What is DE?

[CandyMoss]

Well - I've read about people adding DE to the skimmer, in order to help their sand filters do a better filtering job. I'm pretty sure that DE doesn't stand for Dangling Eurethra ...but what is it and what does DE stand for?

Thanks,
C

[doggie]

It's easier to show you this link than it is to explain it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

[CarlD]

It's diatomaceous earth. Essentially it's skeletons of microscopic creatures that appears as a white powder. It's the critical element that allows DE filters to function. DE filters are the finest filters sold for pools, filtering down to something like 2-5 microns. Cartridge filters filter to 20 microns, and sand filters to about 50-60 microns. Some of the most expensive robotic cleaners (Aquabot, Blue Diamond, Dolphin Dynamic) can match the DE filter at the 2-5 micron range, but they aren't daily filters.

But we also can add a little DE to sand filters to get the water a little clearer. I was one of the first to experiment with this--Poconos led the way. It's very inexpensive to do: I've been using one 10 # box for 2 seasons, and am about to open the 2nd 5# bag in the box--and the 10# cost me $8. The results, combined with a few other strategies, have gotten my water from very clear to crystal, crystal clear.

DE also is excellent for ant control. Apparently, it's quite deadly to them--something about the sharp edges on the powder grains I think.

[Poconos]

Here's some relative particle sizes.
Al

Attachment 663

Attachment 664

[Watermom]

As you can see, Al has WAAAAAY too much time on his hands!

[eljefe281]

DE also is excellent for ant control. Apparently, it's quite deadly to them--something about the sharp edges on the powder grains I think.

DE is a desiccant. After the sharp edges cut through their "skins", the DE literally sucks the water out of the ants' bodies. Using it makes me feel like I'm engaging in chemical warfare.

[CandyMoss]

Thanks for the clarifications - I really appreciate it.

Where do I buy this? And are there different "types" or just DE...period?

Thanks,
C

[CarlD]

Thanks for the clarifications - I really appreciate it.

Where do I buy this? And are there different "types" or just DE...period?

Thanks,
C

Any pool store. There's DE and a new, expensive fibrous alternative to it which is NOT DE.

[KurtV]

Thanks for the clarifications - I really appreciate it.

Where do I buy this? And are there different "types" or just DE...period?

Thanks,
C

There are several grades of DE: Pool, Horticultural, Food, etc. I'd use only pool grade in your pool filter to be safe (though I have no idea what would happen if you used another grade).

As Carl said, pool stores will have the right stuff. So will Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. (in the pool season).

[CarlD]

There are several grades of DE: Pool, Horticultural, Food, etc. I'd use only pool grade in your pool filter to be safe (though I have no idea what would happen if you used another grade).

As Carl said, pool stores will have the right stuff. So will Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. (in the pool season).

Thanks. I only know about pool DE. Even at expensive stores it's fairly cheap, especially if you plan on using it to augment your sand filter. As I said, one 10# box was $8 and I've barely used half in 2 seasons.