Added DE to sand filter. Now pool is full of DE.

[les_smith]

I added DE to my sand filter today to aid in filtration. I had a reading of 13.5 psi on the pump and added about 4 cups of DE to the skimmer. The gauge went to 15 psi and I stopped adding DE. I then got in the pool and started to vacuum. I use goggles and a snorkel and get under the water when I vacuum. To my surprise I saw the DE in the water. After a few minutes I went and looked at the pump and it was back to 13.5 psi. What's up? My sand filter has been working great. All I've had is a small amount of fine brown dirt type substance settling in the low spots of the liner. That's what I was hoping to catch with the DE. But, now the DE is in the pool. Again, What's up?

[les_smith]

After about 1 1/2 hours I went out to put a skimmer sock on the skimmer basket because I thought it might help catch some DE in case the sand was not catching any of it. Anyways, the pump was back up to 15 psi again. Also, I could see that some of the DE has settled to the bottom of the pool. Any clues as to what's going on?

[Poconos]

Sounds like the pump/filter combination indicates you're filter is too small and stuff is blowing by the filter. How about detailed info on the sand filter and pump. Would really help to diagnose this problem.
Al

[les_smith]

I have a 200lb Aquatools filter and a 1.5 HP Aquatools pump. The pump pressure is holding steady at 15 psi. Is there a chance that I added the DE to quick and some how it blew by the filter? If that is the case, how does something blow by the filter?

[CarlD]

You added FOUR CUPS of DE? I'm not surprised it blew into the pool! What were you thinking? I have a 200# Hayward and 1 hp SuperPump and I add less than ONE cup of DE each time I backwash!

Best way to get it out if it's on the bottom is vacuum to waste.

[les_smith]

I was going by the idea that you add DE until you get a 1 psi jump in the pump pressure. That's the way that I understood it from reading the forum. I went until it jumped 1 1/2 psi. So, If I added to much, how does the DE get into the pool? I thought it would have to go through the sand first. When Poconos mentioned "blow by" is there some sort of relief built into the filter so that something blows by the sand before the filter is damaged? I mean we're talking about 15 psi, I can create more than that putting my thumb over the end of a water hose.

[ThePoolGuy]

You added FOUR CUPS of DE? I'm not surprised it blew into the pool! What were you thinking? I have a 200# Hayward and 1 hp SuperPump and I add less than ONE cup of DE each time I backwash!

Best way to get it out if it's on the bottom is vacuum to waste.

I was going to say, I've never heard of adding more than a cup of DE to a Sandfilter.