Size
Dose (kg)
Colour of Water
Light
Medium
Heavy

25kL
Sodium Bicarb
1.2
2.5
5.0

Alum
0.6
1.25
2.5

50kL
Sodium
Bicarb
2.5
5.0
10.0

29

100kL
Alum Sodium
Bicarb
1.25
5.0
2.5
10.0
5.0
20.0

Alum
2.5
5.0
10.0