How To: Prevent DE Powder Returning To Pool

[@calicialandry9285]

Really good information. Thank you. I still have the push/pull valve not the multi-port valve.

[@SomethingVISCID]

A similar problem can occur if the push/pull valve o-rings are damaged.

[@Lucianoq]

Very good information and very well presented. Thank you.

[@dominicmoreno7912]

I just got a brand new pool and was installed a Hayward DE filter. When l do a backwash and add DE thru skimmer. All the DE flushing back into pool. Its one of those quick skim skimmer. Also when l opened up the filter the grids looks like balloons, not stuck to grids. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

[@Inyopools]

If I had to guess, you installed the in and out plumbing lines in reverse. When the filter is plumbed correctly, it should be pushing in towards the grids. The way you describe the ballooning grids, you've been pushing water outwards.

[@dominicmoreno7912]

I'm assuming that it should have been a cartridge filter, instead of a DE filter. I'm going back and forth with the pool builder. Thanks for your expertise.

[@mestizodrb3013]

Great post I will check for a leak now

[@vietanh2487]

I had DE filter grids replaced and multiport gasket seal replaced. If I leave pump run 24 hours per day, no de filter power in the pool. If I had it scheduled off over 6 hours per day, then DE powder in the pool. It looks like there's leak. What should I do? Pool company can detect the leak?

[@Inyopools]

A couple of questions: Does the DE powder in your pool mostly collect around your main drain? Does your pump system lose prime/backflush when the pump turns off? If so, you probably have a s small air leak on the suction side of your plumbing, causing your system to lose prime. When your pump turns off, the pipes lose pressure, and the water in your equipment backflushes into your pool, bringing the DE powder along with it.

[@venomforhonor]

Hey I have a question, after backwashing at what point can I add the DE into the skimmer? How long should I wait after backwashing?

[@AnswerToNoOne]

You shouldn't run your pump without DE, so add it right away after you switch back to filter on the valve.

[@lrakwons9799]

Make sure you rinse in the backwash procedure as well. But like the other comment said you should add ASAP after backwashing

[@scharkalvin]

I thought I had a Hayward 2400 series filter (label on the side of the filter), but when I opened the filter to check for damaged grids, I found they were about twice as tall as the replacement grid unit I had bought on line. Now I will need to return it and get the right part. I've NEVER opened the filter before, but would back wash it whenever the pressure got too high. I had a hell of a time pulling the grid unit out, the manifold pipe would NOT let go. Finally after much rocking back and forth, it came out to reveal a mostly dissolved O ring. Now I need to know how to figure out what size filter I have and what size grids I need to get.

[@Inyopools]

Hi scharkalvin, we recommend to head over to our forum (www.inyopools.com/forum/) and post a few pictures of your filter. We have pool experts standing by that should be able to identify your filter and get you the right grids.

[@iamfluteloops]

@@Inyopools first of all, thank you so very much for that information-packed video. Unfortunately, there's no way I can get my DE filter open to determine what type I have; IF I have cracks in the manifold; IF I need new o--rings; IF I need a new spider gasket or ANY of the above you mentioned. I would LOVE to head to the forum with pictures, but if I can't even get the darn thing open (believe me, I've said much worse, lol), how in the world do I know what type filter I have? All I know is that the guy at the Pool supply place said it appears relatively new, from the picture I showed him. I just purchased this home. Believe me, if it's like everything else, it's not been properly maintained. I just had to replace the flow switch. I haven't been able to get the salt cell (?) off to clean it. I'm waiting until a friend comes up to visit. I even purchased the special strap wrench and still a no-go. I guess an old lady like me has no business trying to do all these things herself. However, I spent my retirement trying to save my late husband. So, I'm living the social security dream, lol. I was proud to replace the flow switch and figure out how to backwash, haha. However, not so proud when the DE powder reappeared in the pool. Grrrrr.

