How to Capture DE During Backwash?

[Mark Shvitz]

I have a feeling I'm asking about something people prefer not to talk about, but here goes. I read that I'm supposed to put used DE in a container and "dispose of it properly."

How do I put DE in a container when it comes shooting out of a hose at 100 gallons per minute?

I think I may dump my DE filter and get sand. When I had sand, life was way easier, and the pool looked fine.

 

[duraleigh]

when it comes shooting out of a hose at 100 gallons per minute?

I don't understand why you are losing DE? During a backwash?

 

[Mark Shvitz]

It goes shooting out of the backwash hose, and I have to refill the filter with DE.

 

[Mark Shvitz]

I assume what I read was typical environmentalist claptrap, but it sounded so insane, I had to ask. It would be nice to have a way to keep DE off my driveway and lawn.

My trouble-free filter was a cartridge filter, not sand. I typed "sand" by mistake.

 

[Pool_Medic]

Diatomaceous earth is in fact a known carcinogen. Proper disposal should be followed.

 

[duraleigh]

Well, color me stupid. I did not realize you lost all that much DE during backwash.

 

[JamesW]

A DE separation tank is what you need.

Hayward and Pentair both make one.

DE is only hazardous if you breathe in the dust for long periods of time. Most fine insoluble dust is hazardous if you breathe in enough to clog your lungs. It's not chemically toxic.

 

[Pool_Medic]

It’s still a carcinogen and any waste will eventually dry up and become a dust.