Cleaning Zeolite

[djpool21]

Our PB used Zeolite (not sure which brand) and we're at the end of 3 seasons of pool use. The Zeolite has never been cleaned and I've never noticed a problem. However, I'm wondering if the Zeolite should be cleaned to improve its efficiency. I've read that the pores could clog after a period of time. Our SWG pool is clear but I don't know if it should be clearer.

I haven't found any recent posts on Zeolite cleaning so I thought I would ask if people clean their Zeolite. If so using what procedure and chemical is used. I see that Bio-Dex has a Zeolite cleaner. Should Zeolite be replaced after several years of usage?

 

[PoolStored]

There are a very few Zeo users on TFP. I happen to be one of the rare ones that use Zeo.

There is no need to clean Zeo. There is no need to replace Zeo after a few years.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Zeolites are really not able to be chemically cleaned easily. If their pore structure is clogged up with anything chemicals will not help. Most zeolites in use for filtration are simply considered to be disposable items and are simply replaced when they become expended. In industrial applications, zeolites will typically be replaced on a fixed schedule. There’s no guidance I’ve seen in the pool industry so it’s hard to say. I doubt all of the claims made about Zeo’s filtration performance versus regular pool sand so I would simply say that as long as you are backwashing when needed and doing a deep clean once per year, the filtration media is likely fine.

 

[Flying Tivo]

The Zeolite has never been cleaned and I've never noticed a problem.

Do you mean it has never been backwashed in 3 years? That is how you clean Zeolite, by backwashing and rinsing. Nothing else to do.
Just yesterday did my 2 cycles of backwash and rinse due to recent rainfall.

 

[Mdragger88]

You can do a deep clean just as you do with sand every season or so if that’s what you mean. This also gives you the opportunity to get a look in there & confirm the level is correct etc.

Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

This post will walk you through the anatomy of a sand filter, and then provide a video at the end for how to deep clean your sand filter. The filter used in the photos and videos is a Hayward S180T top mount sand filter. The images are of a similar filter. Obviously not all filters are...

www.google.com

 

[djpool21]

Thanks all. I'll just continue with regular backwashing rather than performing a chemical cleaning process for the zeolite. I haven't deep cleaned the sand filter. Is their anything different about the deep cleaning procedure when using zeolite?

 

[Mdragger88]

It’s a bit lighter than sand so you may lose some but the process should be the same- use the hose to gently break up any clumps etc.

 

[Flying Tivo]

confirm the level is correct etc.

Just to be clear, Zeo levels are not the same as Sand levels. It takes about 1/2-3/4 of Zeo than sand.

Is their anything different about the deep cleaning procedure when using zeolite?

If you have been following TFP methods and have not added any Floc or unnecessary chems, there is no need for a deep clean. Maybe if you are a heavy user of suntan lotions or blocker, then maybe.

 

[djpool21]

Yes big time follower of TFP methods and no sunscreens, oils, additives, clarifyers, etc.