Description
Flippin' FROG Floating Pool Sanitizer: Softer Above-Ground Pool Water With Up to 50% Less Chlorine*
Flippin' FROG keeps an above-ground pool clean with minerals and a low, steady level of chlorine instead of a tablet floater's high doses. Because the minerals kill bacteria alongside the chlorine, the pool needs up to 50% less chlorine*, and the box label says that helps prevent faded swimsuits, chlorine odors and early wear on equipment and surfaces.
It's about as hands-off as pool care gets. Both cartridges come prefilled and sealed, so there's nothing to scoop or measure, and when the chlorine side runs low the whole floater flips upside down to tell you it's time for a refill.
The system pairs a green mineral cartridge, good for 6 months or one season, with a blue chlorine cartridge that lasts 3–4 weeks, on a tether. It's sized for above-ground pools of 2,000–5,000 gallons, up to 18 feet across.
Two Ways to Kill Bacteria
The green cartridge releases silver-based sanitizing minerals while the blue cartridge meters out a low dose of chlorine. Working together, they keep a stabilized pool sanitized at 0.5–1.0 ppm free chlorine instead of the higher levels a tablet floater usually runs.
It Tells You When It's Empty
There's no guessing how much chlorine is left. As the blue cartridge empties, the system tips and then turns completely over. That's your cue to twist on a new chlorine cartridge.
Prefilled, With Nothing to Measure
Both cartridges come sealed and ready. You don't scoop granules or handle loose tablets. Twist the halves together, pick your setting and set it afloat on the tether.
Softer Water That's Easier on Swimmers
Less chlorine in the water means less to smell and less to fade. The box label says the minerals help prevent faded swimsuits, early wear on pool equipment and surfaces, and chlorine odors.
Key Features and Benefits
- Mineral + Chlorine FloaterTwo prefilled cartridges twist together.
- Flips When EmptyVisual cue to replace the chlorine.
- Dial Settings 0–7Matched to pool diameter and gallons.
- Minerals Last 6 MonthsOr one pool season, whichever is shorter.
- Up to 50% Less Chlorine*Holds 0.5–1.0 ppm free chlorine.
- Tether IncludedKeeps it away from the skimmer.
*Compared to the minimum EPA-recommended chlorine level of 1.0 ppm for a stabilized swimming pool.
Testing tip: check the water weekly with FROG Test Strips for Pools & Hot Tubs. They mark the 0.5–1.0 ppm free chlorine a FROG pool runs at as ideal, so you don't overfeed chlorine.
Product Details
| Product Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | FROG (King Technology, Inc.) |
| Product | Flippin' FROG floating mineral and chlorine sanitizing system |
| Pool Type | Above-ground pools up to 18 ft in diameter, including soft-sided pools |
| Pool Size | 2,000–5,000 gallons; not recommended under 2,000 gallons |
| What's in the Box | 1 green mineral cartridge, 1 blue chlorine cartridge and a tether cord |
| Mineral Cartridge (label) | Silver chloride 0.5%, other ingredients 99.5%; net wt. 4.1 oz (116 g); EPA Reg. No. 53735-11; Caution |
| Chlorine Cartridge (label) | Trichloro-s-triazinetrione 99.0%, other 1.0%; net wt. 14 oz (397 g); EPA Reg. No. 53735-2; Danger |
| Mineral Cartridge Life | 6 months or one pool season, whichever is shorter |
| Chlorine Cartridge Life | 3–4 weeks, depending on pool size and use |
| Free Chlorine Level | 0.5–1.0 ppm |
| Chlorine Reduction | Up to 50%* |
| Dial Settings | 0–7 (1 for 2,000 gal up to 7 for 5,000 gal) |
| Larger Pools | Two systems can be used for up to 10,000 gallons |
| Replacement Chlorine | Flippin' FROG Chlorine Cartridge (01-03-8356) |
| Signal Words (label) | Chlorine cartridge: Danger. Mineral cartridge: Caution |
| Shipping (per SDS) | Chlorine cartridge: UN2468, Class 5.1 oxidizer, limited quantity. Mineral cartridge: not regulated by DOT for ground shipping |
| Shipping Weight | 3 lb |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 01-12-8406 |
| Store SKU | 01-12-8406 |
| UPC | 722906005346 |
| Image Alt Text | Flippin' FROG floating pool sanitizing system with green mineral cartridge and blue chlorine cartridge |
How to Start Flippin' FROG
- Get the pool ready: Make sure the pump and filter turn the whole pool over 1–2 times a day, usually 8–12 hours of run time, and that the filter is clean.
