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Well, if something is filtering properly, you would think it catches more dirt particles faster, meaning you have to backwash more frequently, so it would make sense, however, an earlier post mentioned less backwashing, would that possibly be because less material is used as a filtering agent, allowing for more dirt to be collected per backwash??
If you do a google search on CF-138, you will get to the S.W.I.M. website. On that site, they have a link to a technical paper that they sponsored. It does address the higher requirement for backwashing, primarily (according to the paper) in commercial/public pools because the cellulose absorbs oils. The celluslose can also pick up a calcium "shell" if you have high calcium levels.
They also claim that the filtering is "mini-micron", so the media can filter out smaller particles than DE. The claim is that you will experience an initial period of requiring more backwashes as the stuff that DE left behind is filtered out. After that initial period, backwashing should be less frequent than DE.
I have a fresh 25lb bag of DE, so I'm not trying this out anytime soon, but might consider it as an experiment next season.
I switched to powdered cellulose about mid-season last year('05). Initially, backwashes were more frequent but within 4 or 5 backwash cycles, I was going up to 3 weeks between backwashes. Converted to SWG in spring '06 and had outstanding pool water all summer. I won't go back. In a season and a half, I've used about 20lb.
We've heard good things about the CF rather than DE. The big issue seems to be expense--DE is really cheap and CF is not.
I do not know if you can add CF to a sand filter the way you can add DE to it, but the amount of DE you add is very small (1/3c to 1 cup) per backwash for strikingly good results. After a season and a half I've not quite gone through the first 5 lbs. Since I have another 15 lbs, it will be several seasons before it's worth looking into.
However, one place where CF is the ONLY choice is if you want to improve the filtering on a cartridge-based system. I gather it's safe to use a little bit of CF to improve filter, but you must NOT use DE for that application. It will clog the cart, possibly ruining it.
DE can also be used for ant control, sprinkling it around their nest and where you don't want them.
Carl:
I have now used the CF for several weeks and it works exceedingly well. I ordered a 50 lb. bag from rec supply so it was much cheaper than the local pool store!
Mike
Let us know what your results are!
It has been over 6 months with CF and I am very happy with it. Not only does it seem to filter smaller particles than the de, but the cleaning of the filter is much easier (wash off the grids with a hose with no need to disassemble).
So how about your backwash rate? Do you feel you had to do more? It was suggested that initially you would, but the rate would decrease as more of the stuff DE missed was removed. Did you experience that?
Chuck:Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckD
My backwash rate really did not change a bit. My water clarity is superb with a real sparkle. However, I did raise by borate level to 50 ppm for the first time so maybe that helps with the sparkle!