maybe they didn't use enough DE at start up?

[BuckeyeChris]

New pool opened 3/14, so the PB added DE to the filter on 3/12 maybe. Brand new hayward filter. He set the full speed pressure gauge at the top.

It's six weeks later now, and we still have a lot of dust accumulating on the walls and floor. Secondly, the full speed pressure is still where it was on day one.

So I'm wondering if maybe he didn't add enough DE to really cover the grids on start up, and the water isn't really filtering. How can you tell? Surely the pressure should be up a little by now. If I just add a cup of DE to the skimmer, would that hurt? How can you tell when you've added too much?

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

You can try adding a cup or 2. When it's too much the pressure will increase significantly, and the flow from the return will virtually stop. With 2 cups you should see a pressure increase. If its malfunctioning and not filtering properly - you might see some blow through the returns.

 

[BuckeyeChris]

If I do add enough that the pressure jumps like 3-5 psi, I suppose I could just backwash for a bit. I haven't had to do anything like that yet, so I'm not sure how much I'll lose at backwash.

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

Once you backwash you add back 80% of the original fill.