This was by far the most concise, well explained video I’ve come across on backwashing a DE filter. Thank you. This is my first filter without the main valve on top where you can turn it from filter to backwash or rinse etc. so I was clueless as to how to backwash the pool in our new house so thanks again. Also, did some digging and found that 4 pounds of DE is 24 cups or 6 cups equals one pound.
Everytime I need a refresher on backwashing my DE filter this video pops up on UA-cam. Wish you lived in Texas I would be calling you out. :) Thanks so much for the explanation and details. This video is the best.
This is my go-to video when it's time to backwash my DE filter. Highly recommend this channel to anyone looking to maintain their own swimming pool. Very clear and concise...
Another way of adding DE is to put the DE into a 5gal bucket, slowly add water (minimizes kicking up the DE into the air) then mix the DE really well in the bucket until it’s all suspended (floating) in the water. Then you can pour it into the skimmer. I was told that this method allows the DE to more evenly get distributed across all of the grids in the filter. Great video!
This is the way I do it. I use a small hose from the bucket to the skimmer, being disabled, so I can let the D.E. bucket water to be fed a little at a time. I used to sprinkle the DE water into skimmer very slowly holding the bucket. I noticed at one point some of the DE bucket water going back into the pool. So now I just prime the little hose by sticking the end into the skimmer hole with my hand wrapped around it. There's my prime, now the bucket water is going in as much as I want without back washing into the pool. For every one pound of DE I use 5 gallons of water. I think this may help coat the filter more evenly. It used to ask be at the bottom of the filter pump. Not anymore. Have an awesome day all! God Bless! ❤
New pool owner here, I’ve been trying to do the pool maintenance on my own since we got it and I want to say this 1000 times, thank you sooooo much! I was tempted to hire someone to do this for me but this was all I needed
I just want to add to my previous comment a massive thanks. I had to take over our pool maintenance two years ago and had some issues. It was ok but never great. This past Friday our pool was so bad I couldn't see the deep end. I had issues with the pump and pressure and suction. I was determined to fix it and watched a lot of videos, then attacked it full force on Saturday. Your videos were by far the most helpful and explained everything thoroughly. I literally started from cleaning the filters and using a bladder to clear the lines. It's now 7pm on Monday night and I'm at Lowe's to get chlorine tablets to maintain the crystal clear pool I was able to achieve in 48 hours. And for the first time I've learned how to get my automatic vac and skimmer to work at the same freaking time. Can't thank you enough!
Wow. Must be a "Kathy" issue! LOL I had the exact same experience. I have not reached the success level yet, but totally agree. The videos are great! On my way to backwash! Thanks for the great videos Pool School.
Thank you for this great tutorial! I've been backwashing my DE filter incorrectly for approx 15 years. I didn't realize I've been running the backwash cycle way too long. It explains why my grids haven't been holding up for more than 2 or 3 years.
Glad to help. Hope you subscribed to my channel and are sharing it. For more helpful tools, links and access to me check out my website poolschooler.com
So easy to understand your videos! Thanks for helping all of us with our pools! No one ever told me I should backwash, let alone I didn't know it existed! Lol. Hopefully this will help me with upkeep on my pool. This weather in Florida has knocked everything out of whack. This is the first month being July 2023 that I've had severe rapid growth of algae was almost overnight. Crazy. Hopefully I can get this thing back to normal soon. Temps are running around 96° with a feels like temp around 115° these past few weeks and then there's the rain everyday. I just want to be able to get into the pool at some point this summer. I have a DE pool.
I did a video on Algae and Algaecides and Why You Don't Need Them and I think it'll inform you greatly on the algae issue. Here's a link: ua-cam.com/video/MzGoK4Cd7tc/v-deo.html Also since you have a DE filter the grids can sometime tear and dump DE into your pool. This video will help you understand that: ua-cam.com/video/Khkr02ZTqlI/v-deo.html Hope you subscribed to my channel and please share it with all your friends and family.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! For anyone watching, this video could be done in 4 minutes but this guy throws so many valuable tips thoughout the video. Definitely listen to everything he says.
@@PoolSchooler Hi Pool School and Joe Kinchicken. Serious question regarding your hesitation with DE vs Cartridge. I had an above ground pool many years ago as kid (35 years ago)with a Hayward DE filter. Water always seemed very clear but I didn't have any reference to compare to. Now I'm looking at a pool for my family and retailer offered my choice of sand, cartridge or DE, with no price difference. She stated that sand can last 5 to 7 seasons. A clarifier can be added to clump small particles and allow sand filter to trap them. It requires the least maintenance. It filters down to 20 to 40 microns She stated that cartridges usually last 1 season and there is some effort to remove top to flush and clean cartridge. A clarifier can be added to clump small particles and allow cartridge to trap them, like you would with the sand filter. It requires a medium amount of maintenance where you remove the top, and just spray it off with a hose. It also uses the least amount of water, as it doesn't require backflushing like sand or DE. It filters down to 10 - 15 microns Simialr to the above two, a DE filter need maintenance when pressure increases indicating resistance. Bumping process with handle seems simple to me and I don't recall her stating how long the DE lasts but got some insight from this video. There was no need for clarifier as the filter is supposed to go down to 5 microns and possibly as low as 2 microns. It requires the highest amount of maintenance and I got a refresh of this watching this video. Water is very inexpensive where I live (my town borders on one of the Great Lakes) and she mentioned that DE pump uses the least amount of power to achieve the same water clarity. If I have no hesitation with bumping and backflushing and the technical aptitude to do it, would you still recommend the cartridge vs DE and if so, why?
@@tedk9144 I think in your case it's just a matter of personal preference. When you talk about measures of particles in microns it's actually getting down to splitting hairs in my opinion. All three have advantages and disadvantages, in my experience I have found the cartridge filters to be the ones I prefer over the sand and DE. But really if you like the DE filter then that's fine. It's your pool and your choice and you seem to have done your homework and made an informed decision for what you want.
We live deep in Baja Mexico well off the grid. Your tutorials are invaluable to one who does all his own pool maintenance. I never knew about flushing three times! Makes total sense. So I just went out and did it since the water truck is coming tomorrow to fill up our tank under the garage. Lots of issues to consider here with very hard water, all solar power, no availability of liquid chemicals etc., but somehow we manage! Thanks so much for sharing your valuable knowledge.
I think its worth mentioning, there are cartridge style filter with this style backwash valve the models that have the backwash valve on the bottom and contain 6-8 grids. Both DE filters, same backwash sequence. I was taught to mix the DE into water just for your own breathing safety. You don't need a license to service your filter just pay attention when you take it appart. I left the plug in the bottom of one of those filters over winter it accumulated enough moisture to Crack the whole bottom.
Great channel you have PS, you're a natural teacher. And as a ten-year owner of a Hayward EC-65 DE filter, I agree with everything you describe (although my procedure for recharging is somewhat different). (Sorry for the length of this!) A couple points I'd like to add: The DE itself is a naturally occurring product (from sea plankton, iirc) so if you dispose of it in the yard, or it's leaking back in the pool, it's non-toxic and harmless. I've been dumping mine out into a side yard for years and all it takes is one rainstorm and it's gone into the soil and the yard shows no signs of damage or stress. But because of the physical nature of it, you're right not to rub it if it gets in your eyes, nor should you inhale it. You're clearly working in a warm climate where pools don't really shut down the way they do here in the NE US. One thing I struggle with (maybe the only pool-related thing I struggle with), is opening the pool in the spring, when the water has turned a dark brown with all manner of debris and algae. In the first 2 weeks or so, depending on how much free time I have to babysit it, I might recharge the filter 7-8 times at 6-7 pounds of DE each recharge. That's insane and every year I promise to find myself a cheap used cartridge filter I can set up just for the initial cleanings. Alas, I never do. Would love to hear other ideas for getting over this initial yearly hump. Some wonder about whether the trouble of these filters makes it worth it. No other medium filters the water the way DE does. The clarity you get is stunning. Underwater with a mask in my pool and it's easy to imagine there's no water at all. FINALLY, the most important message I've seen in the videos of yours so far that needs to be amplified to 11 is your last one about children. In my (much) younger years I was a lifeguard, at some pretty high profile and pretty busy places. I made lots of rescues and a significant number of them were children, and the speed that a kid can get into trouble in the water will send chills up your spine. I've rescued kids whose parents were standing within 7-8 feet from them but distracted by chat with others, in water that wasn't 2 feet deep. Kids need first to be water-proofed. I came through the Red Cross programs and think very highly of them. Then as care-givers or parents you just cannot take your eyes off them for more than a couple seconds, SERIOUSLY! Thank you for including this message, it cannot be overstated.
