really cloudy water

[tarak]

back quickly I know, I put 1 cup in and noticed a little coming out of the return so I turned and looked at the speed meter and the psi had jumped to 18 when it always stays at 15 or below, so I didn't add the 2nd cup and I backwashed and it was really dirty
what does this mean?

[Watermom]

Do it again and watch the returns again.

BTW -- Many of us often use a little DE in our sand filters on a routine basis, not necessarily for testing to see if the filter is working properly but just for the little extra it can give in filtration. As you found, the pressure goes up quickly. You just have to learn how much to put in for your setup so that you only get that slight increase.

More about this here: http://pool9.net/de-test/

(That is not a speed meter; it is a pressure gauge.)

[tarak]

the article in the link says to mix with pool water, but previous comments here say to put directly into skimmer, which is the correct way?

[tarak]

took another cup out, added 3/4 then 1/4 nothing came out of return that I saw and pressure only jumped to 16, Then I backwashed, I'm now adding more water cause all the backwashing I've been doing lately has brought my level down

[Watermom]

You can mix it in some water first.

[tarak]

I didn't I just put it directly in and at 1:30 this is what I did

took another cup out, added 3/4 then 1/4 nothing came out of return that I saw and pressure only jumped to 16, Then I backwashed, I'm now adding more water cause all the backwashing I've been doing lately has brought my level down

[Watermom]

Ok. Sounds like your filter is working properly. Sometimes the pressure rise isn't immediate. I know when I put it into my filter, I might not see the pressure rise for 20 or 30 minutes. You can continue to use it. It may help to clear your water.

[tarak]

Just a quick mention, our water was so cloudy that we couldn't see the bottom of the pump when you looked in it, I was just out there and for some reason I looked at it and I could actually see the whole basket in there and even the bottom, then I looked over the pool REALLY good and I think I'm beginning to see what looks like our 3rd step, I wonder if this is a sign of good things, or just wishful thinking on my part