New Member: Pool Filter: Sand vs DE

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Originally Posted by pooldoc

..... It takes 8 hands to re-assemble some models ;) .

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lol :D

I had to laugh because I have a DE filter (Hayward Pro Grid 6020) and it does take a little practice taking it apart for cleaning and reassembling (I do this at the end of every season and have gotten pretty good at it;) ).

That said, I like my DE filter. Keep in mind though this is the only filter I've used. It was installed in 2004 when we had the pool installed; our first and only pool, btw. So I really can't say if I would still like it better than a sand filter.

It does a great job keeping the pool clean. Once spring clean up is done I usually only have to backwash/recharge with DE once during the season (early May to early Oct here). This season after spring clean up I haven't had to backwash at all.

Some don't like to handle DE powder. I don't mind so much; I just make sure I'm not inhaling it when recharging the filter.

In terms of expense to maintain, I would think sand would be cheapest, followed by DE, then cartridges being the most expensive.

It's probably more important that filter/pump be sized correctly than whether you choose sand or DE.

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Originally Posted by mnittler

When I was asking the installer about the sand filter he indicated that the sand filter has to be back washed at least once per week

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You do NOT have to backwash a sand filter once a week. You only need to backwash when the filter pressure rises 8-10psi over clean filter pressure. I only backwash a handful of times the entire summer.

I only back wash when my pressure rises noticeably.

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Originally Posted by Watermom

You do NOT have to backwash a sand filter once a week. You only need to backwash when the filter pressure rises 8-10psi over clean filter pressure. I only backwash a handful of times the entire summer.

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I guess I should have specified this in my post, but I also backwash when pressure rises 8-10psi over clean pressure. I guess this has been an "extra clean" year as I haven't had to backwash all season.

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Originally Posted by PoolDoc

If you get an OVERSIZED sand filter, and run your pool on low speed 24/7, you'll get water clarity as good as with a DE filter, but with far less maintenance.

Tell us your pool gallons before you buy the filter, and we can size it for you.

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Question...you mentioned low speed. My return jet has so much pressure I cant hold my hand in front of it. Could this be a reason for my poor filtration? Thank you...

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Originally Posted by Brysz

My return jet has so much pressure I cant hold my hand in front of it. Could this be a reason for my poor filtration?

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Very possibly. Complete the Pool Chart, and we'll be able to make a better guess:

Pool Chart Entry Form