Hi, we are running a DE filter and have had to clean it several times over the past few days because our pool is a mess. I am concerned that the DE powder is just blowing back into the pool, because it is green but a very milky green, and when I brush it, it looks like white powder starts swirling around. Are we in big trouble? Will the filter eventually take care of this as the water clears? Thanks!
How bad is it if DE powder blows back into pool?
- Thread starter NancyG123
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,051
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You seem to have a couple things happening at the moment and you'll want to tackle each one separately. First, you have a pool with algae and I'm assuming you are currently doing a SLAM Process? If so, I would recommend posting a full set of water test results just so we can give you a well-rounded look at your chemistry. The other scenario is that DE is getting back into the pool, and you'll want to confirm why. It's fairly common for the filter grids/fingers to develop a tear or perhaps something is wrong at a manifold allowing DE to pass into the pool.
If you haven't done so already, I would recommend opening-up your filter and giving it a good cleaning and inspecting every grid and connection at the manifolds. Once you confirm there are no damage issues, recharge with the proper amount of DE and follow the SLAM Process page to the letter. Since DE filters capture so much junk, be prepared for several backwashes during the SLAM Process. Make sure to keep your FC at the proper SLAM level with your TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit. That is extremely important.
If you haven't done so already, I would recommend opening-up your filter and giving it a good cleaning and inspecting every grid and connection at the manifolds. Once you confirm there are no damage issues, recharge with the proper amount of DE and follow the SLAM Process page to the letter. Since DE filters capture so much junk, be prepared for several backwashes during the SLAM Process. Make sure to keep your FC at the proper SLAM level with your TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit. That is extremely important.
Thanks Texas Splash - my TF-100 is on order and should arrive today/tomorrow so I'll post results after. My husband has been opening and cleaning the filter regularly and he said one of the grids broke and needs to be replaced. But he actually doesn't think powder is getting in the pool - we'll see the next time he does it . . . . I'll have him read what you wrote above before he does it.
Correction our filter does not have grids - it had Flex-tubes. But we'll still take a look when cleaning . . . .
