If backwashing a DE filter without actually taking apart the tank, hosing off the grids, etc. how much DE to add?

[anthonypool89]

Typically, every time I backwash I also take apart the filter tank, hose off the DE grids as thoroughly as possible, clean the tank and lid, etc.; however, given that I've now had to go through this procedure 8 times in the last 15 days (since opening the pool), it's getting sort of old not to mention burning through one heck of a lot of DE. I unfortunately foresee the possibility of the entire summer going this way, and so simply don't have the time to spend the 2 hours or so to take everything apart each time.

So the question arises - how much DE to add if I simply just backwash for a minute or so? I know this is not near as good as going the whole nine yards, but in the interest of maintaining at least some modicum of sanity, I think perhaps doing it this way every so often would afford at least some peace of mind, at the risk, of course, of an even less than 2-day filter cycle. I read somewhere that if you only backwash, then plan to add roughly 80% of the usual amount of DE. I filter 52 sq. ft and so typically - after cleaning everything out - add 6 1-lb. scoop - so perhaps 4 would be ok? There is always a good amount of DE left on the grids everytime I take them out.

Thanks....

 

[Jimrahbe]

89,

You add 80% of what a fresh load would be.

That said, you can't do that forever. You need to open and clean the filter at least once a year.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[anthonypool89]

You need to open and clean the filter at least once a year.

Agreed. Last season I did all that (cleaned, etc.) 15 times during the season. This'll make 9 so far in a bit over 2 weeks. I belive I can do it blindfolded by now..in the dark. To have to do it only once a season would be like having died and went to heaven. I have only ever done this backwash-without-taking-the-filter-apart maybe 4-5 times in 33 years.

BTW...your "getting to know you" site is most interesting! My Dad was also a 'greatest generation' WWII vet. That one pic reminds me SO much of an early wedding pic of my Mom and Dad! My Dad was POW (captured the 2nd day of the Bulge and remained in prison camp for the remainder of the war) while my Mom was pregnant with my older brother. Can't imagine the stress and worry - had no idea if he was living or not - at least for quite some time.

 

[Jimrahbe]

BTW...your "getting to know you" site is most interesting! My Dad was also a 'greatest generation' WWII vet. That one pic reminds me SO much of an early wedding pic of my Mom and Dad! My Dad was POW (captured the 2nd day of the Bulge and remained in prison camp for the remainder of the war) while my Mom was pregnant with my older brother. Can't imagine the stress and worry - had no idea if he was living or not - at least for quite some time.

89,

They just don't make them like that anymore. WWII was a real war where our entire country was involved in one way or another. Not quite the way it is today.

Just for reference.. I have two rent house pools with DE filters. I never backwash and just take them apart and clean them twice a year. I can do this because I follow the TFP pool care process.

If you have to backwash or clean your filter 15 times in a single season, something is wrong.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[anthonypool89]

WWII was a real war where our entire country was involved in one way or another.

Agreed. The sense of unity, bonding together (as a nation) and supporting and rallying behind a cause doesn't quite exist in the same way anymore. That's probably an understatement. Pearl Harbor was certainly the catalyst in uniting behind the war effort.

 

[anthonypool89]

something is wrong.

Yeah, you got that right....long story.

 

[Toxophilite]

Any chance you are overcharging it? It might be worth a try to thoroughly clean and then only put about 75% of what you normally put in to see if you start to get any relief. It's been a few decades since I had a DE filter, but I do remember getting into periods of cycles where I thought I was having to backwash/clean too often and would just start from scratch - even with buying another brand of DE. I kept the box in my pump house and wondered too if it didn't absorb moisture and become compact in the measure.

 

[proavia]

... but in the interest of maintaining at least some modicum of sanity ....

No offence intended, but in all honesty, I think that fragment continued to get smaller with each year you chose to stay with baqua. Are you still sticking with baqua or have you finally converted?

 

[anthonypool89]

Any chance you are overcharging it?

I don't think so. Based on my 52 sq.ft. flitering area it should take 5.2 lbs of DE. I do 6 scoops but don't fill it all the way to the top each time, so it averages out to under 6 lbs.

No offence intended,

None taken! Yeah...I totally deserve some criticism for my bullheadedness relative to still trudging on with baqua. I seriously contemplated the conversion back to chlorine two years ago, but then thought one more chance by using Line Clean as sort of a non-chlorine shock maintenance dose every week. As a result, last year really went quite well. Water looked great all season although I still did about 15 DE changes, which averages to a bit over once a week - surely still way too much but I figured I'd go on that way for awhile and see how I feel about it. I anticipated a similar season this year, but instead it has been nothing short of a disaster in terms of literally constant VERY short cycles. What happens is that I start around 14-15 psi after cleaning out the filter, then adding new DE, etc., so it's a fairly short climb back up to 20, where shortly after I'm already into a "no-flow" display on the heater and then time, yet again. to dump the DE. If I chemically clean grids, then at least the first cycle using them often starts around 12-13 psi but it just doesn't stay there long. I know I've said this TOO many times - but this season - unless things improve - is surely the turning point. I have two sets of grids so that the pool never has to be out of service while one set is soaking in filter cleaner.

 

[proavia]

I don't think so. Based on my 52 sq.ft. flitering area it should take 5.2 lbs of DE. I do 6 scoops but don't fill it all the way to the top each time, so it averages out to under 6 lbs.

None taken! Yeah...I totally deserve some criticism for my bullheadedness relative to still trudging on with baqua. I seriously contemplated the conversion back to chlorine two years ago, but then thought one more chance by using Line Clean as sort of a non-chlorine shock maintenance dose every week. As a result, last year really went quite well. Water looked great all season although I still did about 15 DE changes, which averages to a bit over once a week - surely still way too much but I figured I'd go on that way for awhile and see how I feel about it. I anticipated a similar season this year, but instead it has been nothing short of a disaster in terms of literally constant VERY short cycles. What happens is that I start around 14-15 psi after cleaning out the filter, then adding new DE, etc., so it's a fairly short climb back up to 20, where shortly after I'm already into a "no-flow" display on the heater and then time, yet again. to dump the DE. If I chemically clean grids, then at least the first cycle using them often starts around 12-13 psi but it just doesn't stay there long. I know I've said this TOO many times - but this season - unless things improve - is surely the turning point. I have two sets of grids so that the pool never has to be out of service while one set is soaking in filter cleaner.

I do have to give you some credit for sticking with it - but, obviously, there is a better eaiser way.
Or you can continue to repeat all of this in just a slightly different way - every - single - year - and still expect a different outcome.

Your pool - your rules - your money - your time and frustration.
God speed and good luck.