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DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters are known as the most effective pool filtration available today with respect to filtering the water to the smallest of micron sizes; however, they also require the highest level of maintenance. DE filters usually filter down to about 3-7 microns (these are tiny particulates floating in the water). The smaller the micron’s number the purer the water due to filtration. Microns under 30 cannot be seen by the human eye).
It is imperative to clean a DE filter on a regular basis. Backwashing needs to be done whenever the pressure of the filter rises 8 – 10 pounds above the normal operating pressure. Depending on the bather load, natural elements around the pool such as trees, sand, pets etc. and basic maintenance, you may need to backwash as often as once a month. Although, generally backwashing a filter is not needed that often.
To backwash your filter, follow these simple steps:
*Read your manufacturer’s instructions. These should supersede anyone’s suggestions or opinions.
1. Clean out the skimmer baskets.
2. Turn the pump off and clean out the pump basket, replace the pump basket and screw or tighten the lid back on the pump.
3. With the PUMP TURNED OFF. Put the backwash valve into the “backwash” position (see manufacturer’s instructions). MOST slide valves are up for backwash and down for filter. Multiport Valves should be clearly marked “backwash”). However, as an example, the new Pentair Quad DE filter backwash valve is opposite. So, the liability lies with you to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Turn the pump back on and run the pump until the water in the site glass runs clear (if no site glass has been installed, the water at the end of the backwash hose or line needs to be clear). Once the water is clear, you are wasting water to backwash any longer. It’s simply not needed. Once the water has run to clear, then you are finished. It has NOTHING to do with backwashing for “X” minutes, you only need to do it until the water runs clean.
5. Turn the pump off PRIOR TO CHANGING THE VAVLE POSITION!
6. Put the valve back in the “filter” position.
7. Turn the pump back on and run for 10 – 15 seconds (if using a multi port valve use the “rinse” setting).
*Important Note* Do not move the backwash valve while the pump is running, always turn off the pump prior to changing positions on the backwash valve. Failure to turn off the pump could result in equipment damage and/or personal injury.
8. It is recommended that you repeat steps 4 – 8 two or three times as when you put the filter back in “filter” position and run for a few minutes it will stir up loose dirt which was not backwashed with the first cycle.
9. You will need to “re-charge” the filter with DE. With pump running, slowly add about 1 pound of DE for every 12 square feet of filter space. i.e. 48sf DE filter = about 4 pounds of DE. (check your manufacturer’s specifications) If you have a DE scoop then 1 scoop = 1/2 lb of DE. If using a coffee can, etc. your measurement of DE may not be accurate. For instance if the can reads that it is a 1 pound coffee can it is NOT 1 pound of DE. Not putting enough DE back in the filter can result in damage to the grids and poor filtration.
Failure to recoat your filter grids with DE can cause damage to the grids and impede filtration effectiveness.
NOTE: Your pool filter should be taken apart and cleaned about 2 times a year depending on bather load. To properly clean a filter please see “How to Clean a DE Filter Grids”
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