DE to add after filter clean

[marcxaurelius]

Hi all. Been on these forums a few weeks since my wife and I became first time homeowners and therefore first time pool owners . I’ve learned a lot and love the site and method.

Last night, I had a guy come install a new PB4-60, and long story short, he threw in a free filter clean. However, he didn’t backwash before cleaning the filter because he said he didn’t want to run the pump in order to let the glue set. He therefore also didn’t add any DE, so I plan to do that when I get home from work. My question is, how much DE should I add considering he cleaned the filter but didn’t backwash. Should I backwash first and then add DE according to the recommended amount (see attached pic of my filter), or is there nothing left to actually even backwash since he manually cleaned the filter? Sorry, like I said, brand new pool owner here ?.

 

[ajw22]

I am confused. Have you been running the new DE filter without DE since last night?

However, he didn’t backwash before cleaning the filter because he said he didn’t want to run the pump in order to let the glue set. He therefore also didn’t add any DE

What did he do? Disassemble the filter and clean the grids?

If he disassembled the filter and cleaned the grids then you just add the DE through the skimmers after starting the pump..

I hope you have not been running pump and the filter without DE.

 

[marcxaurelius]

No I have not. Do I add the full 6 lbs?

 

[ajw22]

Yes. Full load of DE after a total cleanout. 80% after a backwash.

 

[marcxaurelius]

Thanks @ajw22 now I’ve run into another issue. After adding the DE I went back to find a steady stream of water leaking from the filter through the clamp. I turned it off, opened it, and the O ring looked in place. I closed it and tightened it pretty good, and now it’s down to a slow drip. 1) do I just continue tightening it? I’m scared to break the bolt. And 2) am I going to now need to add more DE?

 

[Richard320]

Thanks @ajw22 now I’ve run into another issue. After adding the DE I went back to find a steady stream of water leaking from the filter through the clamp. I turned it off, opened it, and the O ring looked in place. I closed it and tightened it pretty good, and now it’s down to a slow drip. 1) do I just continue tightening it? I’m scared to break the bolt. And 2) am I going to now need to add more DE?

Don't rely just on the bolt to tighten things. Go around the clamp with a mallet or a block of wood. Not a hammer. Tap inwards, to snug it. Then take up the slack with the bolt. A couple times around should do it.

If it still leaks, take it apart again, lubricate the O-ring well, and try again. Then if it still leaks, maybe it's time for a new O-ring.

 

[marcxaurelius]

Thank you @Richard320 what about adding more DE? Do I need to now? If so, how much? ?

 

[ajw22]

You need to judge how much DE you lost and need to replace. Better too little DE then too much. So don’t over do it.

Or test the filter and if it doesn’t leak then backwash and add a new load of DE.

 

[marcxaurelius]

Thank you both! Great, helpful advice!