dual filters

Well, someone gave me a DE filter, I now have a sand one. I am seriously kicking around getting them both up. So, the question is now how to do it. Shall they be connected in series? I tend to think not... or out of the pump, tee off to a valve each way, one goes to the sand filter, one to the DE? Then, where they connect to the heater, go valves again to a tee leading into the heater, then when it is time to switch pumps, it is basically a matter of opening two valves and closing two? Sound good?

This year I also FULLY go BBB by dumping the Nature2 system. I look forward to another flawless spring startup.

If both filters are adequately sized for your pool and pump so you can use either, I would not recommend using both. Decide if you prefer sand or DE and use that one. BTW, you can add a little DE to a sand filter to improve its performance.

In series, you double the resistance to the pump, in parallel, you halve it, so you have do all the figuring of pressure rates, etc, which I cannot figure out for this.

If they are neither adequately sized, then I would recommend getting a properly sized filter for your pump.

Whichever you pick, you can empty, clean up and store the other as a spare.

I don't want to run them both in series, that is the thing. Nor do I want to run them both at the same time in parallel, I simply want to have the option of kicking over to the DE to polish the water. I suppose that I could just pick one or the other and ditch the other, but I simply want to filter with sand, and like before a party, use the DE to get that super clear water...

What do you think?

IMHO, you can get a similar effect by adding DE to the sand filter--check out the sticky in the operations forum.

Also you can use skimmer socks and a gadget called a "slime bag" (I think) that goes at the return. All of these things catch gunk.

You can also get a robotic cleaner like a Blue Diamond or Aquabot or Dolphin. These, too, will super-polish your water like a DE filter, but also vacuum and brush your pool so you don't have to!

If you try your method, you will have a DE filter sitting with water in it growing its own algae. And if it's dry, you'll have to add DE just to get it running.


All of these, or even some of these strategies will make you VERY happy with your water and your sand filter.

DE? I'm still using 1 $8 box (10lbs) and have half of it left after 2 seasons. I use about a cup in my sand filter everytime I backwash. 1 cup is the right number for MY pool but not necessarily yours. Skimmer socks are about 3 for $5 up to 4 for $10. I find each last about a month-- so 4 or 5 are all I need for one summer.

I haven't tried the slimebag. I think they are $70 to $80.

You can get a robotic cleaner for $800. With remote it's more like $1000 to $1500.


That's what I think works best. Good Luck!

I hooked up a sand filter and then a cartridge filter behind that. I love it. The sand takes the big stuff out and the cartridge is like a polishing filter for the little tiny stuff. I have not seen a pressure drop or increase. I only cleaned my cartridge filter twice the whole season. I love it. I run BBB and salt for softness. My wife says our pool water is cleaner, clearer and smells better than any of the pools at the resorts we go to.