I have been having a real problem so far this season ever since I opened the pool mid March. Dirt/dust/pollen has been collecting on the bottom of the pool in large amounts. I vacuum it up and within hours, it's back. It has been very dry here, we haven't had rain in a few weeks now. I know it is not algae and my CC is at 0 with no overnight FC loss. The "fine powder" collects in the wrinkles of the liner then gets stirred up and clouds my water and it takes a while for it it clear again, then the process starts over again. I think the powder is so fine it is passing right through my cartridge filter. Anyway, my question is can I add DE powder in the skimmer to try and collect the fine powder and keep it from returning to the water? And if I can, how much should I add?
DE Powder in cartridge filter?
- Thread starter TravisD
- Start date
I wouldn't. Your cartridge filter shouldn't be letting anything through. Have you inspected the cartridge for damage or to ensure that it is seated properly?
I have used a product called Sparkle Up (BioGuard) in my cart filter and had good results. It wasn't cheap ($28) but it was worth it for me. One jug of it will treat a 200 sq. ft. filter.
Have you tried skimmer socks? Only certain brands/models of cart filters allow the addition of DE. For others it will clog the cartridge.
Yea, I have tried skimmer socks. It helps a little. I was thinking of just adding some DE powder, brush to stir it up, then after it seems to clear and the "fine powder" is all gone, rinse the filter and be on my way. Maybe I'll try the stuff made for the cartridges, but DE powder is much cheaper. I mean the worst that could happen is it would clog the filter right?
I have inspected it and it seats very nicely. It is actually a new filter. I had this problem last year, but not as bad. It has been much dryer thus far since I opened the pool.
I have inspected it and it seats very nicely. It is actually a new filter. I had this problem last year, but not as bad. It has been much dryer thus far since I opened the pool.
The worst that could happen is that the DE would get permanently jammed in the carts. I wouldn't do it.
Alright, you guys have talked me out of it. I'm sure it's for the better too. I'll keep brushing, vacuuming, and I guess the water will clear eventually. It is just frustrating to get the floor of the pool all vacuumed up and get the water sparkling, only to have the floor littered with the powder again hours later. Then when you want to get in, it stirs up and clouds the water, then repeat it again the next day. Looking for some other way, any suggestions? I guess I could try the Sparkle Up.
Can you see the gunk coming out of the returns when you vacuum? If not, it's probably new stuff falling in, and not a filter issue at all.
I'd say save your money on the Sparkle up.
I'd say save your money on the Sparkle up.
I guess I could put a skimmer sock on the return line. I just don't see how that much could possibly fall in the pool in that short amount of time.
Some people use Fiber Clear with their filter cartridges. I use it about every two weeks with my sand filter. It really gets the fine stuff but you have to watch for a pressure rise and backwash when it gets to high. With a cartridge I guess that means tearing it down and cleaning it. Meaning not a great solution if it keeps happening every few days.
So you might think about a flocking agent like Ultra Blue. Yes it will cause some of the stuff to be trapped by the filter meaning cleaning the filters sooner, but most of it will settle to the bottom to be vacuumed up.
Are you vacuuming to waste or filter when you vacuum the bottom? With a sand filter you can do either, with a cartridge (unless I am about to clean it anyway) I vacuum to waste.
So you might think about a flocking agent like Ultra Blue. Yes it will cause some of the stuff to be trapped by the filter meaning cleaning the filters sooner, but most of it will settle to the bottom to be vacuumed up.
Are you vacuuming to waste or filter when you vacuum the bottom? With a sand filter you can do either, with a cartridge (unless I am about to clean it anyway) I vacuum to waste.
All I can say is that the Sparkle Up worked for me. At the time I had an undersized cart. filter (I was Pool Stored.) I followed the directions for cart filters and kept a good eye on the gauge. I noticed a big improvement in one day & noticeable improvement in hours. It took about four days before the pressure went up by about 4#. I rinsed the filter off, added fresh Sparkle Up and was good to go.
Thanks for all the replies everyone. Unfortunately, i do not have a vacuum to waste option. I mean I could take out the filter, take off the return hose, plug the eyeball, and then vacuum. That would work, but I don't have a setting for waste.
I think I will just blame it on the extremely high pollen count and lack of rain at the moment and see if it doesn't clear up in a few weeks. I remember this from last season, but it just wasn't quite this bad.
I think I will just blame it on the extremely high pollen count and lack of rain at the moment and see if it doesn't clear up in a few weeks. I remember this from last season, but it just wasn't quite this bad.
- May 22, 2013
- 2,796
- Pool Size
- 12000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I know it's a couple years old but they tossed out a number of suggestions and then the thread ends. Did you try any of the suggestions and if so did they work for your issue ??