DE coming back into pool

[WonFineDay]

My filter was working fine. Then backwashed and cleaned it thoroughly. I added DE through the skimmer, and it all ended up back in the pool. After a couple days of running the filter, I opened it up there is basically no DE on the filter.

Is replacing the filter grid the only possibility? (the grids are about $400 to $600) to replace. Would I be better off replacing the entire filter, given that my system is 15+ years old? (new filter with install would cost about $1,000).

I have the Sta-Rite system:3 filter. One of the "edges" is completely split - not sure if that is torn, or is that the beginning/end of the filter material.

I'd really appreciate some advice/help? Thanks!
Ro

 

[zea3]

Hi, welcome to TFP! If the fabric is split then that is what is blowing DE into the pool. Whether or not it would be best to get a new filter system depends on the age of your current system, if cost is a concern, and if the new system would be more convienient. Would you be getting another DE filter? If I was going to go through the trouble of getting a new filter I think I would get a cartridge filter and not have to worry about DE issues.

 

[WonFineDay]

Hi, welcome to TFP! If the fabric is split then that is what is blowing DE into the pool. Whether or not it would be best to get a new filter system depends on the age of your current system, if cost is a concern, and if the new system would be more convienient. Would you be getting another DE filter? If I was going to go through the trouble of getting a new filter I think I would get a cartridge filter and not have to worry about DE issues.

Thank you for your response, but is this truly torn, or is this by design (and is the end segment)?

 

[WonFineDay]

I am happy to report back that I got everything working again. I reseated the filter a few times, and turned the backwash valve up/down a few times. And lo and behold the DE stopped getting spit back. My take is (i) the filter needs to be positioned a certain way (ii) the split seam is really an end-seam and the filter was not torn. Hope these updates will help someone else in the future. I have sparkling clean water now

A lot (most!) of the DE has been sucked out by the pump but I do have quite-a-bit still at the bottom of the pool. Can the DE be vacuumed? Any other ideas to get the last of the DE out? Thanks!