I have a Hayward perflex de filter. It was installed 8 years ago. The fellow who installed it for me told me that when I'm changing the de I should block the skimmer drain and drain the filter from the return drain. He said that since the water would be entering from the top it would clean the fingers and would eliminate the need to take the filter apart to clean it. Therefore I have never opened that filter to clean it out. I'm wondering now if I should do that. It's working fine, pressure is good, and it does its job but I'm wondering if I'm damaging the filter. I'm just afraid to take it apart because I'm afraid I won't be able to get the ring back on by myself. Thoughts?
Need to clean de filter?
- Thread starter kteachrm
- Start date
Not needed unless you have an algae problem and even then if the proper amount of DE is being used it's totally unnecessary. All you do is bump the handle several times while locking off the suction and return sides so you can drain the filter via the bottom drain which if it has a valve is simple. Then fill filter back up, bump some more and repeat. Lastly get the correct amount of DE back into filter and call it done. Knowing your clean filter pressure is all you need to verify the filter is fine.
You are, essentially, backwashing that filter. Shouldn't be an issue since it is just gravity allowing the water to flow. The best thing you could do is use a Hayward EC2024 cleaning wand. Block the skimmer and return line, pull the plug and let it spray upward into the tank to really clear the fingers. They are a bit pricey, but work very well. If you use one, be sure to hold on the the wand tightly. The amount of pressure they generate from a garden hose will surprise you.
1poolman1 and wireform, thanks for the replies! I'm hoping to sell my house very soon so don't really want to invest in more equipment, but will check out the wand if it doesn't sell! Thanks, again! 