Too much DE added to sand filter

[CarlD]

You must first backwash before adding the DE.

Then, if you add too much, you simply backwash again to clear it out, then add LESS DE.

[Poconos]

Don't forget the RINSE cycle too. Rinse is just running the filter in the right direction but dumping to waste. Gets rid of any stuff in the pipes left over from the backwash. 30 seconds max is fine. I do maybe 10-15.
Al

[seminolewind]

Thanks a bunch guys! Now one more question, since I know where I definitely went wrong with adding the DE. Could that be the material on the bottom of my pool floor, it's only gathered in the couple wrinkles or so I have there. It's a whitish/beige color. Being that I put too much DE in, could it have flowed back out the return? TIA!

[Poconos]

Almost anything is possible but I would suspect adding too much DE would just plug up the filter and the pressure would really climb. Since you have been inside messing I guess some DE could have gotten past the sand. What about pollen or silt as the stuff on the pool floor? I've had both. Fine silt kicked up when filling from some wells may pass the filter as could pollen. My pollen, and I believe this can be a general statement, has a yellowish color and may be hard to tell from silt unless you look at it under a microscope. Silt looks like fine, beat up sand and pollen has a very regular spherical shape. DE in the sand filter should trap both but the easiest way to eliminate would be to vacuum to waste.
Al

Edit: Check these threads

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=6799
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=6744

[seminolewind]

I think you are onto something as we've been bombarded with pollen lately here in Western PA. Our vehicles are covered in it and it makes total sense that it could be what's at the bottom of the pool. And, well duh on me, but we are building a deck around the pool and it could be sawdust.

[Poconos]

Could be the sawdust landed right in the pool and sunk. Should float though but not sure about the pressure treated stuff. Check the edit on my above post.
Al

[seminolewind]

Thanks a lot!!