To use/not to use Clarifier - That is the Question

[cheshamjim]

... but the smallest I could find around here is 20 lbs. At $15 I think it's worth giving a try.

Where do you buy DE (please don't tell me the pool store)?

Thanks, -Jim

[The Raddish]

I'm all ears if there is a better place to purchase DE.

[waterbear]

Besides a pool store about the only other place I know of to buy DE powder is a really well stocked aquarium store. DE filters are sometimes used on fishtanks.....but it's usually cheaper in the pool store! (I've bought it in both kinds of stores). BTW, you do NOT want the kind of DE that is used for killing insects. It has been oven baked and is not good for filter use!

[CarlD]

Even in expensive pool stores DE is cheap--I get 10# for about $8, which lasts at LEAST a season...I'm still on the first 5 lbs and I started with the DE last August.

[mbar]

I got DE at lowe's - I think it was about $10 for 20lbs.

[Watermom]

I think that Home Depot may also have it.

[The Raddish]

Back to the original question, and knowing that I already have the clarifier in hand from when I was pool stored, is there any adverse effect to using it if I don't overdose? Is there any reason not to use it for the purposes I described? Will it throw my perfect chemistry into whack if I use it to help with the particulate matter I can see in my pool at night?

Or, will it work as advertised and help clear my water up a bit?

Keep in mind, my pool looks crystal clear during sunlight hours. I've never seen water look so nice and pretty. I owe it all to the BBB method and stuff that I have learned on this forum.

I'd just like to look at my water at night with the pool light, and stare in total and complete awe at it's utter perfect clarity. I'll add some DE this week, but I was thinking about using some clarifier this evening if there are no otherwise adverse effects.

[Dr. Spike]

Around here you can get filter grade DE at many stores (Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Menard's, pool stores, aquarium supply stores, several hardware stores, and a few others that escape me at the moment).

I would check some of the big chain super stores or hardware stores in your area. On-line is always an option too.