First time backwashing. I think I added too much DE, maybe now too little?

Squatting Hen

Well-known member
Aug 28, 2024
78
Dallas TX
I have a Pentair FNS Plus 60. I decided to try backwashing myself for the first time, as it seemed pretty easy. I had some DE and a blue (supposedly) 1lb DE scoop from Leslie’s. Initially I couldn’t find the scoop, so I ordered this one https://a.co/d/0xIm0Wg which says it holds 2 lb of substance.

New scoop comes in and it’s the same size as the 1lb one from Leslie’s…..which means I added twice the amount of DE that I should have.

I am confused on what is the right amount? Is the poolzilla scoop really 2 pounds of DE? If so, it’s the same as Leslie’s 1 pound scoop. Also, how many pounds should I really add after backwashing? The filter says 6lb, and I read backwashing needs 80%. Should I backwash again since it seems like I added twice the amount?
 
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The label on the filter should indicate the correct amount of DE used for a full teardown and clean and also for a backwash to recharge the filter.
After a backwash, the amount of DE used to recharge the filter is usually about 80% that used for a full teardown and clean.

I wouldn't trust what the scoop manufacturer states the weight of a full scoop is. I'd use a scale and weigh out the recharge amount - not just the weigh a full scoop holds. Here's a recent post about DE scoops and weight.
 
This is from the filter. So one blue scoop should be about 1 lb of DE. Same with that poolzilla scoop lined previously. I thought I read a 1 lb coffee can was 1 lb DE, but my filter seems to be confusing on that pat where is says that OR 1/2 lb weight of DE.
 

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This is from the filter. So one blue scoop should be about 1 lb of DE. Same with that poolzilla scoop lined previously. I thought I read a 1 lb coffee can was 1 lb DE, but my filter seems to be confusing on that pat where is says that OR 1/2 lb weight of DE.
See post #2 and the thread linked there.
 
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