DE pool filter maintenance and swimming pool filter problems and questions. Help with troubleshooting to give you the best pool filter for you with no mistakes.
Backwashing your D E pool filters needs to be done whenever the pressure of the filter rises 8 – 10 pounds above the normal operating pressure.
Depending on the bather load and other factors like trees, sand, pets, dirt, you may need to backwash as often as once a month.
Just keep an eye on the pressure and you'll be fine.
To backwash your
DE pool filters,
follow these simple pool cleaning tips, but remember:
Read your manufacturer’s instructions for any DE pool filter questions as they should always over-ride anyone else.
Cleaning A Swimming Pool Filter
First step for DE pool filter maintenance is top off your pool because you're going to be using alot of water. By not topping off the pool, you run the risk of sucking air through the skimmer if the water level gets too low.
Clean out the skimmer baskets
Turn the filter pump "OFF" and clean out the pump basket. Replace the pump basket and screw or tighten the lid back on the pump.
With the PUMP TURNED OFF, put the backwash valve into the “BACKWASH” position. The slide valves are pulled up for backwash and pushed down for filter. If you have a Multi-Port Valve, it should be clearly marked “BACKWASH”.
Turn the filter pump back on and run the pump until the water in the site glass is clear. If there is no site glass, the water at the end of the backwash hose or line needs to be clear. Once the water is clear turn off the pump. It really has nothing to do with backwashing for a certain amount of minutes, you only need to do it until the water runs clean.
Be sure the filter pump is off BEFORE changing the valve position. Not doing this could result in injury.
Put the valve back to the “FILTER” position
Turn the pump back on and run for 10 – 15 seconds. If you have a Multi-Port Valve, use the “RINSE” setting.
Again, before any DE pool filter maintenance is to be done, don't change any valve positions when filtering or backwashing.
Some may recommend that you repeat these steps two or three more times so it can stir up loose dirt which was not backwashed with the first cycle. You can if you want but it's not necessary for a good DE pool filter .
You'll need to “re-charge” or "re-coat" the pool filter grids with fresh DE filter powder. With the filter pump running, slowly add about 1 pound of DE for every 10-12 square feet of filter space. Basically it's this: 48sf. DE filter = about 4 pounds of DE. (check your owner's manual for details and exact specifications)
I strongly urge you to get a DE scoop. This will give you the best measurement. If you have a DE scoop then 1 scoop = 1/2 lb of DE. By not putting enough DE back in the filter, you can damage the pool filter grids and cause poor filtration. Don't use a coffee can.
Just remember to check the owner's manual and/or manufacturer's instructions if you have any questions.
If you're the least bit hesitant on de filter cleaning, by all means hire a local and qualified swimming pool professional.
How To Clean Your Inground DE Pool Filter
How To Clean Your Above Ground Pool Filter Systems
How To Bump Your DE Pool Filter
Backwash Your DE Pool Filters
DE pool filter maintenance starts with backwashing your pool filter, but it doesn't remove oils, lotions, leaves, bacteria, algae, etc...
The pool filter grids need to be removed and washed generally about twice a year to keep your swimming pool DE filter running properly.
To clean your swimming pool DE filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The following are just suggested pool cleaning tips.
If you're at all uncomfortable about these DE pool filter maintenance steps, please contact a qualified swimming pool technician.
Turn OFF the swimming pool filter pump. If you have a breaker box, it's a good idea to turn it off before cleaning your DE pool filter. You don't want to get 220 of your best friends to hit you at one time.
Open the air bleeder valve so vacuum pressure inside the tank can be released. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for DE pool filter maintenance.
Open the drain plug located on the bottom of the filter allowing the water inside the tank to be drained out
Remove the clamp holding the top of the tank to the bottom of the tank. Some pool filters may have bolts instead of clamps.
Carefully remove the top of the filter tank
While the grids are still in the tank, use a hose with a spray nozzle and spray off the filter grids. Doing this will help remove excess debris and DE buildup and makes removing the grids a little easier. Allow the swimming pool filter grids drain for a few seconds.
