DE filter - how often do you take it apart?

[neen01]

We have a DE filter - how often are you supposed to take it apart and clean it?
Is it a certain amount of time or just if it is working differently?
We are also not handy - is this something we can get a pool store/company to do for us or is it like the water testing in that they would do a bad job?

 

[MikeInNH]

I try not to take my Hayward filter apart for the whole season. Usually back flushing it twice then re-coating is enough. I have to do this often in the spring and whenever the pressure builds too quickly.

 

[techguy]

I have taken mine apart too many times to mention but this was before the BBB method. Since the BBB, I have not had algae blooms. I fought them last year but they are not are not an issue this year.

If you run the BbB method like it is intended too, you may only need to open it once a season. You can pay the pool company to clean the filter but they are pretty simple.

 

[Qwaxalot]

We have a DE filter - how often are you supposed to take it apart and clean it?
Is it a certain amount of time or just if it is working differently?
We are also not handy - is this something we can get a pool store/company to do for us or is it like the water testing in that they would do a bad job?

Typically you backwash a DE filter at 6-8 PSI above the clean pressure, then add sufficient DE to make up for what was lost.

That said I think it's best to do a complete tear down, cleaning and recharge to spec once a season. This ensures that the DE cake doesn't get to thick or too thin.

Most any competent pool service company should be able to perform this service.

 

[WestSidePool]

I open mine up at the end of the season after I winterize everything.
It's not hard, just takes some time to clean the grids. If your not comfortable doing this type of work, then yes have a pool service company do it for you.