Due to health reasons the pool was not opened last year. When opened 3 weeks ago I used a deep net and removed what algea I could then started slam FC is at 24 and CYA at 60. The pool is slowly clearing. Chlorine checked 2 times daily now and brushed 2 times .A m I doing something wrong or just impatient on the pool clearing?? suggestions needed
3 weeks and still green
- Thread starter joel0711
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,717
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
To speed it up, test FC every 3-4 hours and maintain FC at SLAM level. Vacuum often to remove the dead algae.
Other option is to do a drain and refill or better a water exchange to start over fresh.
Other option is to do a drain and refill or better a water exchange to start over fresh.
Use DE in the filter. I got frustrated 2 weeks in because the progress was so slow, ordered some DE via Amazon 2 day shipping, threw some in, had to backwash and re-add because filter clogged so quick, and pool went from hazy to crystal clear overnight. If I had waited for my sand filter I would've waited at least another week and probably nowhere near as clear.
- May 30, 2020
- 233
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
I replaced my Hayward EC75 Perflex DE (finger) filter - a number of years ago- with a Hayward Pro Grid DE filter. Suggestion from my "pool guy" at the time was to go with Sand Filter. After discovering TFP, glad I stuck with DE. However . . . do-over will certainly be Cartridge. In the meantime, since following TFPC, DE isn't as bad as it may seem to some. My DE maintenance is very minimal. I'm beginning to understand why adding DE to a Sand Filter may help with the rate at which the water is clarified. YMMV 
My understanding is sand filter can be used as DE filter but not vice versa, and if you need to add DE everytime you backwash a DE filter anyway, doesnt that make the sand filter more optimal?I replaced my Hayward EC75 Perflex DE (finger) filter - a number of years ago- with a Hayward Pro Grid DE filter. Suggestion from my "pool guy" at the time was to go with Sand Filter. After discovering TFP, glad I stuck with DE. However . . . do-over will certainly be Cartridge. In the meantime, since following TFPC, DE isn't as bad as it may seem to some. My DE maintenance is very minimal. I'm beginning to understand why adding DE to a Sand Filter may help with the rate at which the water is clarified. YMMV
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,262
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Pool Filter Comparison
Your pool's filter is a vital part of your equipment pad. We'll take a look at each type of filter and list the pro's and con's of each.
www.troublefreepool.com
VinnyinNJ
Bronze Supporter
- Jul 20, 2022
- 1,052
- Pool Size
- 13500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Turbo Cell (T-CELL-5)
I loved my DE filter as it worked great in keeping the water clear. I did open to a green pool once and slamming with the DE was quick. Our new pool has a sand filter, I didn't want a Hayward finger DE filter and the store said my township treats DE as hazardous waste so no thanks! I kept the 3 boxes of DE I had from the old filter (I was trying to give it away initially - no takers!) I may play around with it next year so I can watch the pressure rise more closely.
- May 30, 2020
- 233
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Filtration, in general terms: Sand 20-40 microns; Cartridge 10-20 microns; DE 3-5 microns. Yes, I have DE loss with backwash. But, since using TFP, I only fully backwash and clean once per season, after opening cleanup. (OK, twice if you count backwash and cleanout for winter storage.) So, until I need to replace (I'll choose cartridge because TFPC works well for me), I believe I get the best filtration I can get with existing DE and my water clarity is quickly achieved. Those with sand filter who may not achieve clarity as quickly as I do sometimes benefit by adding DE to "expedite" that achievement because they are "boosting" the filtration ability ? 
VinnyinNJ
Bronze Supporter
- Jul 20, 2022
- 1,052
- Pool Size
- 13500
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Turbo Cell (T-CELL-5)
I recharged my DE filter maybe once a month or 1 1/2 months so for my short season was 2X maybe 3. Looking back I didn't use the pressure guage (it could have been broken?) but I would feel the pressure coming out of return and know it was time.
I have never used DE in my sand filter yet (first full season with the new pool) but using a little DE supposedly coats the sand and makes it filter finer than the sand alone.
Many people here swear their cartridge filters are fantastic, people switch from sand or DE to cartridge. I don't have any knowledge of them except they filter somewhere between DE and sand like you said.
Things will clear up and please don't add anything to "speed up the process" it will make matters worse.
I have never used DE in my sand filter yet (first full season with the new pool) but using a little DE supposedly coats the sand and makes it filter finer than the sand alone.
Many people here swear their cartridge filters are fantastic, people switch from sand or DE to cartridge. I don't have any knowledge of them except they filter somewhere between DE and sand like you said.
Things will clear up and please don't add anything to "speed up the process" it will make matters worse.
