Yes, I added many times without backwashing. I thought backwashing was too be done only when the pressure rose to certain levels.
Please re-read this page:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/133-add-de-to-a-sand-filter.
In short:
Turn off, turn clockwise to backwash, turn on, let run 2 minutes or until clear, off, turn clockwise to rinse, on, run 30 seconds or until clear, off, turn clockwise to backwash, on, run 30s or until clear, off, turn clockwise to rinse, on, run 30s or until clear, off, turn clockwise to filter, on, open air relief valve to release any air, close air relief valve, look down at filter basket and make sure no air, or only trace of air bubbles, check air relief valve one more time and if no air only water, close air relief valve, check PSI gauge and if black needle is stable, record that as CLEAN PSI. Without kicking up any dust, scoop 1/4 cup of DE into a bucket of water (DE first or water first, whichever makes less dust for you), mix a little, then slowly pour into the skimmer basket, then wait 2-5 minutes and come back to check PSI gauge again. The PSI should have increased at least a little, but might not be noticeable yet on larger filters. Your goal is to repeat this 1/4 cup mixed bucket process, waiting 2-5 minutes between each addition, until your PSI gauge reads 1 PSI higher than CLEAN PSI. Record the number of 1/4 cup additions it took to raise your PSI by 1 from CLEAN PSI. Do not add any more DE until after the next time you backwash fully as described above. I repeat, DO NOT add any more DE until after your next backwash. Only increase the PSI by 1 above CLEAN PSI - ONE TIME - until after your next backwash.
When do you backwash? When the PSI gauge reads CLEAN PSI multiplied by 1.25.
Example:
After full backwash, let's say PSI is 15
You add 1/4 cup of DE (and wait 2-5 mins between) a total of 8 times before your PSI reads 16, then you know it takes 2 cups of DE mixed with water after each backwash (can be done all at once next time)
You will not add any more DE or backwash until PSI gauge reads 15 times 1.25 = 18.75 PSI (DIRTY PSI)
Did that make sense?
Wait...I might resemble that remark....Hi ho.
