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DE Filter Service

The DE filter is a special kind of pool water filter that uses a fine powder called diatomaceous earth to remove contaminants from water. This powder needs to be back washed out of the filter when ever the pressure raises by 5 pounds (or once a month). Once this is done fresh DE needs to be reintroduced into the filter.

How do you properly maintain a DE filter?

To get the maximum life from your DE filter the following things need to be accomplished:

1. Backwash Filter when pressure raises by 5 lbs.
2. Lubricate the back wash gaskets
3. Tear down filter every 6 months and thoroughly clean grids and inspect. Replace grids if needed.

If I back wash my filter, why does it need to be cleaned?

As the fine DE powder filters the water it is removing and catching the impurities that you don't want back into your water. While it is doing this the DE turns from powder to a paste like sludge that coats the grids like frosting on a cake. Over time this builds up in between the grids and does not come out during back washing procedures. This will reduce the efficiency of the filter and increase the pressure as the pump tries to push water through the sludge. Cleaning the filter will remove all of this material making the pump not have to work so hard resulting in less energy consumed to move the water.

OK, so how often does the filter need to be cleaned?

There are actually two different answers. Simply put all DE manufacturers recommend every six months minimum for cleans. There are other things that will change the filters need for cleaning. Such things include (but not limited to) dog hair, excessive dirt, heavy usage, entering pool with non-water soluble oils such as suntan lotion and the type of equipment you have. Some filters may require up to 4 to 6 cleans a year.

What is involved in cleaning a DE filter?

Your technician will perform the following steps to ensure maximum life of your DE filter:

• Take apart the filter and remove the grids from tank.
• Disassemble the grids (removing them from the manifold) and hose them off.
• Inspect each grid individually looking for punctures, tears or breaks in the plastic structure.
• Hose off the manifold and inspect for any breaks or cracks.
• Remove the drain plug (if equipped) and thoroughly clean the bottom of the tank.
• Reassembling the grids back in the manifold lubricating supply water "O" ring and reinstalling filtering assembly.
• Clean and lubricate all "O" rings (including but not limited to) tank ring, plug ring and back wash valve rings.
• reassemble filter and inspect for leaks.

What if a DE grid is torn?

A torn grid will allow dirt, algae and other impurities to pass through the elements resulting in unwanted material entering your pool. Upon inspection if we find a bad grid we will likely recommend replacing all 8 grids. Why? Under normal conditions the grids age together they are all the same age when the filter is installed. This being said when one breaks or tears there is a great chance that the rest will ultimately follow suit in a short time. This will ultimately end up costing more money as we will have to tear apart the filter again later. It is better just to do it all up front and save the expense.

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