FAQ

Cleaning & Troubleshooting DE Filters

When to clean the filter:

 

Pressure goes 8 PSI above starting pressure(starting pressure is when filter is clean and fresh DE has been added) Also can tell by the water pressure at the return, if it’s not pushing your hand away.

 

To clean:

 

1. Turn off pump
2. Turn off valve on front of pump(This will stop the water from coming into the pump and filter)
3. Remove the Drain Plug on bottom of the Filter Tank and open up the Air Bleeder on the top of the tank
4. Once water is drained from the tank remove the tank ring
5. Remove cartridge and hose off with water
6. Hose out the inside of the tank
7. Clean out the Pump housing basket
8. Screw Plug back in to the bottom of the tank
9. Put filter cartridge back in tank and pour 6lb of DE or Perlite (6 orange scoops) in the center of the cartridge
10. Put top back on and screw on the tank ring(make sure the oring on the top is lubricated)
11. Open the valve on the front of the pump

When to clean the filter:

 

Pressure goes 8 PSI above starting pressure(starting pressure is when filter is clean and fresh DE has been added)
Also can tell by the water pressure at the return, if it’s not pushing your hand away.

 

To clean:

 

1. Turn off pump
2. Connect backwash hose if needed – lay out flat make sure there is no twists or hose can burst
3. Move lever on the bottom of filter tank to backwash position
4. Turn on pump at highest speed – run until water coming out is clear – usually less than a minute(this process will be repeated 3 times to completely flush the tank)
5. Turn off pump
6. Move filter lever back to filter position
7. Turn on pump for a 30 seconds
8. Turn off pump
9. Move filter lever back to backwash position
10. Turn on pump at highest speed – run until water coming out is clear – amount of time should decrease each time (second time)
11. Turn off pump
12. Move filter lever back to filter position
13. Turn on pump for a 30 seconds
14. Turn off pump
15. Move filter lever back to backwash position
16. Turn on pump at highest speed – run until water coming out is clear (third time)
17. Turn off pump
18. Move filter lever back to filter position
19. Turn on pump and bleed air from filter(turn air bleeder on top of tank – leave open until water shoots out)
20. Add DE or Perlite to skimmer (4024 – 2.4 scoops, 4036 – 3.6 scoops, 4048 – 4.8 scoops, 4060 – 6.0 scoops)
21. Once all DE has been put in check pressure to make sure it is back at starting pressure, if is not there the filter may need to be taken apart and inspected and possibly acid washed
22. Add water to pool if needed to bring water level back up

When to clean the filter:


Pressure goes 8 PSI above starting pressure(starting pressure is when filter is clean and fresh DE has been added)
Also can tell by the water pressure at the return, if it’s not pushing your hand away.

 

To clean:


1. Turn off pump
2. Push down on the bump handle slowly until it moves all the way down. You should feel some resistance when you are pushing down on the handle, slowly push the bump handle up and down around 10 – 20 times. What this does is shake all the D.E. powder from the fingers that are inside of the pool filter. Remember the pool filter system should be off when you do bump the handle.
3. Connect backwash hose if needed
4. Open drain valve or remove drain cap
5. Turn on pump for a minute (this process with be repeated 3 times to completely flush the tank)
6. Turn off pump
7. Close the drain valve or put drain cap back on
8. Turn on pump for a 30 seconds
9. Turn off pump
10. Open drain valve or remove drain cap
11. Turn on pump for a minute (second time)
12. Turn off pump
13. Close the drain valve or put drain cap back on
14. Turn on pump for a 30 seconds
15. Turn off pump
16. Open drain valve or remove drain cap
17. Turn on pump for a minute (third time)
18. Turn off pump
19. Close the drain valve or put drain cap back on
20. Turn on pump and bleed air from filter(turn air bleeder on top of tank – leave open until water comes out)
21. Add DE or Perlite to skimmer (EC30 – 3lbs, EC40 – 4lbs, EC50 – 5lbs, EC65 – 6lbs, EC75 – 7lbs)
22. Add water to pool if needed to bring water level back up

 

Common issue: If D.E. is going back into the pool there’s either a cracked tube sheets or the fingers inside the filter have rips or tears in them. You will need to open up the filter and visually inspect the tube sheets and then also look at the fingers to see if they are in fact damaged. 

 

Maintenance: Couple times a month you may need to bump the handle a few times to reduce pressure.

Problem: Holes in Grids, Fingers, Cartridge or other Internals


Symptom: DE Filter Powder Returning to the Pool If one of the parts inside the DE filter goes bad, it is immediately obvious because DE will be returning to the pool. Always keep an eye on the filter returns after recharging the filter just to make sure nothing is coming back to the pool. There are several problem areas that can cause DE to return to the pool: Torn Filter Grids – these are usually pretty easy to spot when washing down the filter grids. Holes can develop anywhere in the fabric of the grid. Don’t forget to look at the very end of the grid. Many times a hole will develop on the bottom of the “tube” of the grid. Broken Manifold – a cracked manifold will cause a large amount of DE to return to the pool Broken/Missing Air Relief Strainer – if the air relief strainer is broken or missing, it will allow DE back into the pool.

Information About Cleaners & Common Issues

 

Above Ground Cleaners

Suction cleaner – put hose into skimmer (get air out of hose first – put the hose in front of the return while the pump is running.)


• Dual band of brushes to scrub while vacuuming
• Can Hookup a pole to manually vacuum / spot cleaning
• Adjustment to efficiently clean any pool size
• Not a lot of parts – No gears or belts that need to be replaced
• Relies on water pressure, vibrates to move

 

Common issue: Moving slow or barely at all – Filter needs to be backwashed/cleaned; Made need to bleed air from filter


Suggestion: Do not keep hose coiled up as it will retain a memory, try to leave it straight when not in pool.

Pressure Cleaner, Works off of your filter pump.


Common issue: Runs on its side – bag needs to be cleaned and/or float head needs to be replaced

 

Maintenance: Drive Belts may need to be changed every few years depending on use.

 

Pressure Cleaner, Operates independently of the pool’s system, running off a separate booster pump. Great for Large Debris.


Common issue: Runs on its side – bag needs to be cleaned and/or float head needs to be replaced


Maintenance: Wheels may need to be changed every few years depending on use.

 

Pressure Cleaner, Operates independently of the pool’s system, running off a separate booster pump.


Common issue: Runs on its side – bag needs to be cleaned and/or float head needs to be replaced


Maintenance: Drive Belts may need to be changed every few years depending on use.