How to Use Alum Flocculant in Pools
Aluminum Sulfate, commonly known as “Alum,” has been used as a water clarifier for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics describe the use of “aluminum earth,” and first-century Greek and Chinese documents mention mining and utilizing alum for clearing water. By the 16th century, alum was widely used in England for municipal water treatment. Today, alum remains a key component in water treatment facilities, acting as a flocculant to clear turbid water and remove phosphates, pathogens, and other unwanted particles
“Floccing” a swimming pool with aluminum sulfate was once a popular method for clearing extremely cloudy or swampy pools. However, with the advent of polymer pool clarifiers and concerns over aluminum’s connection to Alzheimer’s (a now-debunked theory from the 1960s and 70s), alum disappeared from pool store shelves for over 30 years. Today, Alum Floc is making a comeback as a quick and effective way to restore neglected pools without draining the water. Fully draining vinyl and fiberglass pools is not recommended, as it may cause liner relaxation or structural issues. Additionally, in areas with water restrictions, refilling a pool can be costly and regulated.
Aluminum sulfate is a double salt with a strong positive charge, which attracts negatively charged particulate matter in the water. Over several hours, alum binds with suspended particles, forming heavier clumps that sink to the pool floor. Alum is most effective in well-balanced pool water at temperatures of at least 70°F. The key difference between alum and clarifiers is that alum flocculates particles to the bottom, requiring manual vacuuming to waste, whereas clarifiers help filter capture debris.
Steps to Use Alum as a Flocculant in Swimming Pools
1.Purchase Aluminum Sulfate online or from a garden center.
2.Skim, vacuum, and brush the pool to remove large debris.
3.Balance pH, alkalinity, calcium, chlorine, and cyanuric acid levels.
4.Broadcast 4 lbs of alum per 10,000 gallons over the pool surface.
5.Set the multiport valve to “Recirculate” and run the pump for 2 hours, then brush the pool.
6.Turn off the pump for 12-24 hours or until the alum settles to the pool floor.
7.Set the multiport valve to “Waste” and vacuum the settled alum to waste.
Important Notes on Using Alum
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Alum can temporarily enhance filtration in sand filters but should not be used in D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) or cartridge filters, as it can clog the fabric pores and damage the filter media. Sand filters, with their larger sand grain spaces, allow alum to flush out easily during backwashing. D.E. powder can also serve as a filter aid for sand filters.
Steps to Use Alum as a Filter Aid:
1.Balance the pool’s chemistry.
2.Raise chlorine levels to 10% of cyanuric acid levels.
3.Backwash the sand filter to establish a clean baseline pressure.
4.Add 6 oz. of alum per 100 lbs of filter sand directly into the skimmer.
5.Backwash when the filter pressure increases by 8-10 lbs above the starting level.
6.Repeat treatment if necessary.
By following these steps, pool owners can effectively use alum as a flocculant or filter aid to restore and maintain crystal-clear water.
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