You should backwash your DE pool filter about once a month during pool season. In addition to the regular schedule, you'll want to perform additional backwashing if: You've been running your pool filter for 48 hours straight. This can cause a pressure build-up, even if the filter grids look clean.
After the filter is backwashed or thoroughly cleaned, by taking it apart and hosing it out, you will need to pre-coat the filter again with the entire amount of DE stated on the filter label.
If you don't clear out your sand filter regularly through backwashing, it means your filter can't work as efficiently and eventually debris will make its way back into your pool. Backwashing keeps your pool equipment healthy and your pool clean and safe.
Drain/Waste: Opting the drain or waste setting will remove pool water without forcing it through the filter. Backwash: This clears out any debris, dirt and other contaminants that may have accumulated on the filter.
Do not operate your filter pump without having the D.E. powder coating the grids, or you will see the filter pressure rise very quickly, and if left in this manner the grids can collapse or the fabric can become clogged or damaged. As the pressure gauge on a D.E. filter increases, flow rate decreases.
DE filter grids can last for four or five years with proper care. During cleaning, the grids need to be looked over for damage. Tears in the grids can cause the diatomaceous earth to flow back out into the pool water. This shows up as a white or gray powdery substance on the bottom of the pool.
If the pressure gauge continues to read high after you've cleaned the filter, something isn't working right. Something is preventing water from flowing back into the pool after it passes through the pump. Check for any of these problems: The returns or return valves are closed, partially closed, or blocked.
Most filter systems are designed to operate in the 5-15 psi or 10-20 psi range. The way to find out your particular correct pool filter pressure is to clean or backwash the filter thoroughly and empty the pump and skimmer baskets.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters use a powder that attaches itself onto a filter grid inside the filter. If the filter is damaged, the DE powder can pass through the filter and back out of the return jet. In turn, your pool turns cloudy and looks muddy – not exactly inviting for a quick dip!
You'll know when you've added enough new powder by checking the reading on the air pressure gauge. When the gauge hits its “normal” operational levels, stop adding powder.
Your pool's circulation system may have a suction leak on the pump. If this is the case, this is what happens. When the pump shuts off, air is drawn into the system, which forces DE powder out the main drains or skimmer.
After adding DE, you're done cleaning your DE filter. Allow your pump to run 30 minutes before turning it off.
1 lb DE Measuring Scoop Cup for Measuring D.E (Diatomaceous Earth) Pool Filter Media Powder,: How to Use: (1) scoop of D.E will yeld approx. 1lb.
DE Filters remove the smallest particles of any filter, from 3-5 microns. It is important to clean your DE filter and replace the DE powder regularly. Do this when the PSI on the pressure gauge reaches 10psi over the normal operating level.
DE Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaning
The filter grids can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years with careful cleaning and maintenance and an indicator that there is a rip or tear is when you see diatomaceous earth on the bottom of your pool. The filter grid cleaning should only need to completed once or twice a year.
As much as you can
If your question is “How often should I run my pump to keep the pool at its best?” the answer would be 24/7 for as much of the year as the pool is in operation.
Answer: It is not recommended to swim in the pool when DE is present. It is more dangerous in dry form when it is in the air and breathed in. However, people do swallow water when swimming and swallowing DE is always the danger with it.
To begin vacuuming your pool:
If you do have this option, it is highly recommended that whenever you have algae, you will need to vacuum to waste. This option allows you to vacuum the algae up and send it out through the backwash line, avoiding getting algae into your filter sand.
If necessary, backwash before vacuuming also. Check and make sure pressure gauge is reading within normal psi before starting to vacuum. To Vacuum a Pool to Waste If the pool has algae, dirt or other very fine sediment on the pool floor, it may be necessary to vacuum this sediment to waste.
Pool Water After a Storm
It is a good idea to clean or backwash your filter after a heavy rain, flood, or major storm. This will help prevent your pool from turning cloudy or green.