01
The purpose
What does this calculator estimate?
How much clarifier or flocculant to clear cloudy water — scaled to how cloudy it is and your pool size.
Water Chemistry · B12
Pool Clarifier Dosage Calculator
How much clarifier or flocculant to clear cloudy water — scaled to how cloudy it is and your pool size.
Measure the inputsClarifier clumps fine particles so the filter can catch them — keep the pump running after dosing.
Read the full resultFlocculant sinks particles to the floor — turn the pump OFF, let it settle, then vacuum to waste.
Check the boundaryFix the root cause first: balance chemistry and check the filter before reaching for clarifier.
Useful forWater ChemistryPlanningComparisonVerification
Live calculation
Clarifier dose
✓ Checked May 2026
Pick product type and how cloudy the water is.
Recommended dose
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Enter the required values to calculate.
Enter the known values. Let the engine handle the calculation.
✓ Formula checked↻ Live result○ No account needed
Planning estimate only. Confirm product labels, equipment specifications, qualified-professional advice and local requirements before acting.
The result, explained
Use the Pool Clarifier Dosage Calculator result with context.
How much clarifier or flocculant to clear cloudy water — scaled to how cloudy it is and your pool size.
02
The tool
What information does it use?
- Pool volume: enter a measured or verified value
- Product type: Clarifier filters out; flocculant drops to floor to vacuum.
- Cloudiness: Slightly, moderately, or very cloudy.
03
The method
How to use this calculator
- Pool volumeEnter the value you can verify.
- Product typeClarifier filters out; flocculant drops to floor to vacuum.
- CloudinessSlightly, moderately, or very cloudy.
04
The relationship
The formula in plain English
Dose = (Volume ÷ 10,000) × base dose × clarity multiplier
Slightly cloudy ×1, moderately ×1.5, very cloudy ×2. Flocculant needs the pump OFF and a vacuum-to-waste.05
Worked through
A worked example: 15,000 gal moderately cloudy pool, polymer clarifier
- Base dose = 4 fl oz per 10,000 gal
- Clarity multiplier (moderate) = 1.5×
- Dose = (15,000 ÷ 10,000) × 4 × 1.5 = 9 fl oz
| Pool volume | Slightly cloudy | Moderately cloudy | Very cloudy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 gal | 2 fl oz | 3 fl oz | 4 fl oz |
| 10,000 gal | 4 fl oz | 6 fl oz | 8 fl oz |
| 15,000 gal | 6 fl oz | 9 fl oz | 12 fl oz |
| 20,000 gal | 8 fl oz | 12 fl oz | 16 fl oz |
| 25,000 gal | 10 fl oz | 15 fl oz | 20 fl oz |
| 30,000 gal | 12 fl oz | 18 fl oz | 24 fl oz |
06
Why it matters
How the result supports the next decision
Clarifier clumps fine particles so the filter can catch them — keep the pump running after dosing.
Flocculant sinks particles to the floor — turn the pump OFF, let it settle, then vacuum to waste.
07
Good inputs
Improve the estimate before relying on it
- Clarifier clumps fine particles so the filter can catch them — keep the pump running after dosing.
- Flocculant sinks particles to the floor — turn the pump OFF, let it settle, then vacuum to waste.
- Fix the root cause first: balance chemistry and check the filter before reaching for clarifier.
- Don't overdose clarifier — too much can actually cloud the water by overwhelming the filter.
- Clean or backwash the filter after the water clears; it's now holding everything it captured.
08
The boundary
How to interpret the result
Follow the product label, add chemicals separately and retest before another dose.
The engine reports invalid inputs and safety warnings beside the result. Resolve those messages before using the estimate.
09
Before acting
What should override this estimate?
- Measured site conditions and current test results
- Product labels and manufacturer specifications
- Qualified-professional advice and applicable local codes
10
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between clarifier and flocculant?
Clarifier coagulates tiny suspended particles into larger clumps that your filter can trap, so you keep the pump running and let filtration do the work over a day or two. Flocculant binds particles into heavy clumps that sink to the floor, which you then vacuum to waste with the pump off.
How do I clear a cloudy pool fast?
For the fastest clear, use flocculant: dose it, run the pump briefly to distribute, then shut the pump off for 24 hours so particles settle, and vacuum the sediment to waste. Clarifier is gentler and slower but doesn't require vacuuming to waste.
Why is my pool cloudy?
Common causes are unbalanced chemistry (high pH or low chlorine), a dirty or undersized filter, poor circulation, or fine debris after a storm. Clarifier treats the symptom; for a lasting fix, correct the chemistry and make sure the filter is clean and running enough hours.
Can I use too much clarifier?
Yes. Overdosing can overload the filter and actually make water cloudier, or leave a gel-like residue. Always scale the dose to your pool size and cloudiness rather than guessing, and give it a full cycle to work before adding more.
Do I vacuum after using clarifier?
Not with a true clarifier — the filter removes the clumped particles, so you just clean the filter afterward. You vacuum to waste only when you use flocculant, which deliberately drops everything to the pool floor.
How long does clarifier take to work?
Clarifier usually clears water within 24–48 hours with the pump running continuously. Flocculant works faster but requires settling and vacuuming.
Should the pump run after adding clarifier?
Yes — clarifier relies on the filter, so keep circulating. Flocculant is the opposite: pump off to let particles settle.
Will clarifier fix algae?
No. Clarifier clears cloudiness from fine particles; algae needs chlorine. Clear the algae first, then clarify any lingering haze.
Primary sources
Use the result with current guidance.
These official references support safe planning context. Product labels, local requirements and qualified-professional advice take priority over a general calculator estimate.