Considering switching from sand to DE filter

[CarlD]

You don't ever need to change sand. I am on year 4, Poconos is on year 9 with NO trouble. You only change sand when there's a problem, like it's gummed up from a Bacquacil conversion or adding too many pool-store recommendations of stuff you didn't need. Sand filters BETTER as it gets older and dirtier, so don't change it unless your filter isn't working correctly.

Here's something cheap, simple and effective you can try: Get 10lbs of DE powder--less than $10. Add some to your skimmer while it's on. You want your pressure to increase by about one lb. It will be probably about a cup. You should see your filtering improve DRAMATICALLY!

Every time you backwash you add more DE--that box will easily last all summer. If you are happy with the results, you've just saved yourself enormous time and effort. If not, you can use the rest of the DE in the new filter, so it's a no-cost gamble--no down-side at all.

Poconos and I both do this now and are thrilled with the results, and no, the DE doesn't blow back into the pool. It sticks to the sand and improves filtering.