Carefully remove the filter assembly from the tank. It's best to see your manufacturer’s directions at this point. Some pool filters are constructed differently. Most filters and grids should lift straight up to remove the grids from the filter tank.
Once again, if you're unsure about DE pool filter maintenance, call a good pool technician.
Disassemble the filter grids. Pay attention to how you take it apart so you can put it back together.
I've messed up a couple of times when I was learning this procedure. It can be a real pain to get these things back together if you're not paying attention.
Wash each pool grid with a spay nozzle on a garden hose
DON"T use a pressure washer to clean the grids. You'll probably tear them and then you're going to be in a world of hurt.
It's best to wash the DE filters on the grass as the DE will not harm it and is biodegradable You'll just have a big clump that looks like wet flour.
From top to bottom, clean the manifold, and look for cracks
If the grids are not coming clean, you can soak them in a large garbage can filled with pool filter cleaner solution for about 4 – 8 hours
Clean out the inside of the filter tank
Carefully inspect each part for cracks, each grid for ripped seams, punctures or tears in the fabric, belly band o-ring, manifold screen, etc.
Check the condition of the air relief assembly and make sure it's connected
Assemble the grid assembly and tighten the connecting rods. Shake the assembly lightly as the rods are tightened to insure that the entire assembly is tight
Place the grid assembly back in the filter tank. Replace the stand pipe O-ring or gasket if it's worn. Take care not to pinch the O-ring while installing the assembly. If you do you'll get a leak.
Realign the top half of the filter body, install and tighten the belly band and be sure the O-ring is in place between the top and bottom half. This will make it a good tight fit.
You may want to use a silicone lubricant on all O-rings and gaskets before installing to assure a better water-tight seal and against pinching the O-ring. Please don't "crank down" on any of the fittings.
Just a nice snug fit is all you need.
Screw the drain plug back in the bottom of the filter
Set the backwash valve is in “FILTER” position
Turn the breaker box back on
Now would be a good time to take a step back and look at the
filtration sytem
to make sure everything is in order
Turn the pump ON. It will take a few seconds for the filter tank to fill with water and the tank's pressure to rise. Keep the air valve open until water sprays out, then close the valve.
When the swimming pool filter system is running and the filter is full of water, add fresh swimming pool DE to the skimmer. Read the Owner’s Manual or instructions on the DE bag for refill amounts according to the filter size and proper DE pool filter maintenance.
Normally, 1 pound of pool filter DE per 10-12 sq. ft. of filter capacity. If you have a 48 sq. ft. filter, then you would add 5 pounds of DE. I would encourage you to get a DE scoop and use it for this step of your DE pool filter maintenance. This is much better than using a coffee can.
If you don't add the right amount of DE, your filter will be ineffective and will require more cleanings.
After the filter has been “charged” or "re-coated" with fresh pool filter DE, record the pressure on the pressure gauge. This is your “starting” pressure.
When your pressure hits 8-10psi. over your starting pressure, you'll know it time to backwash again.
This is the end of the DE pool filter maintenance page.
By properly backwashing your swimming pool DE filter, understanding DE pool filter maintenance, and using the proper pool filter cleaners, your swimming pool will be the envy of the neighborhood.
If you have a chemical related issue, please give the chemicals readings, type of filtration system, what you've done or are trying to do, etc..
Chlorine pH Alkalinity Hardness Cyanuric Acid Sand, Cartridge, DE Filter
Please explain your issue thoughtfully. By giving me all the details, it makes it much easier to answer your question and helps others that may have similar issues.
Thank you
What Other Visitors Have Said
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Backwash Valve
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The backwash valve has open > and
Thanks for the question Rachel
My first question is do you have a push/pull valve?
Many of these you ...
DE Filter Not Cleaning Off During Backwash
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I have a Hayward DE filter. My pool is continuously green. I've tried to backwash it to clean off the filters but I do not see any of the black/green ...
DON"T use a pressure washer to clean the grids. You'll probably tear them and then you're going to be in a world of hurt.