[@alexperez157]

What happens if I put too much DE into skimmer? Would backwashing help? There’s always plumes of dirt debris on the floor each week when I service a pool and vacuum 😭

[@toekneedaman1112]

In the video you are dumping DE directly into the skimmer. I was told that it was best to first mix it within a bucket of water and then pour that into the skimmer.

[@Inyopools]

It's easier to add the DE if you mix it up in a bucket of water and then pour it into the skimmer. In a pinch, you can pour the DE directly into the skimmer but make sure to do it slowly so the skimmer line doesn't clog up.

[@moboutmen]

Absolutely, make a slurry and pour slowly.

[@Xstevenn]

if i pour it too quickly could this also cause the De to come out from the bottom of the pool?@@Inyopools

[@KevinW-ew1wf]

DE will leak into pool from backflow. Also clogs Polaris filters and will cause breaking of items that are in reach of pool area....

[@melrobinson6919]

That's what I've been doing for the last 37 years with my pool, using a 5 gallon bucket. I remove the basket and float valve first. Also, I've seen some pool skimmers without the float valve. BAD IDEA! I was away for a week one time and there was a leak near the skimmer wall and so the water level dropped below the skimmer intake so the valve did it's job by diverting the water intake to the pump from the bottom drain rather than causing the pump to run dry.

[@mchaelhron279]

Ty. Good video. Very informative.

[@buhaytambay8850]

What is the main function of DE powder into pool?please reply,,,,

[@Inyopools]

DE powder is only used if you have a diatomaceous earth filter. The DE powder coats the grids inside the filter and that's what catches the fine debris and removes it from the pool.

[@MontegoAntipoloHomeOwners]

should i open the valve for returning/discharge side?

[@Inyopools]

The pool's plumbing valves and multiport valve should be set to normal filtering positions.

[@lyfissimpol6240]

hi ..what if the DE powder leaked to the pool?what should i do ?

[@Jdww89]

second set of fingers for a Hayward EC65. The DE powder is not collecting on the fingers. I've tried two different brands of DE powder. I've tried soaking the fingers and the muriatic acid ratio that's in the owner's manual from Hayward. and after reaching out to Hayward they recommended trying to soak it in non substitute TSP. anyone have a thought of what might be keeping the de powder from sticking to the finger nest?

[@SomethingVISCID]

Lack of water-flow?

[@patk8512]

why is algae shooting out of jet when filter first turned on?

[@lrakwons9799]

Grids in the filter could be torn causing the de to just shoot out of the filter. It looks like algae because it grips on the DE

[@Jdww89]

Ec65 Hayward perflex filter so I have fingers not a grid. after bumping, for about 20 seconds DE powder will shoot into the pool. I'm guessing one of my fingers has a hole in it and takes a about 20 seconds for the d e powder to accumulate on the fingers and clog the hole. Also I'm confused as no air bubbles come out on my return jets until I hook up my vacuum.it's a brand new hose both ends are completely submerged in water so I'm not sure why I get air bubbles coming out of the jets once I hook up my vacuum.

[@szililolabu]

Solar panels may push DE into the pool also. Solar collectors (panels) for heating the pool water are often elevated above the pool on a roof. When the pump is off, gravity may cause water from the solar to "back flow" through the filter into the pool. This pushes the DE back through the filter into the pool. If the solar has a vacuum breaker on it, isn't a properly installed and working check valve needed somewhere on the line going up to the solar?

[@Inyopools]

+szililolabu there should be a check valve preventing your solar panels from backflushing your DE filter. That should have been installed at the time of the solar panel installation.

[@szililolabu]

+Inyo Pools thank you

[@lbowsk]

PERF! Thanks.

[@artriveros7659]

I have a Pentair 4000 model that is shooting DE into the pool only at the time pump turns on. When replacing the DE or vacuuming it back up, it doesn’t shoot back. Only when pump comes on.

