Our DE filter needed a major cleaning, and some parts had to be replaced. We were not able to run the pool for about a week. During this time, the already greenish water became very green. The repairs were done Wed. and I have been SLAMing, testing, and running the pump 24/7 ever since. The water is blue now, but still very cloudy. The filter pressure has been looking good so far, so I haven’t backwashed since the filter was just completely cleaned. I am seeing a ton of “dust” settled that is sort of tan in color, and I’m wondering if what I’m seeing is dead algae, or actually DE that is somehow getting into the pool. Is there any way to tell the difference?
Dead algae vs. DE
- Thread starter PoolFrog
- Start date
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,025
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
You can tie a skimmer sock (maybe double it up) to the return & see what you catch.
Is it possible that too much de was added?
Fwiw 4 days of slamming is not terribly long & dead algae accumulation at that stage is pretty common.
You do wanna backwash whenever pressure rises 25% over clean pressure.
Have you attempted to manually vac the debris? Or collect it?
algae generally poofs & is gone (doesn’t recollect as quickly)
De can be pasty/gritty while algae is slimy.
Is it possible that too much de was added?
Fwiw 4 days of slamming is not terribly long & dead algae accumulation at that stage is pretty common.
You do wanna backwash whenever pressure rises 25% over clean pressure.
Have you attempted to manually vac the debris? Or collect it?
algae generally poofs & is gone (doesn’t recollect as quickly)
De can be pasty/gritty while algae is slimy.
I think the DE amount that was put into the cleaned/reassembled filter was the correct amount, but I’m wondering if it’s possible that something wasn’t reassembled correctly. I may just be paranoid because of the extent of the work that had to be done to get us up and running again after what was supposed to be a routine filter cleaning.
I am about to try to vacuum, because part of what I’m also working to clean up is a bunch of leaves and other debris at the bottom from recent heavy wind and storms. I use a Leaf Eater with a fine mesh bag for that (similar fabric as the Polaris bag), so I’ll see how well that bag can capture this dusty stuff that I’m seeing.
I would like to try your skimmer sock suggestion. I’ve never tried that before. Is there something in particular that I need to look for at the store? How do I need to attach it to a return?
Thank you for your help.
I am about to try to vacuum, because part of what I’m also working to clean up is a bunch of leaves and other debris at the bottom from recent heavy wind and storms. I use a Leaf Eater with a fine mesh bag for that (similar fabric as the Polaris bag), so I’ll see how well that bag can capture this dusty stuff that I’m seeing.
I would like to try your skimmer sock suggestion. I’ve never tried that before. Is there something in particular that I need to look for at the store? How do I need to attach it to a return?
Thank you for your help.
Last edited:
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,025
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
For the skimmer sock or even a regular sock, peice of a t shirt etc. i just unscrew the jet & use a rubber band or hair tie to secure it.
Oh, I see! Thank you for the photos, that helps. This is a great idea! I’ll give it a try.
If I catch some stuff, is that likely to be DE?
If I catch some stuff, is that likely to be DE?
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,025
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
More than likely yes - de is kinda gritty as well whereas algae is slimy.
Keep with the
SLAM Process until you pass all 3 end of slam criteria
CC is 0.5 or lower; You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss TestAND
The water is clear.(Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)