Commonly known as D.E., diatomaceous earth for pools is derived from tiny fossilized exoskeletons of algae-like water plants called diatoms. DE powder provides better filtration results for pools compared to sand filters and cartridge filter systems, which is why folks use them.
If you do not add enough DE to your filter, then the grids are not totally coated with DE and the dirt that goes into your filter will attach itself right to the fabric on the grids and will not backwash off. This will cause your filter to short cycle (go very short times between backwashing).
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filter
The D.E. needs to be replenished once the filter is turned back on. Every three months the filter should be taken apart, the grids should be hosed off, and visually inspected for any rips or tears that will cause D.E. to blow back into the pool.
ADD DE POWDER - Remove the cover to the skimmer closest to the pump and filter. Slowly add the required amount of DE Powder into the skimmer. If you simply dump the DE Powder into the skimmer, you may clog the pipes. CAUTION: WEAR A MASK WHEN ADDING DE POWDER.
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.
After backwashing, new DE must be added to the filter. Add the entire amount of DE the filter recommends. If you see DE returning to the pool, vacuum it to waste, after it settles. The next time you backwash and recoat, decrease the amount by 1 pound.
DE Blow-Back: If DE powder is coming into the pool, you may have torn filter grid fabric. Or, you could have a cracked top manifold, or missing air bleeder. The standpipe o-ring could be missing, or the filter valve could be allowing some DE powder to bypass the filter as you add it new.
Adding too much DE to your pool may cause multiple negative results. These ramifications include a clogged skimmer, turning the pool cloudy, reducing the circulatory pressure in the pool and putting too much work on your pump that may result in eventually breaking the pump.
A DE Scoop is specially designed to measure DE powder and 1 scoop is equal to 1/2 lb. of DE powder. To determine how many scoops or coffee cans of DE your filter requires take your filter square footage and divide by 5 (this would be after a full cleaning).
Add D.E. Powder - Wearing a protective mask that covers your mouth and nose, carefully scoop D.E. into the skimmer closest to the pump and filter. After adding D.E., make sure to close the lid of the skimmer.
Pool grade (also called filter grade) diatomaceous earth is treated with very high heat in a process called calcination, which changes the silicon dioxide into crystalline silica. Pool grade DE is toxic and should only be used in filtration.
Most DE filters include a recommendation for the total amount of DE powder on a fresh filter. However, if you can't find a suggestion from the manufacturer, you can use a simple rule of thumb: For a full clean or new filter, add one pound of DE powder for every 10 square feet of the filter.
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.
Grids usually last a long time, up to about 10 years unless they are subjected to extreme conditions for extended periods.
DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters should be cleaned with special products at least once every season. Perform a complete cleaning and inspection yearly. Check the pressure gauge to figure out when it's time to backwash; the more debris is in your filter, the higher the pressure will be.
Chemically, it is safe to swim. You will need circulation in the pool to introduce chlorine...... keeping it sanitary and algae free. Do not turn your pump off for more than 24 hours or so.
Your filter may be clean and normal at 9-10 psi, but your neighbor's filter gauge could run higher, and be clean at 15-16 psi. Some systems with very low resistance can run very low pressures, barely registering, while other filter systems can run quite high, pushing 30 psi when the filter becomes dirty.
Commonly known as D.E., diatomaceous earth for pools is derived from tiny fossilized exoskeletons of algae-like water plants called diatoms. DE powder provides better filtration results for pools compared to sand filters and cartridge filter systems, which is why folks use them.
The most common reasons why a cartridge, sand, or DE filter's pressure rises quickly, even after cleaning or backwashing, is a clogged or blocked filter, algae or old filter elements. If any of these things are wrong, the pressure can rise rapidly in minutes, hours or days.
Sand filters usually have a filter rate about 15 GPM per square foot, DE filters can filter about 2 GPM per square foot, and cartridge filters are capable of about 0.25 GPM per square foot. For example, if you needed 22 GPM and you wanted a DE filter, you would need a filter size of at least 11 square feet.
Sand filters are least effective but also the least expensive to buy and use. Cartridge filters are more effective but are more expensive to buy and use. DE filters are the most effective but are the most expensive to buy and use.
Whenever the filter fills up with the dirt/debris it reduces the flow of water to your pool. Low flow = poor circulation which will lead to algae in the pool. Bottom line, the filter must be backwashed on a regular basis to ensure that your pool water is clear.
Backwashing a sand or DE filter is a simple task. Shut off the pump, set the multiport valve or slide valve handle to the backwash position, roll out the backwash hose and turn the pump on again. Backwash for 3-4 minutes or until the water runs clear, then shut the pump off and return the valve to the filter position.
Dicalite's industry-leading Swimming Pool Filter Powder is classified as flux-calcined Diatomaceous Earth. Flux-calcined diatomaceous earth is used primarily for filtration applications because of its higher permeabilities.