Thanks for the comment. Hope you'll subscribe to and share my channel and for more money saving DIY pool stuff please check out my website poolschooler.com
You’re welcome, thanks for your comment thanks for watching hope you subscribe to my channel and please check out my new membership DIY Pool service website www.poolschooler.com
THanks! THis was an amazing video. I was able to do backwash for the first time successfully. The pressure in my tank was zero, after back wash it came to normal 15. ANd it is below 17 F. Needed to run the pool water in extreme cold.
Hello, Great Channel I'm a new pool owner we have a 16 by 32 ft. Inground 2 ft to 10 ft. I have a 36 sq. foot DE Cartridge filter. (Hayward) We bought a Foreclosed On Home. Pool was abandoned for 2 years I skimmed out 450lbs to 600lbs of Black/brown soot. Yes 450/650 LBS. Water was Black. From I guess decayed leaves. Following minimal soot in skimming net. I shocked water with 5lbs of shock a day. Ran filter 5 days 24 hrs. Back washing 3 times in between total filter cleaning. Water is now crystal clear. But filter pressure is rising to 20 to 25 lbs. psi after 4 to 6 hrs run time. Following 3 to 4 back washings pressure is shooting up to 25lbs psi within 1 hr of filtering. I soaked grids in Muriatic Acid (by the way grids are new). I thought perhaps from water being so black they were compromised. No Improvement ??? Is it normal for DE filter pressure to rise in such a short period of time. Even though water is so clean and clear. After cleaning filter I put in 6lbs of DE. Manual recommends 6 lbs. DE bag directions say 7 lbs for a 36 sq. foot filter. Total Chlorine 4 ppm Free Chlorine 3 ppm PH 7.4 Alk. 100 Hardness 250 !! CYNARIC ACID "0" ??? What do you think? Just friendly advice I realize to difficult to diagnose with certainty without first hand inspection. Your educated guess is better then my No Clue kbowledge.... Thank You Cruzer In CT
Sounds like you really worked a lot to get your pool clean and clear. Usually I'd say that you may have a torn grid or manifold but that doesn't seem to be the case here. Is it possible you're adding too much DE? For that size filter I'd suggest no more than 4 lbs of de when you recharge. Or (and I'd really consider this one), your grids (even tho they are new they had to do so much work filtering out all that gunk they may be super dirty and you may need to clean them). I'm not sure why you used muriatic acid but you said they were compromised, so I'm thinking you problem may be that your grids, albeit new, are shot because of all the gunk AND using muriatic acid to clean them, you may have compromised the fabric so much that they are not permeable enough and thus create too much pressure. You may have to replace them again (sorry to say). In the future you should only need to use a regular hose nozzle to clean the grids. I really believe the grid fabric was made less permeable by the acid and all the gunk. Try replacing them and see what happens., Also, it's possible something went awry when the new grids were installed and everything put back together. You may want to make sure your return flow valves are open fully so as to allow unhindered flow from the filter back to the pool. Lastly, its possible that with all the gunk your filter had to filter you may have a clogged line somewhere in the return from the filter to the pool that may be causing it. That's about all I can think of. Let me know what you discover. OH, and my thought about what you originally had to deal with
Thank you for your kind comment I appreciate it. If you'd like to make a donation to a project I'm producing and directing please visit www.tappingtheworld.com and check out the project and if you are so inclined you can make a donation from the website to help me out with this new project. Thanks.
I work at the processing plant that produces that DE filter media its actually kinda cool to see where it goes and how its used but word of caution try and use a good respirator we use them at all times due to the risk of scoliosis from the silica present in the DE
Oh wow! Frankie, thanks for that bit of information. I was not aware of that risk. Thankfully I only have two clients who have DE filters but I will for sure start wearing one. Yet another reason to not have a DE filter. Good information, thanks for commenting.
One of the best tutorial videos about backwashing I have seen! One question: When recharging is it better to mix the DE powder with water prior to adding to the skimmer? I've heard that this method coats the grids more evenly. Thanks.
Hi Dan. I'm glad you liked the video and that it was helpful. Regarding your question. Back in the 80's I was taught by the guy I bought my first house from in Southern California to mix the DE with water before adding it to the skimmer. However since I started servicing pools professionally (starting in 1994) all the guy I worked for never had me mix it with water. Just pour it directly into the skimmer WHILE THE PUMP MOTOR WAS RUNNING. I've been doing it that way ever since and have had no problem with it not coating the grids good enough. So all that to say, you should just be able to put the DE directly into the skimmer (take the basket out first-makes it go down better) with the pump motor running.
Hi, I am a retired pool professional of over 30 years. And technically yes the instructions do say mix with water, but very few people do that. I would agree with everything in this video except I always kept the basket in the skimmer while adding D.E. because it helps break up any clumping that might occur.
Yeah always keep the basket in while adding the DE!!! Your no pro sorry. And by the way I don't recommend breathing the DE in, its never good to introduce foreign materials to your body, but just for your viewers info, DE is simply crushed up sea shells, lots of calcium and small amounts of other minerals but not toxic to us in small amounts. Always add chemicals upstream of the wind when possible and for a side note it's a very good non toxic safe for children and animals pesticide. Cheap as hell and works great to smother all insects. Look up how insects take on oxygen and it will explain.!!
@@soulfulelf3821 while you might be a self professed god of all things pool related, to insult the creator of this video by not insinuating ‘he’s no pro’ is pretty disrespectful. Everyone learns differently and had different teachers. Personally I thought this video was excellent and perfect for his target demographic. One wonders why you even watched the video given you apparently know it all.
@@soulfulelf3821 take a step back and realize that you are gatekeeping for pool maintenance. The basket doesn’t matter at the end of the dang day. You come across as the dale gribble of pool maintenance with a good amount of pocket sand on hand. Is it better to wipe standing up or sitting down?
Some pools have DE filters that are gravity fed from the skimmers or gutters and the pump pumps the clean water out of the filter and back into the pool. Also, the filter is open on top so the DE is added right to the filter.
I would recommend high-speed at least 3500 to 3800 rpm. Typically you’d want it around the same speed that it turns to keep the suction side vacuum going if you have one.
I have on occasion blood out the air in a filter when I restart it after opening the pump basket cover. However, if the plumbing of the pool equipment is sealed, and doesn’t have any leaks, most of that air will typically purge out through the return ports or if you have it a pop-up cleaning system.
I just backed washed for the first time, it seemed pretty easy ! I hope I did everything correct, lol. Thank you you are a great help I believe I’ve learned everything from you . One question, what happens if you go over DE by like a pound ?
Outdoor Stuff Glad the video was helpful. If you go over on the DE buy a pound or so it’s really not that big a deal but sometimes it can restrict the water flow a little bit more which can in time create more stress on the fabric of the grids. Or might mean you’ll have to backwash it sooner.
@@stevemo1967 no, I’ve never had to do that or have done it. All the companies that I trained with and worked for never did it. So there really was no need for it.
Glad it helped. Hope you'll subscribe and please check out my website poolschooler.com for more $$$ savings tools, checklists, tips and links for the DIY pool owner.
I watch a lot of pool care videos and do a lot of reading as well because I help my friend maintain his 15' x 35' inground pool. It has a sand filter but used to have a d e. filter. I don't understand how anyone could go for months without needing to backwash their filter... I can go for a month at times when the chemistry is stable and on point, the water is crystal clear and except for debris blowing into the pool and dirt carried in by swimmers that settles on the bottom and gets vacuumed up, even that will take a long time before increasing filter pressure enough that I have to backwash the system... My point is, unless there's some odd reason for the filter medium to become impacted or clogged if you will, to the point where back pressure is too much and the filter can't do it's job properly or efficiently such as cellulose in phosphate removers can cause rapid and unexpected clogging of the filter medium and require backwashing. Bottom line is the filter needs to be backwashed when it needs it... according to the increase in operating pressure when first started up or when cleaned after backwashing... Usually a 10 pound increase in pressure above the pressure when the filter is clean.