- Balance the water: Bring alkalinity to 80–120 ppm first, then pH to 7.2–7.8, hardness to 200–400 ppm and stabilizer to 20–80 ppm.
- Shock with chlorine: Add a chlorine shock (not non-chlorine) to clear contaminants and set a chlorine residual. The manual calls this step very important.
- Assemble the floater: Unwrap both cartridges, line up the arrow on the blue chlorine cartridge with the unlock symbol on the green mineral cartridge, push together and twist to lock.
- Set the dial: Twist the mineral cartridge opposite the chlorine cartridge until your setting number lines up with the arrow.
- Tether it: Tie it to the pool side with the included cord, away from the skimmer and return jets.
Flippin' FROG Initial Dial Setting Chart
| Pool Diameter | Gallons | Setting # |
|---|---|---|
| 12 ft | 2,000 | 1 |
| 12 ft | 2,500 | 2 |
| 15 ft | 3,000 | 3 |
| 15 ft | 3,500 | 4 |
| 15–16 ft | 4,000 | 5 |
| 15–16 ft | 4,500 | 6 |
| 18 ft | 5,000 | 7 |
From the Flippin' FROG manual. To find gallons, multiply diameter × diameter × water depth (ft) × 5.9. Even setting 0 releases some chlorine. Retest 24 hours after any change.
Flippin' FROG Water Balance Guidelines
| Test | Target Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | Adjust first, even if it moves pH further off |
| 2. pH | 7.2–7.8 | Then add a pH adjuster if needed |
| 3. Total hardness | 200–400 ppm | Add calcium hardness increaser if under 200 |
| 4. Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) | 20–80 ppm | Add conditioner under 20; partly drain and refill above 80 |
| Total dissolved solids | Under 1,500 | |
| Free chlorine with Flippin' FROG | 0.5–1.0 ppm | Hold this range at all times |
The Flippin' FROG manual says to add balancers in small amounts, one at a time with circulation running, and to wait 8–12 hours before testing again. (The 6-hour wait often quoted for hot tubs doesn't apply here.)
Flippin' FROG Pool Routine
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Start-up | Balance the water, shock with a chlorine shock only, then add the system on its tether |
| Daily | Run the pump and filter at least 8 hours, ideally 24, and skim debris |
| Weekly | Test free chlorine, pH and alkalinity; clean or replace the filter cartridge; shock (every few days at 90°F or warmer) |
| Every 3–4 weeks (system flips) | Replace the blue chlorine cartridge |
| Every 6 months, one season or a drain and refill | Replace the complete system, which includes a new green mineral cartridge |
Based on the Flippin' FROG manual. The manual recommends a non-chlorine shock for routine use, though chlorine shock is also fine.
Compatibility Notes
Before You Buy
- Made for above-ground pools of 2,000–5,000 gallons, up to 18 ft in diameter. For pools from 5,000 to 10,000 gallons, use two systems or look at Flippin' FROG XL.
- Refills with the standard Flippin' FROG Chlorine Cartridge only. Flippin' FROG XL cartridges are a different shape and don't fit.
- Not for hot tubs. FROG recommends its FROG @ease floating system for spas instead.
- Use FROG test strips. With the lower 0.5–1.0 ppm target, other strips can read low and lead to over-chlorinating.
- Never add other chemicals through the skimmer or within 3 feet of the floater.
Which Flippin' FROG Product Do I Need?
| Product | What's Inside | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Flippin' FROG System (this listing) | Green mineral + blue chlorine cartridge, tether | Start of each season |
| Flippin' FROG Chlorine Cartridge, 1 Pack | 1 blue chlorine cartridge | One 3–4 week refill |
| Flippin' FROG Chlorine Cartridge, 4 Pack | 4 blue chlorine cartridges | About 12–16 weeks of refills |
| System plus 4 Chlorine Cartridges | The system plus 4 spare cartridges (5 in all) | About 4 months |
| System plus 4 Cartridges and FROG BAM | The 4-month bundle plus 1 bottle of FROG BAM | About 4 months plus 90 days of algae prevention |
These are the standard half-sphere cartridges for pools of 2,000–5,000 gallons. Flippin' FROG XL uses a larger, rounded-rectangle cartridge for bigger pools, and the two don't interchange.
Why Choose Flippin' FROG
It replaces the tablet floater you refill and second-guess with a prefilled system that holds a low, steady chlorine level and flips over when it's done. Shop more FROG and King Technology water care, or browse pool chlorine and sanitizers at HotTubPirate.com.
