Chicken or Egg - Clean filter Grids or shock first?

[Emarshbuck]

I appreciated the help everyone gave me last year regarding the new pump motor. Everything worked out fine.

It's now that time of year to clean my Pentair filter grids, and also to shock pool water. What should I do first?

Pentair pressure gauge is at 30. CYA is 40, PH 7.5.

thank you,

ed marshall
hilton head, sc

 

[HermanTX]

It is always best to have a clean filter and understand the baseline operating pressure for your system. Clean the grids.
We do not really use the term "shock" in TFP. Is your pool clear or green?

 

[Emarshbuck]

It is always best to have a clean filter and understand the baseline operating pressure for your system. Clean the grids.
We do not really use the term "shock" in TFP. Is your pool clear or green?

Yes, the term is "slam." I have that chart saved to a pdf file :>)

Pool water is clear...some algae on bottom of pool....

thanks, I'll get to the grids today...

Hope you aren't in the area of storms, though I know most of Texas is....

cheers,

ed

 

[HermanTX]

Yes, the term is "slam." I have that chart saved to a pdf file :>)

Pool water is clear...some algae on bottom of pool....

thanks, I'll get to the grids today...

Hope you aren't in the area of storms, though I know most of Texas is....

cheers,

ed

OK. Ok good luck with the SLAM, you may want to vacuum up any algae first before cleaning the DE filter before starting the SLAM. Then plan to backwash as the filter may get dirty again during the SLAM process.

 

[Emarshbuck]

Herman,

I've read a few different ways on the best way to add DE to a Pentair Plus. Every year when I clean the grids there is some "clumping" in the bottom of the grids, and a little bit on top of the center grids.

I always make a slurry and pour it into the skimmer while the jandy valve is in the skimmer position.

Last year, someone suggested running the pump in the skimmer position until water come out through the valve stem, then add the slurry.

thoughts?

thanks ed

 

[HermanTX]

Last year, someone suggested running the pump in the skimmer position until water come out through the valve stem, then add the slurry.

thoughts?

When you say "valve stem" do you mean the port on top of the filter top where the relief valve is?
If so, then correct - after teardown of the filter for cleaning, when you start back up, fill the filter with water by opening the air relief valve at top. When water squirts out, close the relief valve, add the DE to let it coat the grids.
I have used this successfully on the initial addition of DE to the filter.
Also remember that when you backwash only - then only add 80% of the DE that is recommended for the initial coating. This reduces the clumping of too much DE in the filter.

 

[Emarshbuck]

Herman,

Thank you!

ed