Learn me about Backwashing

[Jeff Lebowski]

Stupid question for all ye experts -

It appears to me that there is a certain black-magic regarding DE and backwashing. In other words, how much DE should I add following backwash?

My initial fill is 7 scoops. After a few hours of runtime, the filter was clogged and I backwash for approx 30 seconds. The sight glass went from brown to white to clear and I stopped. I added two scoops and ran the filter for a few hours until it clogged and repeated the process, adding 2 scoops again.

Is that correct or should I add more DE?? The pool is now clear and the filter output strong.

Many thanks!!

 

[440dodge440]

Good question, I'd like to know the answer as well. One thing- consider going Backwash-Rinse-Backwash-Rinse-Backwash. I noticed if I do this, it takes several backwashes before I get non-green water.

 

[Richard320]

Each time you backwash you should recharge with 80% of the fresh fill as explained in Pool School - Maintenance and Cleaning of Pool Filters.

There can be problems if it doesn't all get washed off the grids. You don't want it to end up like this inside

Now that the water is clear, it would probably be a good time to do a full teardown and cleaning, and after you recharge with the full amount of DE, get a baseline clean pressure reading. Then in the future you will know when pressure climbs 25%.DE Filter Cleaning Tutorial

 

[Jeff Lebowski]

Richard,

MANY thanks. I don't know how I missed that when reading. Either that or my CRS is advancing much faster than my ear and nose hair are growing. I will follow your advice and clean the grids and re-DE.

I'll also read the link you posted. Thank you again for your advice.