Ideal For
- Above-ground and soft-sided pools from 12 to 18 ft
- Pools of 2,000–5,000 gallons
- Owners who want less chlorine smell
- Anyone tired of measuring tablets or granules
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Flippin' FROG last?
The green mineral cartridge lasts 6 months or one pool season, whichever comes first. The blue chlorine cartridge lasts about 3 to 4 weeks, depending on pool size and how often people swim.
Why does my Flippin' FROG flip over?
That's by design. As the chlorine cartridge empties it gets lighter, and the floater slowly turns upside down. Once it has flipped completely, replace the blue chlorine cartridge.
Can I add Flippin' FROG right after filling my pool?
Not right away. Balance alkalinity and pH first, then shock with a chlorine shock to remove contaminants and build a chlorine residual. After that, assemble the floater, set the dial and add it.
What setting should I use?
Start with the chart in the manual: setting 1 for a 12 ft, 2,000-gallon pool up to setting 7 for an 18 ft, 5,000-gallon pool. Turn it up or down one number at a time and retest after 24 hours.
My pool is bigger than 5,000 gallons. Can I still use it?
Yes, with more than one. The manual says two Flippin' FROG systems can treat up to 10,000 gallons. FROG also makes Flippin' FROG XL for larger pools.
Will it work in a small pool under 2,000 gallons?
The manual doesn't recommend it for pools under 2,000 gallons. Even at setting 0 it still releases some chlorine, which can be too much for a small kiddie or inflatable pool.
Can I use Flippin' FROG in a hot tub?
No. It's designed and registered for pools. For a hot tub, FROG points owners to its FROG @ease floating system, which uses a different cartridge.
Why do my test strips show low chlorine?
Flippin' FROG aims for just 0.5–1.0 ppm. Standard strips are read against higher targets, so FROG suggests FROG test strips to avoid adding chlorine you don't need.
Can I leave it in the pool while we swim?
You can, but it's fine to take it out too. Lift it, let it drain into the pool and set it on a surface chlorine won't bleach. Put it back when everyone's out.
Can I reuse the mineral cartridge next summer?
No. FROG says once the mineral cartridge has been wet, it can't be dried and used again, even if you hear material inside. Start each season with a new system.
What if chlorine stays too low?
First check whether the blue cartridge is empty; if you can't hear tablets when you shake it, replace it. Otherwise raise the dial one number, retest in 24 hours, clean the filter and baskets, and shock more often in hot weather.
What if chlorine reads too high?
Take the floater out until free chlorine falls to 1.0 ppm. Then lower the dial by one number, put it back and test again in 24 hours.
What comes in the Flippin' FROG box?
One green mineral cartridge, one blue chlorine cartridge and a tether cord. Additional chlorine cartridges are sold separately.
What's the difference between Flippin' FROG and Flippin' FROG XL?
This standard model covers 2,000–5,000 gallons and uses a half-sphere chlorine cartridge. The XL is built for 5,000–10,000 gallons with a larger rounded-rectangle cartridge. Their cartridges aren't interchangeable.
How long should I run my pump with Flippin' FROG?
At least 8 hours a day, and ideally 24. Good circulation spreads the minerals and chlorine evenly and helps prevent bleaching near the floater.
Safety Notes
Handle With Care
- The chlorine cartridge label carries the Danger signal word. It's corrosive: it causes irreversible eye damage and skin burns, may be fatal if absorbed through skin or inhaled, and is harmful if swallowed.
- Strong oxidizer. Moisture, dirt or other pool chemicals can start a reaction that releases heat and hazardous gas. Never use it in a feeder that has held calcium hypochlorite or other unstabilized chlorine.
- Never add chlorine, pH adjusters, shock or algaecide through the skimmer or within 3 feet of the Flippin' FROG.
- Don't open or refill a cartridge. Wash with soap and water after handling.
- If it gets in your eyes, hold them open and rinse slowly with water for 15–20 minutes, removing contact lenses after the first 5 minutes, then call a poison control center or doctor.
- Store spares in the original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from heat, open flame, children and pets. Toxic to fish; shake an empty cartridge over the pool before recycling or discarding it.
- The green mineral cartridge label carries the Caution signal word. After 6 months or one season, throw it away even if you hear particles inside. Once it's been wet, it can't be dried and reused.
- The Flippin' FROG is not a toy. Keep it tethered, and don't let a partly used chlorine cartridge sink to the floor, or the liner can bleach.
- Read every label, the Flippin' FROG manual and the Safety Data Sheets before use.
Product Documents
Download the Flippin' FROG manual for the setting chart and full directions, plus the Safety Data Sheets for both cartridges.