Useless backwashing on DE filter

[pikeman]

I've stopped backwashing my filter due to how poorly it clears the DE out of the vanes. I've begun opening it and using the hose to wash out the internals. I'm not worried about the water use since the runoff from the pad waters nearby landscaping, but it is a PITA.
Is this a common issue, or do folks just put up with having the filter somewhat clogged?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I've stopped backwashing my filter due to how poorly it clears the DE out of the vanes. I've begun opening it and using the hose to wash out the internals. I'm not worried about the water use since the runoff from the pad waters nearby landscaping, but it is a PITA.
Is this a common issue, or do folks just put up with having the filter somewhat clogged?

Backwashing is inefficient in all types of DE filters because of how the water flows. I don't backwash mine at all ... but, that's because I have an oversized filter for my pool (100 sq ft on a 16k gallon pool) and so the pressure rarely rises more than a 1 to 2 psi all year. As such, I simply open the DE filter and clean it twice per year, that's it. This is one reason why TFP stresses installing the largest filter you can reasonably afford - you will cut down on the maintenance frequency greatly.

 

[pikeman]

I’m in a cycle of about every three weeks during swim season, late April to November. I envy your situation!

 

[MITBeta]

I had a summer where I had to backwash my DE filter frequently, and when I did the DE didn't drop off very well at all -- it was totally caked on. In retrospect, its clear that I had a serious algae problem. After adopting the TFP methods, I didn't have to backwash at all last summer, except to replace a leaking check valve, and when I did the DE came right off. Same for the backwash at the end of the season. I'm looking forward to a whole summer of no backwashing this year.

 

[Jimrahbe]

I’m in a cycle of about every three weeks during swim season, late April to November. I envy your situation!

Pike,

If you have to backwash or clean your DE filter every three weeks, you have something seriously wrong...

I have two rent houses that have DE filters that I open and clean about every 6 months..

I wonder what the differences are???

Thanks,

Jim R.