Backwashing Your DE Filter

Your DE filter is the most efficient type of filter for your pool, providing that it is properly maintained.  DE (Diatomaceous Earth) is a powder made of plankton skeletons call diatoms, that when used as filtration medium collects to a set of grids from a cake which the water has to pass through, thus filtering out particles ten times smaller than a sand filter would let pass.

Backwashing your filter regularly is a must -- "So, when do I backwash?"  Watch the pressure gauge after a good backwashing of your filter, note the pressure -- this is the operating pressure.  When your pressure rises 9-10 PSI over the operating pressure, it is time to backwash.

"What is backwashing?"  Backwashing is reversing the flow of water in the filter, flushing out old DE and dirt particles that it has collected.  Follow these simple steps for backwashing your DE filter.

1.  Turn off the pump.
2.  Locate backwash valve and set in backwash position.  Make sure your         discharge is ready for backwashing.  If you have a separation tank, follow the               manufacturer's suggestions on operation.  If you have a discharge hose, make sure it
is stretched out to a desired position. 
3.  Turn on pump.  Watch the water coming out of the discharge via sight glass
or the water from the end of the hose.  When the water runs clear, backwashing
is complete.
4.  Turn off pump.
5.  Reselect filtering position on backwash valve.
6.  Turn on pump and bleed off air via pressure valve on top of filter.
7.  Install DE in skimmer with pump on.  Slurry method - use one coffee can of DE
per 5 square foot filtering area, pour into bucket and add water to make slurry.
Slowly pour into skimmer while pump is running.  Optional method -- scoop DE
in cupful directly into skimmer slowly, allowing it to mix with water and circulate
to filter. 

NOTE:  Backwashing does not totally clean your DE filter, thus over a period of time
build-up will occur.  The DE filter must be torn down and manually cleaned at least once
a year, preferably three times a year.  Manually cleaning a DE filter is a dirty job, but
must be done. 

If you have any questions or problems, call Jack at 817-238-0890 or 817-991-6392.



1401 Southeast Parkway
Azle, TX  76020
817-238-0890