White flakes or something

[Teapot1]

Thats correct, flocculent will clog cartridge filters so you'll have to be very patient. Aeration, causing small bubbles raises the pH but leaves alkalinity where it is. This allows us to gain control over pH rises that are a problem to a lot of pool owners. Reducing the alkalinity to 50-70ppm keeps the pH much more stable.

[Denniswiseman]

apparently i was told i cant use flocculate because i have a cartridge filter and it will clog it up....also im not sure i know what you mean when you say i can aerate to raise pH. Can you explain?
Thanks

You can floc providing you don't circulate through the filter
Use bypass or recirculate
You aerate by passing air through the water
I use a powerful pond air pump with 4 large airstones in the deep end

[Teapot1]

A bit risky, even on recirculation, what doesn't form flocc's will still be in the water when you start filtering again.