Hi Keny, my husband backwash our pool DE filter following your well explained video, when he finished the gauge was at 20 psi which he says is the reading it has had since we remodel and upgrade the pool and systems, the pump clear top that goes to the pump has a bubble about the size of a quarter, would you be so kind to comment on those issues, please? Thank you for a fantastic video 👌
Then something absolutely went wrong. There is no way your pressure should have gone up on your filter after backwashing and recharge it. My thought is either there was no DE in the filter before your back washed it or you could have put too much DE powder in it when you re-charged it or somehow one of your return valves got closed and increased the pressure.
@@PoolSchooler I guess is better another backwash and see if the pressure gets to an acceptable range, I can't tell you how grateful I am for your time and help, the filter is a 48 area and it say to add 4.8 lbs well check if one time backwash brings it lower I'm in your debt, God bless TSVM
@@myfurrykid Try adding a little less DE when you recharge it (maybe 4 scoops the size of the one I use in this video) and see if that makes a difference. ALSO - AFTER YOU BACKWASH YOUR FILTER THE WAY I SHOW IN THIS VIDEO, NOTE THE PRESSURE BEFORE YOU RECHARGE IT. It shouldn't go up too much more than that once you recharge it.
Kenny hi - great video thanks! Very clear. Thanks. I have some bubbles coming out of my return lines to pool and spa. I have had two pool guys round to check as I also have a small amount of water coming out near my spa steps. We have done step tests, isolation test etc and got it down to the return lines. They say it's a small leak and advise using ' fix a leak' through the skimmer. It's a below ground pool so wondering whether it's best to dig up to get to the pipes or use 'fix a leak' solution. Any advice please?
Jackie Montado I would suggest fixing it right by digging up that area and fixing the pipe. It’ll be better in the long run. And I think it’s worth the cost. Some places it totally ok to save $$$ but some things are worth the cost of fixing right. This would be one of them.
so every time I backflush i should put more dE in? I have not been doing that. I have just been doing a quick backflush but if i do it three times i will need to really put in DE.
Great video... my first pool and I am still a bit lost... but I will continue to watch videos on how to take care of a pool... its a in ground fiberglass, I think 30,000 gal., in Bullhead Arizona... I do have a pool service but seems they don't want to educate me on anything.... sure would be nice for someone like you to come out and teach me everything... Thanks again!!
Stauder Fan if I wasn’t so far away I’d be happy to do that. One thing to keep in mind with a fiberglass pool is you never want to use a brush that has any metal in it’s bristles. Make sure it’s just the nylon bristle brush or you will damage the surface of your fiberglass pool Remember, take your time when you comes to caring for your pool it’s really not that hard. The biggest key is consistency. Check out my video on “my weekly pool regimen”. That should be helpful. Also, watch the one on testing your pool chemistry. That’s very important too.
cool, Thanks so much... yeah, I have a good brush... no metal at all... had a major calcium problem, solved that... water here is horrible.. Thanks again, will watch
I am about to do my first backwash, and I have a scooper that LOOKS like yours (blue with curved bottom, but mine is new and still has a handle), but I want to be sure it is the same size. On the inside of mine it says 770g and 24oz to the top but I know DE doesn't seem as dense so the DE weight isn't the same as a liquid measure. Do you think this is the correct scoop?
Thank you for this super helpful video!! Question: is the amount of DE added after backwashing different than the amount to add after fully washing the grids? Thanks!
Do you still need to use your little pool genie or a pool robot to go along the bottom of the pool to clean? Or is this pool cleaning filter going to keep your pool clean enough that you don't have to worry about that?
It’s important to understand the difference. A pool filter filters out dirt particles that are in the water. The vacuum is what sucks that dirt into the filter so it can be filtered. So you do need a vacuum and I would suggest the barracuda G3. It is a section side to stay in the pool vacuum and it is absolutely my favorite vacuum 98% of all my clients have one and it works great
Hrm, my filter has no valve of any type, it does have a handle on the top sticking out to one side. It's a Hayward brand, says EC-75, it's a very small filter compared to the one you're showing here. How do I backwash this thing? Do I have to take all the bolts out every time I backwash?
Typically the EC-75 is a DE filter. Unfortunately I don't have any clients who have a filter like that but if you do a UA-cam search on how to backwash an EC 75 (or 65) filter you should find something that will help you.
Great tutorial. I have an issue with my d.e filter. I constantly have to do a back wash to maintain a good suction preassure. The good operating pressure is 8 psi and when my pressure hits 20 psi I get no suction. Now Thats when i do the backwash to get good pressure again.Crazy as it sound Ive been doing it all weekend. FYI, NO leaks on the grids .Installed new grids. Any suggestions?
24 gearhead you might have to have the grids cleaned. Sounds like a lot of d e is imbedded in the grids. I usually have my clients grids cleaned once a year and that’s with regular backwashing.
Locking can be important, I've known valves to pop up under pressure. If it's sticky it probably needs lubricating and possibly new o'rings. Here's a link to a video I did on that: ua-cam.com/video/qdHijgpuiS8/v-deo.html It should help.
Great video! One of the best I have seen on this subject. One quick question...there is an air release valve on the top of my filter. Some videos I watched talked about opening up this air release valve at some point during the process. I did not see that mentioned in yours. Is there anything that needs to be done with this air release? Thanks!
The only time you need to open that air release is if you need to purge out any trapped air (which will usually purge out through the return jets) or when you're opening the filter up and opening the pressure relief valve (that's what it's called) will release the suction on the top part of the filter when you remove it. To do it during backwashing the filter is simply unnecessary.
You are wise to do that, and that’s one of the biggest reasons I don’t like the filters you should not have to do that just to keep your pool clean. Imagine if that DE gets into your pool because of a torn grid and then people are swimming in it. It’s just not healthy or safe for humans. Which is why I recommend people don’t get DE filters. I’ve become a big fan of sand filters using a sand substitute called Dr. Drydens activate glass filter media, watch my video on DE filters and why you shouldn’t have one and it explains it there.
Shadi Bader if you have a DE filter it has to have a backwash valve. Only cartridge filters don’t have a backwash valve. Please watch my video on types of filters.
I have learned so much from your videos, thanks! So my normal pressure was 20. Then it went to 30, and my skimmer lost suction. I did the backwash and it went back to 20 and my skimmer suction increased. Then a day later my pressure stayed at 20 but the skimmer has lost most of the suction. Any ideas why? Thanks
Go Kenny we did the black algae the way you said & we are going to add phosphate remover but should we back wash before adding that or just add phosphate remover & not clean or back wash filters.
with a DE or sand filter I always recommend backwashing them before and about a week after adding the phosphate remover. With cartridges it really depends on how long it's been since last washing. Or if the pool is really green or cloudy.
@@PoolSchooler we watched your video on black algae & did that. We cleaned the filters before we scrubbed for black algae & then added the phosphate remover (that was on Saturday) then Monday we did the back wash. It worked really good. The house is in Lake Havasu so it's really hot. As soon as it cool off we are going to drain it & srubb again. Then put in fresh water. Thank you, Kenny I love your videos
For the past several months my filter pressures never exceeds 10 psi. It used to raise to around 25 when dirty. I’ve replaced the pressure gauge and all The pool doesn’t seem to have any issues. Pumps good and water clarity and chemicals are good. Any ideas? .
Do you have adequate suction and return flow? If you have the proper amount of DE in your filter (after backwashing and recharging) and the pressure's still really low (typically after backwashing and recharging your psi reads somewhere between 12 and 18 psi) perhaps you have something restriction the suction side of your pool. I'd start by checking the pump impeller to make sure it's not clogged. Watch this video ua-cam.com/video/1xuGFGDJBmA/v-deo.html
When i first open my pool for the season, I may have to backwash 5-10 times a day for the first couple of days. Do I still put in the recommended dose, 3 lbs, each and every time? Isn’t that too much DE since it all doesn’t backwash out?
