What is a surfactant?

[miltonmom]

Hi all!
So, we are 4 months in being pool/spa owners and LOVE LOVE it! We have some icky poo things floating on the top of the water - not sure what. The water itself is clear. We bought and use the TFP water testing method. Pool contractor had a pool service company maintain for the first month and they mentioned a surfactant they use to "push" whatever is on the surface to the outside which could be easily skimmed. Anybody know which chemical they were referring to? Many thanks!!!

 

[ajw22]

You do not want to use flocculants or clarifier chemicals in your pool. They are like glue and will cause you problems with your filter.

Clarifier - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Flocculant - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Your signature does not say what type and model filter you have.

Proper filtering and skimming should clear the water surface. You may have bugs or pollen on your water.

 

[JohnT]

A surfactant is essentially a detergent. It reduces surface tension, in this case meaning the debris doesn’t stick to the water as strongly. Pool services have long used dish washing liquid to help skim a pool faster.

Not really needed.

 

[Rattus Suffocatus]

A surfactant is essentially a detergent. It reduces surface tension, in this case meaning the debris doesn’t stick to the water as strongly. Pool services have long used dish washing liquid to help skim a pool faster.

Not really needed.

That ^^^. It literally makes water "wetter" by breaking down the surface tension of the liquid, making the water effectively a better solvent. Obviously detergents are useful in general, especially with allowing oils to bind, but if you want to follow the TFP methodology, and you should, it is an unnecessary addition unless you actually have issues. Which you won't if you follow TFP.

 

[phonedave]

Hi all!
So, we are 4 months in being pool/spa owners and LOVE LOVE it! We have some icky poo things floating on the top of the water - not sure what. The water itself is clear. We bought and use the TFP water testing method. Pool contractor had a pool service company maintain for the first month and they mentioned a surfactant they use to "push" whatever is on the surface to the outside which could be easily skimmed. Anybody know which chemical they were referring to? Many thanks!!!

Take a cup of water. Sprinkle some flour lightly on top (or any other lightweight floating substance). Put a drop of dishwashing liquid in the middle. Watch the floating stuff get pushed to the edge.

Makes it easier to skim - but now you have soap in your pool.

Just skim the pool. If you pull is well designed (with prevailing winds taken into account so that the circulation dives floating debris to the skimmer) it should not be a big effort. If something is blooming, that is likely what is on the surface. Just increase your filtration schedule during the spring season.

No need to add extra chemicals.