and the multiport valve not sealing during backwash, I reckon.This is what DE looks like when wet so that is probably accurate. A cracked manifold will cause this to happen.
It had been ordered.You still have algae so don't think that the cracked manifold is your main issue. It is an issue that that needs to be addressed so best to plan to purchase a new manifold.
Pentair 180009, FNS PLUS 60Can you provide the make and model of the filter?
I had been running the system mostly in recirculate mode. Once a day I'd wash the filter, put fresh DE and run the system in filter mode until filter builds high pressure. After that there's basically no flow so it didn't make sense to use filter, and I'd switch to recirculate.You may want to put the multi-port valve on recirculate to avoid going through the filter however this will not capture any dead algae
If I do not use filter, manual vacuuming from the skimmer is not going to do anything, unless I vacuum to waste, right?so you need to manually vacuum it out
I do have Leaf Eater. But none of the bags can capture the fine dust in the water. I've tested them by dumping water through the bags, and poured filtered water into clear bottles.
Then I have tried clarifier in 5 gallon bucket and and repeated the tests with bags and pool vac filter. Only pool vac (sand and silt) filter cartridge captured; Leaf Eater bags and/or micromesh sock combinations got everything.
unless you have considered draining and refill.
I'm considering it, but I dislike that much waste.
Thank you!