DE in sand filter

[chuck9997]

I have read,.. with much interest.. the "DE in sand filter" idea. I want to try this method in my sand filter.

Where do I buy DE?
What do I ask for?
Did someone say it is available at LOWE'S or HOME DEPOT? (What dept?)

I have tried to read as many posts as I can find.. but I am still not clear on the answers to these questions.

Thanks for your help.

[mikemedic]

Lowes, Home depot, Walmart etc
DE=Diatomaceous earth

In sand filter you backwash your sand filter, add very small amounts in the skimmer and watch your PSI, only want to go up 1-2 PSI. More than likely you will only use 1/4-1/2 cup tp accomplish this

[Jeffski]

Lowe's keeps it outdoors in the garden section. It takes hours for the DE to settle and the pressure to climb and reach a steady point, so add very small amounts (like a quarter-cup) at a time and then wait before adding more.

[NWMNMom]

I actually bought mine at KMart for $8.75 @ 25#

[chuck9997]

OK.. HOME DEPOT had D.E... but it was $20.. same thing at WAL-MART.

The D.E. I found was called: D.E. Filter Aid, Pure diatomaceous earth. The box says: Recharges D.E. filters, Improves filtering efficiencies. It was by AQUA CHEM and was $20 for a 24 pound package. I didn't buy it.

Is this what everyone is buying?.. I would like to find the $8.95 bag someone mentioned.

[fission7x]

The D.E. I found was called: D.E. Filter Aid, Pure diatomaceous earth. The box says: Recharges D.E. filters, Improves filtering efficiencies. It was by AQUA CHEM and was $20 for a 24 pound package. I didn't buy it.

Is this what everyone is buying?.. I would like to find the $8.95 bag someone mentioned.

That's exactly what I bought. It will last forever!
Add it slow, watch your filter dP and let it work. There's plenty of posts on this site to tell you how to add it.
I add it slowly until my filter pressure increases by 2 psig. It takes about 24 ounces, or about 2 plastic solo drinking cups worth, in my sand filter.
If your pool is cloudy, it will help clean it up in a hurry.
When you backwash, it will get pushed out of your filter and you will have to re-add. Even still, the 24 pound box will last a lifetime.

[NWMNMom]

Thats the exact stuff I got, it just happened to be on sale at KMart. I guess I lucked out!

[chuck9997]

Ok.. I found the D.E. at K-Mart.. The 24 pound bag was $15.29.. not bad.

Thanks for everyone's help.