The purpose of the filter is to filter out small particles so you need adequate, clean amounts of filter media to do that every time you’re in the filter. So if you backwash your filter, the way I describe in this video you should recharge it fully so that it can do its job and clear up your pool. If not, you’re going to hinder the effectiveness of the filter itself. Unfortunately, that’s one of the drawbacks to having a DE filter. And if you seen my video on DE filters and why you shouldn’t have one you’ll know other reasons why I don’t care for them. I’m sure in your situation. A cartridge filter is not the most desirable one to have, but there is a product on the market that replaces sand in a sand filter with glass. It’s called Dr. Dryden‘s glass filter, Media substitute it’s more expensive than sand, but it’s guaranteed for the life of the filter, you never have to change it and it filters as good as DE without the safety hazard or mess. the studies that I’ve seen it say that it filters particles as small as 3 microns which is the same as DE. You might want to look into that for the future and get away from using DE altogether I personally think it’s a much better option again to clarify a sand filter using Dr. Dryden‘s activate glass filter, Media substitute instead of sand
Thanks a lot for your very useful video. i have a question now. What do i lose if i keep backwashing until draining all the pool water? As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about using my only pump (filtering pump) to empty all the water into the garden. I have a small garden next to the pool and need to empty all the water into the garden maybe once a year. Also please kindly let me know if you have any better idea for that (The main issue here is draining all the pool water into my garden without any additional pump). Thanks again.
shaskhim I don’t think it’s possible because once the water level gets below your skimmer it’s going to start bleeding air into your pump. Which could damage it. I have heard of some older pools that you can do that with but most people rent a submersible pump and then following whatever county or city or homeowners association guidelines they drain their pool water usually into the sewer or, the street, but I would definitely make sure that’s not against the law in your area. Or they will drain it into their yard as you suggest. But I would absolutely recommend renting a submersible pump that moves a lot of water instead of using your pool motor and pump.
@@PoolSchooler At first, thanks for your very kind and fast reply. As for the skimmer problem that you mentioned, i can close it's tab so there will be no air problem. I have 2 separated tabs for drain the pool as the input of filter (one for skimmer and the other one for pool bottom drains).
Question. You mention 1lb per 10sqft. And you get the square footage from the pump. If you look at the 4 box, it says 4.5 lbs. Why do you not go by that? Is it just because not all filters have that information?
No I get the square footage from the label on the filter. Not sure what you mean by "the 4 box". Your filter should have that info on the label. If not you should find out at least the type cause it tells the maximum operating pressure on it and it's critical to know that so your filter doesn't blow up if the pressure gets to high.
How many cups does your DE Scoop hold? I was given the 3 cup size by leslies and i think thats just 1/2 pound. But your scoop looks like the same size approximately
Regarding the broken grids. Does that mean the outer lining or the actual plastic “vent” looking areas in the zDE filter? We have a few broken pieces in the vents. Some have come out through the output or jets as you described so I am worried we Need to replace the entire filter
It does sound like you’re grid frame is breaking apart. You should be able to replace the frames on a DE filter that if the frame itself is deteriorated to that degree chances are the filter is pretty darn old as well. My suggestion would be to replace the filter but switch to a cartridge filter instead of D.E. DE can be quite hazardous. I’ve pasted an email I got from a subscriber who works at a plant that produces DE and here’s what he had to say: “I work at the processing plant that produces that DE filter media its actually kinda cool to see where it goes and how its used but word of caution try and use a good respirator we use them at all times due to the risk of scoliosis from the silica present in the DE”.
For my pool. I was trying to use the skimmer as a vacuum and it will not suction. I'm trying to find out which valve I close and leave open to know where I can put my hose for the most suction power. Another thing is that yesterday I started getting debris back into my pool coming from the water jets that pump water back in. Turns out I had put the filter in wrong and went back and adjusted it. Should I keep running the pool and it will eventually filter out all the debris? Thanks.
This video may help: ua-cam.com/video/nJCg8SjdBCM/v-deo.html. Regarding the debris blowback. If you have a cleaning system (pool vac or pop up cleaning system) it should get it. If not you may have to manually vacuum it or net it out. Here's a link on how to vacuum your pool "the old fashioned way": ua-cam.com/video/x9WaMUzSO-8/v-deo.html Hope these help.
If its a single small filter I'd suggest not washing them (they're cheap enough to just replace once a month. If you do decide to wash them NEVER USE SOAP. Just water through a good nozzle. DON'T USE DAWN.
Backwashing and recharging the filter has to be done regularly but once a year your grids need to be taken apart and washed off cause some DE always stays imbedded in the grids when backwashing and you need to clean them more thoroughly. Here's a link to a video I did on that: ua-cam.com/video/M9jmD7Jsv04/v-deo.html It's scheduled for release in two weeks so the link may not work til then but try it and see if it works. If not, check it out in two weeks. Hope you'll subscribe.
I have a quick question about the pressure. If being too high is indicative of dirty grids and need to be back washed, does low pressure mean you don't have enough DE in the filter? My pressure is 10psi which seems low to me.
The lower pressure could be due to a couple things, but typically that does not include two little DE. Often low psi is due to some type of restriction on the suction side of your pool. Make sure your skimmer and pump baskets are empty and check your pumps impeller. One of the most common reasons for low psi is a clogged pump impeller
So I have a pentair filter and it was reading 30PSI where the gauge says Clean Filter. I cleaned the filters inside the tank, hosed them down got all the debris, dirt and DE clinging to the filters off. Once i did that i then put the new DE through my filter but my gauge still reads 30PSI and clean filter. What did I do wrong or is there something else I need to do?? Appreciate the videos, they have been a huge help. Thanks
Nick Nolan is start by making sure your return flow back to the pool isn’t restricted in any way like maybe a valve being shut a bit. If all valves are open it may have to do with your manifold inside the filter. If it’s broken or clogged in anyway that could do it or the remote possibility of it being reassembled incorrectly could effect it too.
How do you know what size of DE filter to get for your pool, 32 ft tells me like 8 ft by 4 ft but if I've got a swimming pool on my backyard that a lot of campgrounds would love to have and holds about 40,000 gallons that'll tell me a heck of a lot more gallon size than so many square feet
There are many online calculators to help you determine what size DE filter do you need for a pool of any size. All you have to do is enter the dimensions or the gallonage I will tell you. Just look up online DE filter calculator or type in “how big a DE filter do I need for my pool“
This was the best video I was able to
Watch this and pause step by step while backwashing . Normally I need my husband . Thank you soo much
So glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and share it with everyone you know who owns a pool.
This was by far the most concise, well explained video I’ve come across on backwashing a DE filter. Thank you. This is my first filter without the main valve on top where you can turn it from filter to backwash or rinse etc. so I was clueless as to how to backwash the pool in our new house so thanks again. Also, did some digging and found that 4 pounds of DE is 24 cups or 6 cups equals one pound.
I'm delighted to hear this video was helpful. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel.
Outstanding easy to understand video. Thank you very much Kenny. You are the man !!
Everytime I need a refresher on backwashing my DE filter this video pops up on UA-cam. Wish you lived in Texas I would be calling you out. :) Thanks so much for the explanation and details. This video is the best.
Glad to be of help. Thank you for your kind remarks.
This is my go-to video when it's time to backwash my DE filter. Highly recommend this channel to anyone looking to maintain their own swimming pool. Very clear and concise...
Thank you, glad it was helpful. Hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and share it with all your friends.
Another way of adding DE is to put the DE into a 5gal bucket, slowly add water (minimizes kicking up the DE into the air) then mix the DE really well in the bucket until it’s all suspended (floating) in the water. Then you can pour it into the skimmer. I was told that this method allows the DE to more evenly get distributed across all of the grids in the filter. Great video!
That was actually the way the guy I bought my first house from told me to do it back in 1983.
This is the way I do it. I use a small hose from the bucket to the skimmer, being disabled, so I can let the D.E. bucket water to be fed a little at a time. I used to sprinkle the DE water into skimmer very slowly holding the bucket. I noticed at one point some of the DE bucket water going back into the pool. So now I just prime the little hose by sticking the end into the skimmer hole with my hand wrapped around it. There's my prime, now the bucket water is going in as much as I want without back washing into the pool. For every one pound of DE I use 5 gallons of water. I think this may help coat the filter more evenly. It used to ask be at the bottom of the filter pump. Not anymore. Have an awesome day all! God Bless! ❤
New pool owner here, I’ve been trying to do the pool maintenance on my own since we got it and I want to say this 1000 times, thank you sooooo much! I was tempted to hire someone to do this for me but this was all I needed
RAAM Visuals I’m so glad my videos have been helpful.
Check chemicals once a week. Low ph is ACID. It will destroy a liner and eat your pump and heater from the inside out
I just want to add to my previous comment a massive thanks. I had to take over our pool maintenance two years ago and had some issues. It was ok but never great. This past Friday our pool was so bad I couldn't see the deep end. I had issues with the pump and pressure and suction. I was determined to fix it and watched a lot of videos, then attacked it full force on Saturday. Your videos were by far the most helpful and explained everything thoroughly. I literally started from cleaning the filters and using a bladder to clear the lines. It's now 7pm on Monday night and I'm at Lowe's to get chlorine tablets to maintain the crystal clear pool I was able to achieve in 48 hours. And for the first time I've learned how to get my automatic vac and skimmer to work at the same freaking time. Can't thank you enough!
