Normal for DE to be in pump strainer atfter shutdown?

[cruzmisl]

Hi All,
My pump is on a timer and at shutdown DE backs up into the pump strainer. I know this because the water inside the pump housing is milky white. Is this normal?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Buggsw]

I never saw that happen when I had a DE filter.

 

[duraleigh]

Joe,

This is a complete guess but it makes sense that if you see DE, the water in your system is "backing up" when you turn off the pump.

The only way I can see that occuring is if you have an air leak (probably tiny since it doesn't lose prime) somewhere in the system.

 

[cruzmisl]

Thanks for the responses. Upon further reflection, I think I know what is happening.

The original PB did not use any check valves in the system. I have a spa that is higher than my pool. When I shut the pump off the water tries to equalize and pushes backwards from my spa return through my pool returns and main drain/skimmer resulting in the DE in my pump. Sound possible? I bought a check valve prior to noticing this problem, just haven't installed it yet.

In the morning the pump basket is still full of water so I don't think I have a leak. Also when I installed the filter I literally weighed out the DE. I have heard of adding 80% of the suggested amount though.

Sound reasonable?

 

[waste]

Joe the answer is YES :lol:

(when I get a little free time - I'll post the URLs to my pool forum responses that are also showing up here )