Running filter without DE

[tim_pool_fan]

Please help me settle a friendly dispute. My neighbor was told by another neighbor that when he starts up the pool for the season he shouldn’t add any DE powder until after he’s backwashed while cleaning the pool for the first time this season. But I’ve always heard you should never run your system without any DE powder in the filter but honestly I’m not entirely sure why. Does lack of DE make the pump run harder or something due to lack of resistance in the filter?

I do believe I’m right but just want to better understand the science to know why I’m right!!

 

[ajw22]

Depends on the model DE filter we are discussing.

Some DE filters use cartridges that can be run with or without DE since the cartridge can be cleaned.

Old style DE filters use grids to hold the DE. The grids cannot be cleaned if you run them without DE and they get clogged with dirt. The clogged grids can effect filter performance and require the grids to be replaced.