Kathy O I am so happy to hear this. Congratulations on your success with your pool. And thank you for your kind comment.
Wow. Must be a "Kathy" issue! LOL I had the exact same experience. I have not reached the success level yet, but totally agree. The videos are great! On my way to backwash! Thanks for the great videos Pool School.
@@humanbeing1065 Youre welcome.
@@PoolSchooler Wish you were nearby (la habra, ca) so I could hire you !! LOL
@@humanbeing1065 Wow, small world. My wife went to La Habra High School and she was Miss La Habra back in the 80's
Thank you for this great tutorial! I've been backwashing my DE filter incorrectly for approx 15 years. I didn't realize I've been running the backwash cycle way too long. It explains why my grids haven't been holding up for more than 2 or 3 years.
Glad to help. Hope you subscribed to my channel and are sharing it. For more helpful tools, links and access to me check out my website poolschooler.com
So easy to understand your videos! Thanks for helping all of us with our pools! No one ever told me I should backwash, let alone I didn't know it existed! Lol. Hopefully this will help me with upkeep on my pool. This weather in Florida has knocked everything out of whack. This is the first month being July 2023 that I've had severe rapid growth of algae was almost overnight. Crazy. Hopefully I can get this thing back to normal soon. Temps are running around 96° with a feels like temp around 115° these past few weeks and then there's the rain everyday. I just want to be able to get into the pool at some point this summer. I have a DE pool.
I did a video on Algae and Algaecides and Why You Don't Need Them and I think it'll inform you greatly on the algae issue. Here's a link: ua-cam.com/video/MzGoK4Cd7tc/v-deo.html Also since you have a DE filter the grids can sometime tear and dump DE into your pool. This video will help you understand that: ua-cam.com/video/Khkr02ZTqlI/v-deo.html
Hope you subscribed to my channel and please share it with all your friends and family.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! For anyone watching, this video could be done in 4 minutes but this guy throws so many valuable tips thoughout the video. Definitely listen to everything he says.
Hi Scott, thanks for your kind comments. I appreciate it.
@Joe Kinchicken I'm totally with you.
@@PoolSchooler Hi Pool School and Joe Kinchicken.
Serious question regarding your hesitation with DE vs Cartridge. I had an above ground pool many years ago as kid (35 years ago)with a Hayward DE filter. Water always seemed very clear but I didn't have any reference to compare to. Now I'm looking at a pool for my family and retailer offered my choice of sand, cartridge or DE, with no price difference.
She stated that sand can last 5 to 7 seasons. A clarifier can be added to clump small particles and allow sand filter to trap them. It requires the least maintenance. It filters down to 20 to 40 microns
She stated that cartridges usually last 1 season and there is some effort to remove top to flush and clean cartridge. A clarifier can be added to clump small particles and allow cartridge to trap them, like you would with the sand filter. It requires a medium amount of maintenance where you remove the top, and just spray it off with a hose. It also uses the least amount of water, as it doesn't require backflushing like sand or DE. It filters down to 10 - 15 microns
Simialr to the above two, a DE filter need maintenance when pressure increases indicating resistance. Bumping process with handle seems simple to me and I don't recall her stating how long the DE lasts but got some insight from this video. There was no need for clarifier as the filter is supposed to go down to 5 microns and possibly as low as 2 microns. It requires the highest amount of maintenance and I got a refresh of this watching this video.
Water is very inexpensive where I live (my town borders on one of the Great Lakes) and she mentioned that DE pump uses the least amount of power to achieve the same water clarity.
If I have no hesitation with bumping and backflushing and the technical aptitude to do it, would you still recommend the cartridge vs DE and if so, why?
@@tedk9144 I think in your case it's just a matter of personal preference. When you talk about measures of particles in microns it's actually getting down to splitting hairs in my opinion. All three have advantages and disadvantages, in my experience I have found the cartridge filters to be the ones I prefer over the sand and DE. But really if you like the DE filter then that's fine. It's your pool and your choice and you seem to have done your homework and made an informed decision for what you want.
We live deep in Baja Mexico well off the grid. Your tutorials are invaluable to one who does all his own pool maintenance. I never knew about flushing three times! Makes total sense. So I just went out and did it since the water truck is coming tomorrow to fill up our tank under the garage. Lots of issues to consider here with very hard water, all solar power, no availability of liquid chemicals etc., but somehow we manage! Thanks so much for sharing your valuable knowledge.
Thank you. Hope you'll subscribe and please check out my website poolschooler.com
I realize I'm kinda off topic but do anyone know a good site to stream newly released series online ?
@Ezra Forrest Thanks, signed up and it seems like a nice service =) I really appreciate it !
@Rogelio Troy you are welcome xD
Best video I've found. And the system is exactly what we have. Thank you
I'm delighted to hear that. Thank you for watching and commenting. Hope you'll subscribe and share my channel with others.
I think its worth mentioning, there are cartridge style filter with this style backwash valve the models that have the backwash valve on the bottom and contain 6-8 grids. Both DE filters, same backwash sequence. I was taught to mix the DE into water just for your own breathing safety. You don't need a license to service your filter just pay attention when you take it appart. I left the plug in the bottom of one of those filters over winter it accumulated enough moisture to Crack the whole bottom.
You don't backwash cartridge filters.
Great channel you have PS, you're a natural teacher. And as a ten-year owner of a Hayward EC-65 DE filter, I agree with everything you describe (although my procedure for recharging is somewhat different).
(Sorry for the length of this!)
A couple points I'd like to add: The DE itself is a naturally occurring product (from sea plankton, iirc) so if you dispose of it in the yard, or it's leaking back in the pool, it's non-toxic and harmless. I've been dumping mine out into a side yard for years and all it takes is one rainstorm and it's gone into the soil and the yard shows no signs of damage or stress. But because of the physical nature of it, you're right not to rub it if it gets in your eyes, nor should you inhale it.
You're clearly working in a warm climate where pools don't really shut down the way they do here in the NE US. One thing I struggle with (maybe the only pool-related thing I struggle with), is opening the pool in the spring, when the water has turned a dark brown with all manner of debris and algae. In the first 2 weeks or so, depending on how much free time I have to babysit it, I might recharge the filter 7-8 times at 6-7 pounds of DE each recharge. That's insane and every year I promise to find myself a cheap used cartridge filter I can set up just for the initial cleanings. Alas, I never do. Would love to hear other ideas for getting over this initial yearly hump.
Some wonder about whether the trouble of these filters makes it worth it. No other medium filters the water the way DE does. The clarity you get is stunning. Underwater with a mask in my pool and it's easy to imagine there's no water at all.
FINALLY, the most important message I've seen in the videos of yours so far that needs to be amplified to 11 is your last one about children. In my (much) younger years I was a lifeguard, at some pretty high profile and pretty busy places. I made lots of rescues and a significant number of them were children, and the speed that a kid can get into trouble in the water will send chills up your spine. I've rescued kids whose parents were standing within 7-8 feet from them but distracted by chat with others, in water that wasn't 2 feet deep.
Kids need first to be water-proofed. I came through the Red Cross programs and think very highly of them. Then as care-givers or parents you just cannot take your eyes off them for more than a couple seconds, SERIOUSLY! Thank you for including this message, it cannot be overstated.
0
Thanks, this guy was easy to understand. Plus he doesn't use that pump with the one handle for other stuff.
Thanks for the comment. Hope you'll subscribe to and share my channel and for more money saving DIY pool stuff please check out my website poolschooler.com
Thanks! Your video helps me backwash my pool! Many thanks!
Glad to be of help. Hope you'll subscribe to and share my channel. Exciting announcement coming early spring 2021.
Love the intro bong rip.
Excellent video. Your video and style of teaching helped me . Thank you.
So glad to hear that. Thanks for your comment and if you are so inclined to share my channel I'd appreciate it.
Thanks Kenny for making this video friendly for all of us, well done.
You’re welcome, thanks for your comment thanks for watching hope you subscribe to my channel and please check out my new membership DIY Pool service website www.poolschooler.com
THanks! THis was an amazing video. I was able to do backwash for the first time successfully. The pressure in my tank was zero, after back wash it came to normal 15. ANd it is below 17 F. Needed to run the pool water in extreme cold.
