Thinking of ditching my DE filter

[Rbrenton]

I'm sure this has probably been hashed out in the past, but I can't find relevant info since the server crash.

I am tired of wrestling with leaky grids each and every season, where the DE finds some microscopic hole or gap and promply blows back into the pool. Eventually I get it corrected, but always after a frustrating investigation.

So I'm wondering if it is a better idea to buy a new sand filter or possibly a new DE filter altogether. The existing filter is quite old, although around half of the grids have been replaced in the last 3 seasons.

I know that sand does not filter the smallest particles, but other people using sand seem to have no issues.

Also, if I do buy a new one, how do I correctly size it to work with the existing 1hp Hayward superpump on a 35,000 gallon inground?

[CarlD]

I use a Hayward Superpump 1hp (2 speed) with the Hayward t-210 sand filter (200 lbs of sand). If you use that or the next size up you should be fine.

Then you can add a little DE to improve the sand's filtering. Plus add a skimmer sock to your skimmer and you'll be amazed at how well it all works.

[NullQwerty]

Just a comment Rbrenton. I have a DE filter also and so far I haven't had to deal with this problem at all (knock on wood).

I'm not sure how old mine is as it came with my house, which I purchased 1 and a 1/2 years go, but it looks fairly old.

So, it may be that this is not a common problem with DE filters and that yours is just due for a replacement. Not sure.

I may one day switch mine for a sand also, but mainly because I never know what the heck to do with the DE when I drain the thing.

[KirstenHW]

My DE filter is a 2 yr old replacement of the original one from 1981 - a Hayward Perflex Extended Cylce - it has no cartridges, it has fingers. It works like a champ - I would never trade it for a sand model. I only replace my DE powder at the beginning of each season. We have an 18x42 vinyl inground.

[cleancloths]

I have a Hayward DE6000 (uses 7.5 pounds DE per fill). Works great, I typically only backwash it and refill once a season on my 20 by 40 vinyl IG pool as well.

[Phillbo]

Next time you have it open, replace all the remaining 'old' screens at one time instead of waiting for them to fail, which you have learned they will.

Shortly after buying this house 3 years ago, I had a small leak develop and was getting DE back in the pool, I replaced them all and have not had any issues since. There is not much else that can wear out on the system so why replace it all ?

[Rbrenton]

Next time you have it open, replace all the remaining 'old' screens at one time instead of waiting for them to fail, which you have learned they will.

Shortly after buying this house 3 years ago, I had a small leak develop and was getting DE back in the pool, I replaced them all and have not had any issues since. There is not much else that can wear out on the system so why replace it all ?

That makes sense, but I have a mental block about giving the pool store $40 times X grids all at the same time. Makes me feel violated.

What also frustrates me is having to refill the DE upon each and every backwash (which of course is every few hours this time of year), plus the design of how the grids attach to the housing.

I'm just venting.

[duraleigh]

I've never heard of a better candidate for a sand filter. Won't cost too much more than the fingers for the DE.

[leejp]

What also frustrates me is having to refill the DE upon each and every backwash (which of course is every few hours this time of year), plus the design of how the grids attach to the housing.

Every few hours???!!!?? I've only had a DE filter for my pool and I don't recall ever having to backwash more than once after opening once the pool water is perfect! Is your pool covered in the off season?

[Rbrenton]

Every few hours???!!!?? I've only had a DE filter for my pool and I don't recall ever having to backwash more than once after opening once the pool water is perfect! Is your pool covered in the off season?

Yes, but only with the mesh type. I have a literal carpet of dead vegetation on the bottom to deal with, which I can only nibble at by vacuuming to waste. When I throw in the Kreepy too soon, the filter will need a backwash almost within 10 minutes.