[@Inyopools]

There could be a small tear in the grid fabric, or the manifold is not sealed correctly to the standpipe or grid ports. When the pump starts, some powder may slip through, but this gap could close when the filter is fully pressurized.

[@bababooey6166]

Well, this actually failed to tell me how to actually REMOVE the DE powder that has settled at the bottom of a pool. Assuming there are no tears or cracks in the system, if I try to vacuum the DE powder from the pool that has settled, the actual act of vacuuming disturbs the settled DE and creates a cloud that cannot be vacuumed. So how do I remove the DE? What happened was the previous pool guy admittedly dropped too much DE in the system. I am trying to fix his "mess".....I vacuumed twice and backwashed 4 times and still the next day same amount of de has settled at the bottom. I have also let the pump run for two days straight! Any thoughts? Help? Thanks!!

[@userbosco]

Polaris w/ silt bag

[@HN-gj2iq]

Manual vaccum

[@lrakwons9799]

You need to vacuum to waste, for my company we just powervac. Which would the same as you going to waste. Let the DE settle and the pool get clear. Then go to vacuum moving very slowly and carefully. If you move to fast it’ll cause the cloudiness again like you experienced. Just a tip we like to do on the vacuum head take out the front brush. That way debris comes in a lot smoother especially for dirtier jobs

[@cjwooten4521]

Help! DE powder accidentally got poured directly into the pool and not my filter! How do I clean it out of the pool?

[@Inyopools]

Hi CJ, you can use your pool vacuum to suck up the DE powder which will go directly to your filter.

[@TheRemyRomano]

It can simply be vacuumed into your filter via the skimmer. If you have already recharged the filter with DE, to keep the extra DE from clouding your pool, then you may need to backwash the filter and recharge using 80% of the normal recharge volume of DE.

[@kevinrollins]

Thanks...great info!!

[@cloudygirl66]

Why can't you add DE to a pool without a DE filter?

[@hulkhogansnutsax766]

You can! your just gonna have to do a really good vacuum after.

[@cloudygirl66]

@@hulkhogansnutsax766 thanks Mr. Nutsax!

[@gregorylang569]

Maybe?

[@Inyopools]

Fünke?

[@georgeforall]

De enters my pool when pump first comes on for the first 20 seconds then stops. I've checked and replaced everything I can think of. Including grids. Any ideas?

[@sw2881]

I have same problem. When the pump is turned on, DE powder rushes into the pool. I have checked all items listed here but did not find the cause yet.

[@JustPast12]

Sometimes what can happen is the grids are not tighted down properly. Regardless of top or bottom manifold, the idea is the grids are sandwiched between the manifold and the wheel. As each grid sits properly in the hole of the manifold the nut on the rod is tightened. If not secure the pressure for starting your pump can lift the 1 or more grids and de can escape through the crack.

[@cwstewartjr1973]

check the manifold for any cracks. and backwash valve o-rings or gaskets

[@dannyboy768]

People please stop buying DE filters. Cartridges work fine and are so simple

[@LetsDIYIt]

Except they don't filter as well.

[@mikefitzpatrick43]

​@LetsDIYIt as a pool technician I agree. Cartridges need to be cleaned atleast once a month two and it takes time to clean them right

[@KevinW-ew1wf]

Sand filters in Texas! Nothing else!

[@mrclean6773]

Anybody know why DE entering through return line when i first start my filter then stops about a min later??? Manifold replaced, thin oring around the 2 1/2" pipe replaced and slide valve replaced a month ago. All grids replaced about a year ago and recently checked no cracks. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Inyopools]

I'd give the grid assembly one more inspection. Since the problem only presents itself as the filter is filling, there could be a seam that is only open when it is not fully pressurized. Besides a small tear in the grid fabric, a crack in the manifold or a standpipe o-ring that's just a bit out of place could be a problem.

[@mrclean6773]

@Inyopools thanks for your help and info👍🏽