So glad to hear this was helpful. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel.
Best filter backwashing video I have seen. Good job.
I appreciate that. Thank you.
Hello,
Great Channel
I'm a new pool owner we have a 16 by 32 ft. Inground 2 ft to 10 ft.
I have a 36 sq. foot DE Cartridge filter. (Hayward)
We bought a Foreclosed On Home.
Pool was abandoned for 2 years I skimmed out 450lbs to 600lbs of Black/brown soot. Yes 450/650 LBS. Water was Black. From I guess decayed leaves.
Following minimal soot in skimming net. I shocked water with 5lbs of shock a day.
Ran filter 5 days 24 hrs. Back washing 3 times in between total filter cleaning.
Water is now crystal clear.
But filter pressure is rising to 20 to 25 lbs. psi after 4 to 6 hrs run time.
Following 3 to 4 back washings pressure is shooting up to 25lbs psi within 1 hr of filtering.
I soaked grids in Muriatic Acid (by the way grids are new). I thought perhaps from water being so black they were compromised.
No Improvement
???
Is it normal for DE filter pressure to rise in such a short period of time. Even though water is so clean and clear.
After cleaning filter I put in 6lbs of DE.
Manual recommends 6 lbs. DE bag directions say 7 lbs for a 36 sq. foot filter.
Total Chlorine 4 ppm
Free Chlorine 3 ppm
PH 7.4
Alk. 100
Hardness 250
!! CYNARIC ACID "0" ???
What do you think?
Just friendly advice I realize to difficult to diagnose with certainty without first hand inspection.
Your educated guess is better then my No Clue kbowledge....
Thank You
Cruzer
In
CT
Sounds like you really worked a lot to get your pool clean and clear. Usually I'd say that you may have a torn grid or manifold but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
Is it possible you're adding too much DE? For that size filter I'd suggest no more than 4 lbs of de when you recharge.
Or (and I'd really consider this one), your grids (even tho they are new they had to do so much work filtering out all that gunk they may be super dirty and you may need to clean them).
I'm not sure why you used muriatic acid but you said they were compromised, so I'm thinking you problem may be that your grids, albeit new, are shot because of all the gunk AND using muriatic acid to clean them, you may have compromised the fabric so much that they are not permeable enough and thus create too much pressure. You may have to replace them again (sorry to say). In the future you should only need to use a regular hose nozzle to clean the grids. I really believe the grid fabric was made less permeable by the acid and all the gunk. Try replacing them and see what happens.,
Also, it's possible something went awry when the new grids were installed and everything put back together.
You may want to make sure your return flow valves are open fully so as to allow unhindered flow from the filter back to the pool.
Lastly, its possible that with all the gunk your filter had to filter you may have a clogged line somewhere in the return from the filter to the pool that may be causing it.
That's about all I can think of. Let me know what you discover. OH, and my thought about what you originally had to deal with
This guys video has helped me so damn much. Thanks lad!
Thank you for your kind comment I appreciate it. If you'd like to make a donation to a project I'm producing and directing please visit www.tappingtheworld.com and check out the project and if you are so inclined you can make a donation from the website to help me out with this new project. Thanks.
Thanks Kenny for the Pool School videos!! I'm a new pool owner and a proud pool girl, keeper of our pool. I really needed the help!!
Leah Farber glad to be of help.
Thank for the being detailed and running through the numbers. This video is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful.
Hope you'll check out my exclusive member website for the DIY Pool Owner: poolschooler.com
You re great..thanks!
Happy to hear that. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel and share it with others.
I work at the processing plant that produces that DE filter media its actually kinda cool to see where it goes and how its used but word of caution try and use a good respirator we use them at all times due to the risk of scoliosis from the silica present in the DE
Oh wow! Frankie, thanks for that bit of information. I was not aware of that risk. Thankfully I only have two clients who have DE filters but I will for sure start wearing one. Yet another reason to not have a DE filter. Good information, thanks for commenting.
*silicosis 😂 scaring of the lungs.
Had me really curious about how DE could cause curvature of the spine 🤓🤔🧐🥸🥰
One of the best tutorial videos about backwashing I have seen! One question: When recharging is it better to mix the DE powder with water prior to adding to the skimmer? I've heard that this method coats the grids more evenly. Thanks.
Hi Dan. I'm glad you liked the video and that it was helpful. Regarding your question. Back in the 80's I was taught by the guy I bought my first house from in Southern California to mix the DE with water before adding it to the skimmer. However since I started servicing pools professionally (starting in 1994) all the guy I worked for never had me mix it with water. Just pour it directly into the skimmer WHILE THE PUMP MOTOR WAS RUNNING. I've been doing it that way ever since and have had no problem with it not coating the grids good enough. So all that to say, you should just be able to put the DE directly into the skimmer (take the basket out first-makes it go down better) with the pump motor running.
Hi, I am a retired pool professional of over 30 years. And technically yes the instructions do say mix with water, but very few people do that. I would agree with everything in this video except I always kept the basket in the skimmer while adding D.E. because it helps break up any clumping that might occur.
Yeah always keep the basket in while adding the DE!!! Your no pro sorry. And by the way I don't recommend breathing the DE in, its never good to introduce foreign materials to your body, but just for your viewers info, DE is simply crushed up sea shells, lots of calcium and small amounts of other minerals but not toxic to us in small amounts. Always add chemicals upstream of the wind when possible and for a side note it's a very good non toxic safe for children and animals pesticide. Cheap as hell and works great to smother all insects. Look up how insects take on oxygen and it will explain.!!
@@soulfulelf3821 while you might be a self professed god of all things pool related, to insult the creator of this video by not insinuating ‘he’s no pro’ is pretty disrespectful. Everyone learns differently and had different teachers. Personally I thought this video was excellent and perfect for his target demographic.
One wonders why you even watched the video given you apparently know it all.
@@soulfulelf3821 take a step back and realize that you are gatekeeping for pool maintenance. The basket doesn’t matter at the end of the dang day. You come across as the dale gribble of pool maintenance with a good amount of pocket sand on hand. Is it better to wipe standing up or sitting down?
Great video got my pool to have full suction back again!!!! Thank you so much!!!!
Awesome! Way to go!!!
Some pools have DE filters that are gravity fed from the skimmers or gutters and the pump pumps the clean water out of the filter and back into the pool. Also, the filter is open on top so the DE is added right to the filter.
Good to know. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you. This video was very helpful. First year with an inground pool and I'm clueless lol
You're welcome. Glad it helped. Hope you subscribed.
this video saved my pool !
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Really appreciate the detail and tips in this video.
So glad it helped. Hope you'll subscribe.
Great video, thanks for the easy info
You'e so welcome. Thanks for the comment and ;please do subscribe and share.
Great step by step! Thanks Kenny!
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for your comment and please subscribe and share.
Great step by step tutorial!
Thank you. Hope you'll subscribe
Thanks for the great video. I have a variable speed pump. What speed or flow rate do you recommend for backwashing.
I would recommend high-speed at least 3500 to 3800 rpm. Typically you’d want it around the same speed that it turns to keep the suction side vacuum going if you have one.
Very Thorough and Excellent !!!
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for commenting. I hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and share it with everyone you know who owns a pool.
Great video.
Thank you for commenting. Hope you will subscribe to my channel and share it with others.
Super excellent video!!!
Thank you.
Very clear and detailed. Thanks!
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Great thorough instructions! Thanks!
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Well this explains why my pool is cloudy and I can’t get rid of it. New grinds installed soon
Glad to be of help.
You never bleed the air pressure out of the filter when turning the pool pump is that common practice?
I have on occasion blood out the air in a filter when I restart it after opening the pump basket cover. However, if the plumbing of the pool equipment is sealed, and doesn’t have any leaks, most of that air will typically purge out through the return ports or if you have it a pop-up cleaning system.
I just backed washed for the first time, it seemed pretty easy ! I hope I did everything correct, lol. Thank you you are a great help I believe I’ve learned everything from you . One question, what happens if you go over DE by like a pound ?
Outdoor Stuff Glad the video was helpful. If you go over on the DE buy a pound or so it’s really not that big a deal but sometimes it can restrict the water flow a little bit more which can in time create more stress on the fabric of the grids. Or might mean you’ll have to backwash it sooner.
Great video! Thank you very much! Very helpful.
Thank you for watching and commenting. Hope you'll subscribe and share this channel.
