A Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter cleans your pool water by passing the water through a set of normally 8 grids. Each of these grids is covered with a layer of DE powder. If you are installing a new DE filter, you will have to coat the new DE grids with a layer DE Filter Powder. If you have backwashed an operational DE Filter to clean the grids, you will have to recoat the grids with a layer of new DE Powder. This guide shows you how to add or replace DE Filter Powder in your DE Filter.
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Cheryl Posted: 6/28/2022
I have DE coming out of my jets on my steps it forms a circle, do you think my cell could be the problem ?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/29/2022
I presume you're talking about a salt cell, but it wouldn't affect the DE filter's ability to retain DE. The usual culprits are torn grid fabric, cracked manifold, or compromised connection between the filter's standpipe and the top manifold portReply
Pedro Posted: 10/18/2021
That picture on step 6, with the DE cup full, is that 1LB of DE approximately?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/18/2021
One of those DE scoops holds about one-half pound of DE powder. You can see more information about DE powder measurements in this article - How Much DE to Add?Reply
George Posted: 10/3/2020
I just closed my pool today. I have a Hayward de3620 filter, purchased sept 2017 near end of season. I want to remove & clean the grid assembly. The grid pipe is frozen onto the bottom pipe. I cleaned it once in June and had trouble then too. I put a new o- ring and lube at that time. Can you provide a suggestion to help me separate the grid unit? ThanksReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/19/2020
You can try a flathead screwdriver and a rubber mallet to tamp the two pieces apart.Reply
Jon Posted: 8/2/2020
I added the powder directly into the pool. How long do I wait before going swimming.?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/21/2020
It sounds like you threw some DE powder into your pool, but not directly into the skimmer. If so, that was the wrong way to do it. You can vacuum your stray DE powder into the filter, or you can try to push the pules of DE into the main drain. Once the DE powder is in the filter, you can start swimming.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/5/2020
After adding the powder how long should I let it run before turning off the pump?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/23/2020
Let the pump run until there is no visible DE powder in the skimmer or pump strainer.Reply
Andrew Posted: 4/2/2020
What should I do if my DE bag and filter chart disagree? Filter chart says that I should use 6 lbs of DE, but for the same surface area the DE bag indicates I should only use 4.5. My operating pressure always seems to start at 13 psi after cleaning and reapplying DE, but I lose output around 18 psi, so I feel like my system isn't meeting the standard 10 psi life cycle that is commonly referenced, and I thought maybe I'm using too much DE.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/2/2020
Below are the recommended DE dosages for filters after backwashing.A full dose of DE is not necessary after a backwash, because not all the old DE is cleared from the system.24 Sq. Ft. = 1.9 Lbs.36 Sq. Ft. = 2.8 Lbs.48 Sq. Ft. = 3.8 Lbs.60 Sq. Ft. = 4.8 Lbs.72 Sq. Ft. = 5.7 Lbs.Reply
Russell Selkirk Posted: 11/7/2019
Hello, I have a DE3620 filter that states it requires 4.5# of DE. Can you convert this to volume so I can use a 2QT measuring cup? Does using too much/little DE do any damage? For awhile I was getting DE in my pool, thought it was the elements, replaced them (they were 10 yrs old), and it didn't make any difference. Maybe I was using too much... Whenever I backwash, the pressure on my gauge doesn't change between freshly BW'ed and after adding DE. I usually BW 3x's in a row, rinsing in between to get the bullseye clear. Pressure does, however, change during use as it should. Does this indicate a problem? We don't have real winters here in SETX so I keep my pool running all year. I always strip out my filter, remove and hose-wash the elements, and reassemble during the cool time. Even after BW'ing, they are quite nasty! Curious as to your thoughts!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 11/11/2019
Hello Russell - Each 2qt scoop would be about 2.6 pounds of DE.Reply
Cody Alan Posted: 4/28/2019
I didn’t know I was supposed to add the powder slowly. I removed my grid and cleaned it. Then dumped two scoops in. My operating pressure was getting so high that I had no flow to my jets. So I pulled it out and cleaned it again and added no more powder. The pressure is better now but am I not filtering? Have I clogged my pipes? How do you unclog pipes?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 4/30/2019
Hello Cody - It's not filtering well if there is no D.E. powder in the filter. If the pump is staying primed, the pipe probably isn't clogged. You can feed an electrician's fish tape through the pipe to dislodge a clog.Reply
Steven Posted: 3/11/2019
How long after I put the earth in does my pool clear upReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 3/12/2019
Hello Steven - There isn't a set time frame for the pool to clear up. It's different with every pool and situation. Using a water clarifier should help speed up the process. You'll want to backwash and add more DE once the PSI on the filter gauge rises 10 PSI above the clean starting pressure.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/29/2017
Anonymous (DE Powder) - Since the DE Powder stops at the grids and does not enter the pool, you can start swimming immediately after adding the powder.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/27/2017
How long before you can start swimming in the pool after adding the product?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/11/2017
Anonymous (DE powder). Here is the link to our DE Powder page. Or you can buy DE powder at most pool or hardware stores.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 5/10/2017
how much per 1 bag,,ang where to buy?Reply
Richard Posted: 6/25/2016
Very helpful article. I haven't opened pool in a few years and couldn't remember the procedures.Reply