What is 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.

[ccostan]

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.

Does anyone use or have any thoughts on using DE to augment cartridge filters? I have a Jandy 580 Cartridge and would love crystal crystal clear water!

Thanks.
CARLO.

[CarlD]

Yeah, we've had some discussion on it and it's a really, really BAD idea. Apparently the DE clogs the filter permanently....

But I also gather that the fibrous alternative to DE works very nicely in cartridge filters. Maybe something about the fibrous stuff being similar to fibrous paper in the cart?

[waterbear]

Pentair recommends adding DE ONCE to a new cartridge to increase filtering ablilty. I haven't done it but I mght consider it next time I buy a new cart to see if it has any impact on filtering ability or cartridge life.

[mikemedic]

Interesting
Can you tell me how to add this. I went from a DE filter to a Sand Filter. How much DE to add? I assume thru the skimmer and how much PSI bump? Mine stays on 11 after backwashing. And do i need to add more after backwashing and does it ruin your sand prematurely?

Thanks
Mike

[CarlD]

Interesting
Can you tell me how to add this. I went from a DE filter to a Sand Filter. How much DE to add? I assume thru the skimmer and how much PSI bump? Mine stays on 11 after backwashing. And do i need to add more after backwashing and does it ruin your sand prematurely?

Thanks
Mike

Mike,
Usually people start with about 1/4 or 1/3 cup. You can make a slurry by mixing it with water in a bucket and adding it to the skimmer, or be lazy like me and just add it slowly to the skimmer.

After 20 minutes to 1/2 hour, you should see the PSI rise. The object is to get it to rise 1 PSI only. So you start with a small amount and take your time increasing it until you hit your target. That's the amount to use from then on after you backwash.

I've never heard of too much DE ruining the sand. If you add too much you just backwash it out and start again.