What is DE?

[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.