This is great do you suggest 'draining' the filter by removing the bottom plug first before backwashing?
@@stevemo1967 no, I’ve never had to do that or have done it. All the companies that I trained with and worked for never did it. So there really was no need for it.
Wow great video Thank you for the help
Glad it helped. Hope you'll subscribe and please check out my website poolschooler.com for more $$$ savings tools, checklists, tips and links for the DIY pool owner.
Quick and easy, thanks for sharing
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and please do subscribe to and share my channel
Great video! Thank you for putting in the time to make this.
You're welcome
@@PoolSchooler 6.h6 7
Surah ikhlas
8th
Informative video👍, thanks🤙
Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and share it with everyone you know who owns a pool.
Great Video! Thank you...
Glad it was helpful hope you’ll subscribe to my channel.
The water bill where I live is very high.
IME - I just clean the filter. Imo, its the most efficient and effective.
I watch a lot of pool care videos and do a lot of reading as well because I help my friend maintain his 15' x 35' inground pool. It has a sand filter but used to have a d e. filter. I don't understand how anyone could go for months without needing to backwash their filter... I can go for a month at times when the chemistry is stable and on point, the water is crystal clear and except for debris blowing into the pool and dirt carried in by swimmers that settles on the bottom and gets vacuumed up, even that will take a long time before increasing filter pressure enough that I have to backwash the system... My point is, unless there's some odd reason for the filter medium to become impacted or clogged if you will, to the point where back pressure is too much and the filter can't do it's job properly or efficiently such as cellulose in phosphate removers can cause rapid and unexpected clogging of the filter medium and require backwashing. Bottom line is the filter needs to be backwashed when it needs it... according to the increase in operating pressure when first started up or when cleaned after backwashing... Usually a 10 pound increase in pressure above the pressure when the filter is clean.
Hope my videos have been helpful.
Is that the name of a band ?
Just kidding.
Thank you for the information
Awesome brother
😉😂.👍. Thank you sir.
Thank you for posting this vid, it was very helpful. Just completed my first backwash and it really wasn't that bad.
Glad it went well. Thanks for watching and for commenting.
Great vid Kenny. Thanks for the tips.
Any time!
Best film. thanks
Thanks for commenting.
Great video! Thanks!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you'll subscribe.
Hi Keny, my husband backwash our pool DE filter following your well explained video, when he finished the gauge was at 20 psi which he says is the reading it has had since we remodel and upgrade the pool and systems, the pump clear top that goes to the pump has a bubble about the size of a quarter, would you be so kind to comment on those issues, please? Thank you for a fantastic video 👌
myfurrykid what was the pressure before backwashing?
@@PoolSchooler
It was 11 psi
Then something absolutely went wrong. There is no way your pressure should have gone up on your filter after backwashing and recharge it. My thought is either there was no DE in the filter before your back washed it or you could have put too much DE powder in it when you re-charged it or somehow one of your return valves got closed and increased the pressure.
@@PoolSchooler
I guess is better another backwash and see if the pressure gets to an acceptable range, I can't tell you how grateful I am for your time and help, the filter is a 48 area and it say to add 4.8 lbs well check if one time backwash brings it lower
I'm in your debt, God bless TSVM
@@myfurrykid Try adding a little less DE when you recharge it (maybe 4 scoops the size of the one I use in this video) and see if that makes a difference. ALSO - AFTER YOU BACKWASH YOUR FILTER THE WAY I SHOW IN THIS VIDEO, NOTE THE PRESSURE BEFORE YOU RECHARGE IT. It shouldn't go up too much more than that once you recharge it.
Kenny hi - great video thanks! Very clear. Thanks. I have some bubbles coming out of my return lines to pool and spa. I have had two pool guys round to check as I also have a small amount of water coming out near my spa steps. We have done step tests, isolation test etc and got it down to the return lines. They say it's a small leak and advise using ' fix a leak' through the skimmer. It's a below ground pool so wondering whether it's best to dig up to get to the pipes or use 'fix a leak' solution. Any advice please?
Jackie Montado I would suggest fixing it right by digging up that area and fixing the pipe. It’ll be better in the long run. And I think it’s worth the cost. Some places it totally ok to save $$$ but some things are worth the cost of fixing right. This would be one of them.
Great great great video. You sir gets 2 thumbs up. :)
Thank you. 👍👍
We have no non-windy days in Texas...
so every time I backflush i should put more dE in? I have not been doing that. I have just been doing a quick backflush but if i do it three times i will need to really put in DE.
You should always do it three times so you get rid of as much old DE as possible. then you absolutely should recharge it.
Huge help. Thanks
Great video... my first pool and I am still a bit lost... but I will continue to watch videos on how to take care of a pool... its a in ground fiberglass, I think 30,000 gal., in Bullhead Arizona... I do have a pool service but seems they don't want to educate me on anything.... sure would be nice for someone like you to come out and teach me everything... Thanks again!!
Stauder Fan if I wasn’t so far away I’d be happy to do that.
One thing to keep in mind with a fiberglass pool is you never want to use a brush that has any metal in it’s bristles. Make sure it’s just the nylon bristle brush or you will damage the surface of your fiberglass pool
Remember, take your time when you comes to caring for your pool it’s really not that hard. The biggest key is consistency. Check out my video on “my weekly pool regimen”. That should be helpful. Also, watch the one on testing your pool chemistry. That’s very important too.
cool, Thanks so much... yeah, I have a good brush... no metal at all... had a major calcium problem, solved that... water here is horrible.. Thanks again, will watch
Stauder Fan here’s a link to the testing video. ua-cam.com/video/lhhuuWsRGBk/v-deo.html
Stauder Fan and here’s the one on my weekly pool service regimen. ua-cam.com/video/IEkFSunjRvs/v-deo.html
I am about to do my first backwash, and I have a scooper that LOOKS like yours (blue with curved bottom, but mine is new and still has a handle), but I want to be sure it is the same size. On the inside of mine it says 770g and 24oz to the top but I know DE doesn't seem as dense so the DE weight isn't the same as a liquid measure. Do you think this is the correct scoop?
Hard for me to tell without actually seeing. If its close to a pound per scoop you should be fine.
Enjoyed your video, did not know about the 3 times of backwashing. My backwash system is not completely shuting off. What can I do about this
Sada Twinkletoes sounds like you need to replace the o’rings in the backwash valve.
Thank you for this super helpful video!! Question: is the amount of DE added after backwashing different than the amount to add after fully washing the grids? Thanks!
Hi Jessica, no it’s the same.
is that handle you pulled up for the back wash ever located on top of the filter
It can be, I haven't seen any like that on DE filters. Usually the ones with the backwash valve on top are sand filters
Thanks a lot 🎉
You're welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting. Hope you'll subscribe to and share my channel.
Thx man for the lessons
Do you still need to use your little pool genie or a pool robot to go along the bottom of the pool to clean? Or is this pool cleaning filter going to keep your pool clean enough that you don't have to worry about that?
It’s important to understand the difference. A pool filter filters out dirt particles that are in the water. The vacuum is what sucks that dirt into the filter so it can be filtered. So you do need a vacuum and I would suggest the barracuda G3. It is a section side to stay in the pool vacuum and it is absolutely my favorite vacuum 98% of all my clients have one and it works great
Hrm, my filter has no valve of any type, it does have a handle on the top sticking out to one side. It's a Hayward brand, says EC-75, it's a very small filter compared to the one you're showing here. How do I backwash this thing? Do I have to take all the bolts out every time I backwash?
Typically the EC-75 is a DE filter. Unfortunately I don't have any clients who have a filter like that but if you do a UA-cam search on how to backwash an EC 75 (or 65) filter you should find something that will help you.
Great tutorial. I have an issue with my d.e filter. I constantly have to do a back wash to maintain a good suction preassure. The good operating pressure is 8 psi and when my pressure hits 20 psi I get no suction. Now Thats when i do the backwash to get good pressure again.Crazy as it sound Ive been doing it all weekend. FYI, NO leaks on the grids .Installed new grids. Any suggestions?
24 gearhead you might have to have the grids cleaned. Sounds like a lot of d e is imbedded in the grids. I usually have my clients grids cleaned once a year and that’s with regular backwashing.
Is locking the valves necessary? Mines a little jammed and old so its hard to lock but it works very well pulling and pushing.
Locking can be important, I've known valves to pop up under pressure. If it's sticky it probably needs lubricating and possibly new o'rings. Here's a link to a video I did on that: ua-cam.com/video/qdHijgpuiS8/v-deo.html
It should help.
