Cleaning DE Filter

[JeanZ1]

Hello,

Here's what I hope is a quick question from a new pool owner. How often does a DE filter need to to cleaned (not backwashed)? Thanks in advance

 

[pjt]

Depends on how much debris your filter is removing from the water. I have very little debris fall into the pool and I haven't had any algae since adopting TFP methods (5+ years) so I can get by cleaning my DE filter once every 12-18 months. YMMV.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jean,

I'd say after the 4th backwash... But the real answer is how long after backwashing does your filter pressure increase by 25%..??

As an example... The first time you backwash, let's say you go two months before the pressure increases and you have to backwash again.. The next time, the pressure increases in only 6 weeks, and then next time it increase in only 4 weeks...

At some point you run out of weeks...

In my case, I never backwash anymore. I only clean my DE filters twice a year... I can do this because those pools have variable speed pumps that run very slowly, so my filter pressure is only a few lbs..

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[JeanZ1]

Thanks! I guess I know what I'll be digging into next. Is it safe to assume I can do this once the pool is closed for the winter next week?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jean,

I live in Texas and do not have a clue as to what it takes to close a pool... But... I would have assumed that was part of closing, as you would not want your filter to be full of water during the winter.??

In any case, you don't need your pump running to be able to drain the filter and then remove and clean the grids.. All you need is a garden hose.

If you have never taken the grid assembly apart before, pay attention to how the grids go into the top and bottom pieces... The first one I did took me over an hour to figure out how to put it back together. I came within a minute of calling a pool guy to come and do it. But like anything else, once you've done one, the rest are easy. Takes me about 5 minutes on a slow day now...

Thanks,

Jim R.