Trap DE while backwashing?

[Emarshbuck]

Is there a way to trap (catch, capture, collect) DE sand while backwashing? I don't want it to go into my storm water drain system or on my grass. Is it bad for the grass? I have St. Augustine.

thanks,

ed

 

[jblizzle]

There are pieces of equipment you can add after your filter in order to separate the DE out. Or just switch to cellulose fiber instead of DE end you can backwashed right into your grass.

 

[ping]

I added a Hayward separator tank to my waste line, Pro-Grid DE Separation Tank | Filters | In Ground Pool Filters - Hayward Pool Products. It does a good job at collecting the DE maybe 99% of it or so.

 

[pabeader]

Can you then reuse it? Or are the pores full of stuff? If the pores are full, then why worry about it going down drain or on lawn?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Where I live in the DFW area, the City requirement is that you must put your DE waste output into the sewage drain. Putting it in the storm drain is not allowed. The reason that I have a cartridge filter, on my new pool, is because the City would not allow a DE filter unless it was plumbed into the house waste drain system. My two other pools have DE filters, and I find that I don't backwash them much, if at all. I find it easier to just break the filter apart about twice a year and that seems to keep everything in check. When I break the filter down, I just hose the old DE right on the lawn. I've been doing this for several years and have seen no ill effects to the grass, both Bermuda and St. Augustine.

Jim R.

 

[domct203]

Can you then reuse it? Or are the pores full of stuff? If the pores are full, then why worry about it going down drain or on lawn?

Because pool DE is a carcinogen.

Dom

 

[pabeader]

Weird.

 

[OldPoolMan]

You need a separation tank to catch the DE. Inside it is a bag that catches the DE, removeable, and after cleaning, is reinstalled.

 

[Agent99]

I just did some googling on diatomaceous earth and I never realized how nasty it is...if it really is. I used to use it in my aquarium canister filters way back in my teen years and I sure don't recall any dire warnings or anything. I agree: Weird.

 

[tim5055]

Because pool DE is a carcinogen.

Dom

i wonder if that is true everywhere or just California.

 

[JamesW]

It's not toxic like a poison. It's a health risk if breathed in over long periods where the lungs get clogged and damaged similar to asbestos damage.

 

[domct203]

i wonder if that is true everywhere or just California.

I'm pretty sure it's a carcinogen everywhere

I have a curious dog and would worry about long-term backwashing of DE where she might be sniffing around for years.

Dom

 

[BKJ]

Because of the potential health risks of DE (as noted above), I switched over to cellulose about 5 years ago and have not had any issues. I use Fiber Clear.

 

[Chrissykr]

I switched to Ecoklean because of health and environmental concerns and I couldn't be happier. I see a noticeable difference in water clarity.