Sand Filter + DE

[andyth]

Doing a lot of research and reading on this site (very useful info!) while waiting for my kit to arrive.

Read this on adding DE to the sand filter. Pool School - Add DE to a Sand Filter

I am considering this option (add DE to my sand filter) to remove fine particles to speed up the process.

1. Is DE considered a chemical? If so, what human/body side effects can be expected? Especially given that some states prohibit the release of this into the sewer. Would it make such a difference if added in small quantities?
2. If so, how long will it last? Is it possible to add DE to sand filter only during the initial process and SLAM and not to have it the whole season? Would it remain for the whole season?
3. Is it really worth doing all this or leave the sand filter alone and just worry about SLAMing and chlorine?

Thanks for the help and advice in advance.
Andy

 

[1RtBstrd]

You will not want to add DE until you are in the final stages of your SLAM. If you add this to a sand filter prior to killing/filtering out any appreciable amount of algae then you will have to backwash every hour or less. Backwashing also removes the DE from the sand filter.

 

[Richard320]

You will not want to add DE until you are in the final stages of your SLAM. If you add this to a sand filter prior to killing/filtering out any appreciable amount of algae then you will have to backwash every hour or less. Backwashing also removes the DE from the sand filter.

Stole the words right out of my mouth!

Yes, save the DE until the water is just cloudy grey. Then it will speed things up. Too soon and you'll end up bogged down with continuous filter cloggings and backwashing.

DE is an inhalation hazard, like asbestos. When it's wet, it's no problem, and getting it on your skin is no big deal, either, since it's just petrified algae. The problem is just that: it's petrified. It won't decompose. So once it gets discharged and dries out, you have a telltale white crust wherever you sprayed the backwash and you have created an inhalation hazard. Will anyone care? I don't know. You know your neighbors better'n me.

I use cellulose DE replacement in my DE filter. Works the same, but it is biodegradable. And I can attest that it is, because if I go to long, it starts biodegrading in the filter and gets really sticky and doesn't wash off easily. So you have that option as well.