working a DE filter

[rrwcm]

re: how much de I need?

I was told that my 25000 gal pool needs 7 one pound coffee cans of DE each time I clean it. This is also supported by the chart on the DE bag. I was also told to add it slowly thru the skimmer without mixing it with water first. This forum seems to advise premixing it. I would appreciate any advice on this - should I premix or add directly to the skimmer?

[kaybinster]

Always premix it with water to get a nice slurry otherwise it will clump up in the filter rather than properly precoat the filter.