DE Powder Back Through Skimmer

[Cjwoody]

Recently I noticed some DE powder settling in the pool, and was trying to figure out if it was coming back up through the skimmer or through the return jet.

I just shut the pump off and opened the chlorinator to see if I needed to add pucks, and as it drained I could see white powder in the pump basket, checked the skimmer and it was also draining back into the pool.

Any suggestions here? I would have figured there would be some sort of in line check valve to make sure DE doesn’t drain back to the pump.

I guess the obvious solution would be to maintain FC levels with liquid chlorine like many suggest and skip the chlorinator altogether. But I did pay a pretty penny to have the chlorinator installed at a pool guys recommendation.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

With the pump off, is your plumbing draining back to the pool? You may have a pressure side leak that's allowing the filter to drain down. If so, when you restart the pump (after being off for some time) it will purge air from the lines and filter.

With the pump off, listen for sounds of hissing air. With the pump running, look for small water leaks/seepage. The air relief valve on the filter is a common area for leaks as are multiport valves.

Sorry, I reread your post and now see opening the chlorinator caused the DE to back up into the skimmer. There should be a check valve on the return side before the chlorinator.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Check out the manual for your unit.

I reviewed the instructions for Pentair's chlorinator. To add tablets, the control valve is closed and the pump is turned back on before opening the lid...

HOW TO RECHARGE FEEDER 1. Turn control valve to the closed position. SHUT OFF PUMP. 2. Wait one minute. This will allow water and fumes to drain from feeder. 3. Leave control valve closed and turn on pump. The check valve will prevent water from entering the feeder. 4. Remove cap and fill with proper size tablets or sticks. (See Operating Instructions #1) 5. Making sure 0-ring is clean, lubricated with Lifegard silicone and is in place, replace cap. Hand tighten only. 6. Open control valve to original setting. Inspect inlet line below control valve each time feeder is recharged. Replace lines yearly if necessary

 

[Cjwoody]

Thank you, that makes sense. I will give it a try tomorrow. While I didn’t mention it, conveniently, the chlorinator is a Pentair unit (Rainbow I believe?)