So how much DE now?

[easy-e]

So, for anyone not familiar with my other threads, here is the rundown

New pool owner (old pool). Had it opened and cleaned. They tried to add DE but stopped when they noticed it was coming from the returns.

I take the filter apart, hose down the grids, inspect everything, looks okay. Reassemble filter, start adding DE. I was using a quart container as scoop, but don't remember how much I added. There was less than 1/3 of a bag. Stopped when I saw DE still entering pool from returns. Pressure is around 11 psi.

Now I'm panicking about a pool full of DE. I run my S200 think it help agitate it off the bottom and maybe get it on the grids. Stupid I know. End up having to wash DE out of poor robot 3-4 times before I realize this is stupid.

Take apart filter again today. Replaced all grids, manifold and stand pipe o-ring with new parts. Carefully inspect stand pipe. No issues.

Turn pump back on. I am now running robot without filters in to agitate the DE on the bottom of the pool and hopefully get into skimmers, also brushing often. Pressure is still only at around 11 psi but I don't see DE at the returns.

My question now is, how much DE should I add? I added all new grids, removed the old ones still covered in gunk, then DE removed with robot and when I washed the original set of grids.

Should I just go with the 80% number? Or knock it down a bit?

 

[Jimrahbe]

e,

If you replaced the grids, then you should add 100%. The little bit floating in the water won't make much difference.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[easy-e]

e,

If you replaced the grids, then you should add 100%. The little bit floating in the water won't make much difference.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Okay my concern was that it seemed like alot in the water, but I guess not.

Should I not run the pump until I get the DE in there?

 

[Jimrahbe]

e,

I like to get the DE ready then turn on the pump... And then add the DE in a slurry to the skimmer.

I add all the DE to a 5 gallon bucket. Then almost fill the bucket with water. Stir into a slurry and slowly add to the skimmer with the pump running.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[easy-e]

e,

I like to get the DE ready then turn on the pump... And then add the DE in a slurry to the skimmer.

I add all the DE to a 5 gallon bucket. Then almost fill the bucket with water. Stir into a slurry and slowly add to the skimmer with the pump running.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Well let's imagine I didn't have DE on hand and need to buy it right now. Should my pump be off or does it not matter.

 

[Jimrahbe]

e,

You really don't want to run the pump without any DE.. If you have half of the required amount you could add it now and then let your pump run while you got the rest.

If not, I would shut the pump off.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[easy-e]

e,

You really don't want to run the pump without any DE.. If you have half of the required amount you could add it now and then let your pump run while you got the rest.

If not, I would shut the pump off.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thank you for the quick responses. Shut it down and I'm heading to Lowe's now.

 

[easy-e]

Well, this sucks. DE still pouring out of the returns. It's as if the filter isn't even there. Just spraying right out from every return.

Only other thing I could think to check was the drain, which can be set for return or suction. So I closed the drain on both ends, then tried again, no change at all.

I am crushed here. Gonna start calling pool companies tomorrow I guess. If anyone has any other ideas I am all ears.

 

[anwallen]

Maybe a bad spider gasket if you have a multi-port valve?

Also check the manifold at the top of the filter grids and air bleed pipe on the manifold for cracks.

 

[Noreaster]

I think i recently read a post about a similar situation, it ended up being an issue with the slide valve missing a stop or something. What do you have for a backwash valve?