Is this what a DE filter cartridge should look like after DE powder is added? (Pentair Quad DE)

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mikeyliny

Active member
Oct 14, 2020
37
long island, new york
After cleaning my Pentair Quad 80 DE filter cartridges, adding DE, some DE was making it's way back into the pool. According to what I have read that can happen for a few reasons, air, too much DE (not sure why this would happen), tear in cartridge. So I decided to take a look at the carridges and inspect. Since I am not 100% sure what it should look like when it is freshly coated I thought I would share the image and ask for help.

From what I can see and have labeled in the image below, it appears that the uppermost grid is partially coated with white DE powder. For example, there is a coated portion on most of the "Ridges" (labeled below) or edges of the pleated media. Even in the top layer there appears to be uncoated side areas (circled). The lower grid sections seem to have little or no DE powder coating visible. Since I don't really have experience I am left with several questions:

1. Should all of the sections appear as the "coated portions"? Or should DE powder not be so visible?
2. Do the parts labelled as "coated" have the right amount of DE powder or too much DE?
3. Do the parts labelled as "uncoated" have too little DE or just the right amount?
(The first three are really the same question)


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I have added a few other images in case they help anyone.
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I see something that looks a little wonky and my explain why DE is returning to the pool. I had the same issue last year with my Quad DE.

The center pipe looks like it's out of alignment. If it's out of alignment, that means the air relief valve screen/filter is not attached the to the pipe. This would explain why DE is returning to the pool. When assembling, securely place the screen on the center pipe before dropping the manifold over the top.

Maybe it's just the angle of the photo...

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Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
I see something that looks a little wonky and my explain why DE is returning to the pool. I had the same issue last year with my Quad DE.

The center pipe looks like it's out of alignment. If it's out of alignment, that means the air relief valve screen/filter is not attached the to the pipe. This would explain why DE is returning to the pool. When assembling, securely place the screen on the center pipe before dropping the manifold over the top.

Maybe it's just the angle of the photo...

View attachment 416848
Click to expand...
That could be as it does not seem to fit snugly on that pipe, what do you think about the DE coating?
 
mikeyliny said:
Since I am not 100% sure what it should look like when it is freshly coated
Click to expand...
mikeyliny said:
what do you think about the DE coating?
Click to expand...
We usually disassemble dirty filters where all the DE and debris coat the media like frosting on a cake. As Jim noted, some of the DE will slough off as water drains. This is more true when the filter and DE are still clean.

Another area to check as you reassemble the filter is the connection of bottom manifold. Check the condition of the o-ring, use a bit of pool lube, and make sure it's well seated.

Let us know how it goes...good luck!
 
Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
As Jim noted, some of the DE will slough off as water drains. This is more true when the filter and DE are still clean.
Click to expand...
If that is the case, then I need to recharge the system with new DE, but I am assuming that the picture that I showed, shows
Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
Another area to check as you reassemble the filter is the connection of bottom manifold.
Click to expand...
I never removed the bottom from the tank. I got to around this point.

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Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
Check the condition of the o-ring,
Click to expand...
o-ring intact
Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
use a bit of pool lube, and make sure it's well seated
Click to expand...
Check and check
Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
.

Let us know how it goes...good luck!
Click to expand...
 
Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
I see something that looks a little wonky and my explain why DE is returning to the pool. I had the same issue last year with my Quad DE.

The center pipe looks like it's out of alignment. If it's out of alignment, that means the air relief valve screen/filter is not attached the to the pipe. This would explain why DE is returning to the pool.
Click to expand...

This is definitely possible, and a really good eye. the bottom of the screen/filter looks like it is made to twist but the top of the pipe is smooth. Also, I noticed some of the screen was dented inwards, so I tried pushing it so that it baloons outwards more.

1653861402477.png

Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
When assembling, securely place the screen on the center pipe before dropping the manifold over the top.

Maybe it's just the angle of the photo...

View attachment 416848
Click to expand...
 
mikeyliny said:
This is definitely possible, and a really good eye. the bottom of the screen/filter looks like it is made to twist but the top of the pipe is smooth. Also, I noticed some of the screen was dented inwards, so I tried pushing it so that it baloons outwards more.
Click to expand...
It's just a press fit. As long as the screen is intact you should be good. Don't worry if the screen is tweaked.
 
You DE coating is fine. Looks normal. Most DE will slough off when the pump stops.

Nice catch @Rancho Cost-a-Lotta

You need to pull the bottom manifold (black thingie the cartridges sit on). There’s an o-ring down there that needs to be lubed EVERY TIME you open up the filter. You can also smear lube on the inside of that air screen thread to make a good seal. I also smear a VERY THIN layer of lube on where the cartridges and manifolds (upper and lower) meet. If the cartridges are not tightly seated on the manifolds and the upper manifold is not snug against the carts, you can get a leak of DE. I GENTLY TAP my upper manifold with a rubber mallet when seating it. GENTLY TAP!
 
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