diff --git a/distiller.nf b/distiller.nf
index 265303d..3d5d002 100644
--- a/distiller.nf
+++ b/distiller.nf
@@ -675,7 +675,7 @@ process merge_zoom_library_group_coolers{
     def balance_options = params['bin'].get('balance_options','')
     balance_options = ( balance_options ? "--balance-args \"${balance_options}\"": "")
     // balancing flag if it's requested
-    def balance_flag = ( params['bin'].get('balance','false').toBoolean() ? "--balance ${balance_options}" : "--no-balance" )
+    def balance_flag = ( params['bin'].get('balance','false').toBoolean() ? "--balance ${balance_options}" : "" )
 
     def merge_command = ""
     if( isSingleFile(coolers))