Can I use my DE filter/pump to vacuum pool with no DE in the filter

[KrisIL]

On the filter instructions it says to not run it no longer then one minute without priming. I have a lot of debris and algae after winter in my pool. Now if I add DE to it , it will get clogged after couple minutes and loose all the suction power. I can't just flush the system and reprime every couple minutes. Can I use the pump and filter as pass thru system? So when I vacuum the stuff will automatically discharge to a sewer? What I mean is to run the pump and filter without priming for long period of time.

 

[Jimrahbe]

P,

Well you really don't want the junk to go through your filter at all. But if your multiport valve has a "waste" setting this will bypass the filter and send the junk out to wherever you have the backwash port connected.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[KrisIL]

My Hayward don't have a multiport valve. There is only a handle on top to loosen the DE by pumping it and the waste outlet which is used to remove DE from filter.

 

[Richard320]

Short answer: No.

The stuff you vacuum will embed in the grids and ruin them. And you especially don't want to try vacuuming on backwash, because then you will just fill the insides of the grids with debris and you'll never be able to get it out.

If you have a multiport with a waste setting, use that. It bypasses the filter completely. If you only have two positions, then you either recharge every two minutes or remove the grids from the housing and then vacuum on backwash. When you're done, reinstall the grids and recharge and filter normally.

With an above ground pool, you might be able to siphon vacuum. Get the vacuum going and then unplug it and cap it with your hand and haul the end out and over and below the water level and it should start siphoning. Then you can vacuum the crud and it will just end up on the ground outside the pool wherever the hose end sits.

 

[KrisIL]

Oh boy. I might just purchase separate pump just for vacuuming.