DE backwashing:
a diatomaceous earth lter
The diatomaceous earth lter for backwash-
ing purposes operates on a similar principle to sand
but will not require a pressure rise. The maximum
pressure rise, usually 12-16 lbs, is more important
with this platform to avoid damage to the lter it-
self, and early backwashing will not hurt the overall
lter performance. It may be prudent, for example,
to backwash the lter if the gauge has a 4 lb rise
and the owners or pool service will be gone for sev-
eral days.
The use of the multiport valve is identical to
a sand lter; you must turn off the pump between
each valve handle movement. The DE platform
requires three 2-minute backwashes followed by
rinse to clear, usually less than 30 seconds.
The backwash of a DE lter is designed to
knock down all powder and contaminant from the
grids. Softly slapping the side of the lter after
each rinse cycle will yield optimum results as dirty
powder drops to the bottom of the lter to be rinsed
out.
Failure to get all used powder at the bottom of the
lter will not allow new powder to coat the grids
evenly. At least twice per year, the grids must be
removed and soaked for trouble free performance.
A one hour soak in ve parts water, one part muri-
atic acid and 1 lb TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). It is
usally a good idea to hire a pool professional if this
is your rst swimming pool on your rst DE lter.
DE FILTER TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
Symptom Cause
Powder in the pool
“Murky” water or Oil Slick:
- Hole in grids
- Valve to separation tank is faulty or
open
- Too much powder in the lter
- Not enough powder in lter
- Grids need to be cleaned
- Grid assembly is cracked
- Breather cap plugged
The 60 sq ft DE lter typically contains six or seven fabric “grids” that must be
perfectly maintained with the carriage assembly and grids soaked quarterly.
The lter must be re-assembled squarely and with even tension on the car-
tridge.
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Pentair Multiport Valve
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