How much and how to add DE

[tsar]

This is my second season with the pool. I wanted to refresh myself about how to add DE after backwash.
I backwashed earlier today, by first backwashing for 45s and then rinsing for about the same. My DE filter is 36 sq ft. How much DE do I need to add, and how should I add the DE.

I have the following - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AERVV48/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[tsar]

Also how often should I backwash, If I remember correctly, it's after the psi goes up by 10. My baseline is 10psi as well, so essentially when it reaches 20psi. Is this correct?

 

[mknauss]

DE Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

You should backwash/clean a filter when your pressure rises by 25% over clean filter pressure.

 

[ajw22]

DE Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Rule of thumb - 1 lb - 1.5 lb of DE for every 10 square feet of filter area for a clean filter and 80% of that after a backwash.

 

[tsar]

@ajw22, @mknauss thanks for the quick response.... ok so by my math that's 3.6lb of DE.
The DE scoop description says 1 scoop for every 5sq feet of the filter (even though it says it's 1lb of coffee (and I think 11oz of DE in the cup).
This is a little more than 7 scoops for 36 sq ft and 80% of that is 5.6 scoop.

So basically I need to add 5.6 scoops or so in the skimmer after each backwash?

The lb vs DE scoop calculation makes it a little confusing...

 

[tsar]

ohh and I have a skimmer sock in the skimmer, is it fine to add DE to it without taking the sock off?

 

[ajw22]

ohh and I have a skimmer sock in the skimmer, is it fine to add DE to it without taking the sock off?

No. Take the sock off.

 

[tsar]

@ajw22 can you also confirm my calculation of the amount of DE - 5.6 scoops or so in the skimmer after each backwash?

 

[ajw22]

@ajw22 can you also confirm my calculation of the amount of DE - 5.6 scoops or so in the skimmer after each backwash?

I have never done the scoop thing to know.

I prefer getting DE in a box with four 6lb bags. You need 6lbs or less after a backwash. That way you don’t have a big bag if DE sitting around and making a mess. The DE floats around in the air out of an open bag of DE.

Splash D.E. Diatomaceous Earth 24lb Box

Buy a 24 lb box of Diatomaceous Earth for D.E. Filter System. Splash DE powder is of the highest quality and will provide you with outstanding results.

www.thepoolfactory.com