Help with replenishing DE following draining of pool

[JeanZ1]

I had to drain the pool because of high CYA. My question now pertains to my DE filter. After a normal backwash, I normally add 4 lbs of DE to replenish what is lost. When I drained the pool, I essentially did a long backwash (filter to waste draining through the bottom drain). I assume I need to add a corresponding increase of DE, but how much?

I see now that my filter has a capacity of 5 lbs so I'll start with 4lbs and go slowly from there.

 

[ride525]

Well, a couple of ideas.
1. look inside and see if there is any DE. If there is very much DE, the maybe take out the filter grids and clean them.
2. If there is not DE, then add the capacity of 5 lbs.

 

[JeanZ1]

Being a newbie I'm a little gun shy about opening up the filter.

 

[kabutotx]

Cleaning DE filters isn't very hard. There are some videos on YouTube. Just turn off all power to pump, release pressure with pressure valve on top, remove bolt on side and top should come off. Usually the whole grid assembly will come out. The slightly hard part is getting the grids lined back up if you take grid assembly apart. You can just use a hose to spray all the old dirty DE off without taking the grid assembly apart and then just put the whole grid assembly back in and button back up. Open the air valve and turn pump back on. Close valve when water squirts out instead of air. Add DE.