DE Filter Not Coating

[gregoryagu]

I have been watching my DE Filter closely lately, because it does not seem to be operating correctly as the pressure rises quickly after I replace the DE.

I have a Hayward 20 Sq Ft Perflex DE Filter which is less than a year old. At first it worked perfectly.

About two weeks ago, I opened it up and cleaned the tubes thoroughly and replaced the DE with exactly 4 pounds as measured by a scale which is what the manufacturer recommends.

However, when I did this, I noticed it was strange that the DE was just sitting at the bottom of the housing, it was not coating the tubes like I had seen in the past.

In any case, I put it back together again added the fresh DE, and ran it again for two weeks and then took it apart today to check the filter and same issue: The DE is just sitting at the bottom. You can see the white fabric of the filter rods as if the DE is doing nothing.

I am not sure what I am doing wrong here.

1. The cloth filters got dirty and now don't pass enough water fast enough for the DE to integrate into the filter? I made sure to run the pump on high (its a VSP) for 6 hours last time I changed it in case this was the issue.

2. Poor quality DE? I got it off of Amazon. It looks like any other DE, but not sure.

What should I do? Should I replace the cloth coverings (Not sure what they are called).

Suggestions appreciated.

 

[HermanTX]

When you stated you added the DE - did you add it to the skimmer or did you put it in the bottom of the filter? It needs to be part of the water flow so it needs to be added to the skimmer.

 

[Richard320]

That's normal, especially for that filter.

When you "bump" it, you're knocking the DE off the fingers. then it gets churned up when the water flows in and recoats things. Your DE is still new enough that it doesn't stick so it falls off without bumping.

If the pressure climbs rapidly, that indicates the filter is loading up. How does your water look? Is it crystal clear and sparkling? Is it maintaining chlorine, or does it seem to be using a lot? I ask because rapid pressure rise is one of the early symptoms of an algae bloom.

 

[ZcottD]

Only really important thing to make sure of as far as DE quality goes, is to make sure its pool grade DE and not meant for food or use as insecticide.

 

[gregoryagu]

When you stated you added the DE - did you add it to the skimmer or did you put it in the bottom of the filter? It needs to be part of the water flow so it needs to be added to the skimmer.

I added it to the Skimmer.

 

[gregoryagu]

Only really important thing to make sure of as far as DE quality goes, is to make sure its pool grade DE and not meant for food or use as insecticide.

Ok, thank you.

 

[gregoryagu]

That's normal, especially for that filter.

When you "bump" it, you're knocking the DE off the fingers. then it gets churned up when the water flows in and recoats things. Your DE is still new enough that it doesn't stick so it falls off without bumping.

Hi Richard,

Great information. The pool actually looks great. I think your right - it new enough that it just falls to the bottom again. So I think everything is actually ok now. I did do a yearly cleaning with TSP, and then a bit of Muriatic Acid as the filter is now about a year old. So I think everything is actually OK now. Also, I am going to keep a log of the pressure so I know for sure how much it goes up and when. Thank you so much!