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How To Clean DE Filter Grids
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DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters are known to be the most effective pool filters available today with respect to filtering the water to the smallest of microns; however, it also requires the highest level of maintenance. DE filters usually filter down to about 3-7 microns. These are tiny particles and bacteria in the water. The smaller the microns number the purer the water clarity.
It is imperative to keep your filter clean. Backwashing a filter is great for periodic cleanings but it does not remove body oils, suntan lotions, oil from leaves, bacteria, algae or other micro-organisms completely and therefore the grids need to be removed and washed generally about twice a year. To clean your pool DE filter follow your filter manufacturer’s instructions.
1. Turn off the pump (if you have a master switch it is a good idea to turn it off during the cleaning process so the pump doesn’t kick on automatically during cleaning)
2. Open the air release valve so vacuum pressure inside the tank will be released. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Open the drain plug located on the bottom of the filter. This will allow the water to be drained from the inside of the tank itself.
4. Remove the belly clamp holding the top of the tank shell to the bottom of the tank (some filters are bolted together instead of a clamp).
5. CAREFULLY remove the top of the filter tank body.
6. With the grids still in the filter tank use a garden hose with a spray nozzle and spray off the filter grids. This helps to remove excess debris and DE buildup and makes removing the grids much easier. Allow the grids to drain for a few moments.
7. CAREFULLY remove the filter assembly from the tank *NOTE* see your manufacturer’s directions as different pool filters are constructed differently. Most assemblies will lift straight up to remove the assembly from the filter tank.
8. Disassemble the grid assembly (pay close attention to how you take it apart so you can put it back together properly).
9. Wash each grid individually with a spay nozzle on a garden hose **DO NOT use a pressure washer as that can damage the grids** It is best to wash on a soft surface such as your grass, the DE will not harm plant life as it is biodegradable.
10. Clean the manifold, top and bottom and examine it for cracks or breaks.
11. If the grids do not appear to come clean you may want to soak them in a large garbage can in a Filter Cleaning solution for generally about 4 – 8 hours.
12. Completely clean out the filter tank, inside top and bottom.
13. Inspect each part i.e. manifold for cracks, each grid for a ripped seam, puncture or tear in the fabric, belly band o-ring, manifold screen, etc. (See Owner’s Manual)
14. Check the condition of the air relief assembly and make sure it is firmly connected.
15. Reassemble the grid assembly and tighten the connecting rods firmly. Shake the assembly lightly as the rods are tightened to insure that the entire assembly is snug and will not come apart.
16. Put the grid assembly back in the filter tank. Replace the stand pipe o-ring if it is missing or worn. Be careful not to pinch the o-ring on installation.
17. Realign the top half of the filter tank body, install and tighten the belly band (be sure the o-ring is in place between the top and bottom half) to ensure a snug fit. It is essential that you use a silicone lubricant on all o-rings prior to installation to assure a better leak tight seal and insurance against pinching the o-ring and running it permanently.
18. Screw the drain plug back in the bottom of the filter.
19. Confirm the backwash valve is in “filter” position.
20. Turn the pump on. It will take a few moments for the filter tank to re-fill with water and the tank pressure to rise. Keep the air relief valve open until water sprays out the opening then close the valve.
21. Once the system is running and the filter is full of water add DE to the skimmer as usual. Read the Owner’s Manual or instructions on the DE bag for proper refill amounts according to filter size, generally 1 pound of DE per 10 sq. ft. of filter capacity. i.e. 48 sq. ft. filter = 5 pounds of DE (if you have a DE scoop which equals a properly measured ½ lb. then add 2 scoops per 10 sq. ft.). This is much better than using a one pound coffee can as many times the coffee can measurement is not the proper amount of DE and is definitely NOT to weight as printed on the can. Should an insufficient amount of DE be replaced it will cause your filter to be ineffective, as well as more frequent cleaning will be required. This can also cause damage and shorten the life of the grids.
22. Once the filter has been “charged” with DE, record the pressure on the pressure gauge. This is your “starting” pressure. When the pressure rises 8-10 pounds above this reading it is time to backwash again.
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