Great video! One of the best I have seen on this subject. One quick question...there is an air release valve on the top of my filter. Some videos I watched talked about opening up this air release valve at some point during the process. I did not see that mentioned in yours. Is there anything that needs to be done with this air release? Thanks!
The only time you need to open that air release is if you need to purge out any trapped air (which will usually purge out through the return jets) or when you're opening the filter up and opening the pressure relief valve (that's what it's called) will release the suction on the top part of the filter when you remove it. To do it during backwashing the filter is simply unnecessary.
Thank you for walking me through the process!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Helpful video!
After each backwash cycle you only filter for 30 seconds, not RINSE ?
Thank you
I wear safety goggles and a respirator (P-95) when working with DE.
You are wise to do that, and that’s one of the biggest reasons I don’t like the filters you should not have to do that just to keep your pool clean. Imagine if that DE gets into your pool because of a torn grid and then people are swimming in it. It’s just not healthy or safe for humans. Which is why I recommend people don’t get DE filters. I’ve become a big fan of sand filters using a sand substitute called Dr. Drydens activate glass filter media, watch my video on DE filters and why you shouldn’t have one and it explains it there.
Thank you for posting this video, very helpful. What would you do if you don’t have a backwash valve?
Shadi Bader if you have a DE filter it has to have a backwash valve. Only cartridge filters don’t have a backwash valve. Please watch my video on types of filters.
Shadi Bader watch this video to see what type of filter you have. ua-cam.com/video/ixUlq_obtiM/v-deo.html
@Pool School I have a Waterway Plastics - CLEARWATER DE FILTER 90 - FD090. I absolutely have seen no backwash valve.
I have learned so much from your videos, thanks! So my normal pressure was 20. Then it went to 30, and my skimmer lost suction. I did the backwash and it went back to 20 and my skimmer suction increased. Then a day later my pressure stayed at 20 but the skimmer has lost most of the suction. Any ideas why? Thanks
Very possible you have a torn grid or more. Check out this video and see if it helps: ua-cam.com/video/Khkr02ZTqlI/v-deo.html keep me posted.
The best, thank you so much.
sharo A so happy it’s helpful. Thanks for your kind comment.
Can you comment on whether mine is connected right? I have a backwash valve.
Not unless I see it. You can email me pics or video of it and I can let you know. kennypoolschool@gmail.com
Go Kenny we did the black algae the way you said & we are going to add phosphate remover but should we back wash before adding that or just add phosphate remover & not clean or back wash filters.
with a DE or sand filter I always recommend backwashing them before and about a week after adding the phosphate remover. With cartridges it really depends on how long it's been since last washing. Or if the pool is really green or cloudy.
@@PoolSchooler we watched your video on black algae & did that. We cleaned the filters before we scrubbed for black algae & then added the phosphate remover (that was on Saturday) then Monday we did the back wash. It worked really good. The house is in Lake Havasu so it's really hot. As soon as it cool off we are going to drain it & srubb again. Then put in fresh water. Thank you, Kenny I love your videos
@@cynthiabennett4526 Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching and for your comment. Please subscribe to and share my channel. I'd appreciate it.
Thank you, sir!
Very welcome!
For the past several months my filter pressures never exceeds 10 psi. It used to raise to around 25 when dirty. I’ve replaced the pressure gauge and all
The pool doesn’t seem to have any issues. Pumps good and water clarity and chemicals are good. Any ideas? .
Do you have adequate suction and return flow? If you have the proper amount of DE in your filter (after backwashing and recharging) and the pressure's still really low (typically after backwashing and recharging your psi reads somewhere between 12 and 18 psi) perhaps you have something restriction the suction side of your pool. I'd start by checking the pump impeller to make sure it's not clogged. Watch this video ua-cam.com/video/1xuGFGDJBmA/v-deo.html
When i first open my pool for the season, I may have to backwash 5-10 times a day for the first couple of days. Do I still put in the recommended dose, 3 lbs, each and every time? Isn’t that too much DE since it all doesn’t backwash out?
The purpose of the filter is to filter out small particles so you need adequate, clean amounts of filter media to do that every time you’re in the filter. So if you backwash your filter, the way I describe in this video you should recharge it fully so that it can do its job and clear up your pool. If not, you’re going to hinder the effectiveness of the filter itself. Unfortunately, that’s one of the drawbacks to having a DE filter. And if you seen my video on DE filters and why you shouldn’t have one you’ll know other reasons why I don’t care for them. I’m sure in your situation. A cartridge filter is not the most desirable one to have, but there is a product on the market that replaces sand in a sand filter with glass. It’s called Dr. Dryden‘s glass filter, Media substitute it’s more expensive than sand, but it’s guaranteed for the life of the filter, you never have to change it and it filters as good as DE without the safety hazard or mess. the studies that I’ve seen it say that it filters particles as small as 3 microns which is the same as DE.
You might want to look into that for the future and get away from using DE altogether I personally think it’s a much better option again to clarify a sand filter using Dr. Dryden‘s activate glass filter, Media substitute instead of sand
Thanks a lot for your very useful video. i have a question now. What do i lose if i keep backwashing until draining all the pool water? As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about using my only pump (filtering pump) to empty all the water into the garden. I have a small garden next to the pool and need to empty all the water into the garden maybe once a year.
Also please kindly let me know if you have any better idea for that (The main issue here is draining all the pool water into my garden without any additional pump).
Thanks again.
shaskhim I don’t think it’s possible because once the water level gets below your skimmer it’s going to start bleeding air into your pump. Which could damage it. I have heard of some older pools that you can do that with but most people rent a submersible pump and then following whatever county or city or homeowners association guidelines they drain their pool water usually into the sewer or, the street, but I would definitely make sure that’s not against the law in your area. Or they will drain it into their yard as you suggest. But I would absolutely recommend renting a submersible pump that moves a lot of water instead of using your pool motor and pump.
@@PoolSchooler At first, thanks for your very kind and fast reply. As for the skimmer problem that you mentioned, i can close it's tab so there will be no air problem. I have 2 separated tabs for drain the pool as the input of filter (one for skimmer and the other one for pool bottom drains).
Question. You mention 1lb per 10sqft. And you get the square footage from the pump. If you look at the 4 box, it says 4.5 lbs. Why do you not go by that? Is it just because not all filters have that information?
No I get the square footage from the label on the filter. Not sure what you mean by "the 4 box". Your filter should have that info on the label. If not you should find out at least the type cause it tells the maximum operating pressure on it and it's critical to know that so your filter doesn't blow up if the pressure gets to high.
How many cups does your DE Scoop hold? I was given the 3 cup size by leslies and i think thats just 1/2 pound. But your scoop looks like the same size approximately
The scoop I use is a 1 pound scoop. Here's a link to one on Amazon: amzn.to/3TLD7Ti
Regarding the broken grids. Does that mean the outer lining or the actual plastic “vent” looking areas in the zDE filter? We have a few broken pieces in the vents. Some have come out through the output or jets as you described so I am worried we Need to replace the entire filter
DE*
It does sound like you’re grid frame is breaking apart. You should be able to replace the frames on a DE filter that if the frame itself is deteriorated to that degree chances are the filter is pretty darn old as well. My suggestion would be to replace the filter but switch to a cartridge filter instead of D.E. DE can be quite hazardous. I’ve pasted an email I got from a subscriber who works at a plant that produces DE and here’s what he had to say:
“I work at the processing plant that produces that DE filter media its actually kinda cool to see where it goes and how its used but word of caution try and use a good respirator we use them at all times due to the risk of scoliosis from the silica present in the DE”.
For my pool. I was trying to use the skimmer as a vacuum and it will not suction. I'm trying to find out which valve I close and leave open to know where I can put my hose for the most suction power. Another thing is that yesterday I started getting debris back into my pool coming from the water jets that pump water back in. Turns out I had put the filter in wrong and went back and adjusted it. Should I keep running the pool and it will eventually filter out all the debris? Thanks.
This video may help: ua-cam.com/video/nJCg8SjdBCM/v-deo.html.
Regarding the debris blowback. If you have a cleaning system (pool vac or pop up cleaning system) it should get it. If not you may have to manually vacuum it or net it out.
Here's a link on how to vacuum your pool "the old fashioned way": ua-cam.com/video/x9WaMUzSO-8/v-deo.html
Hope these help.
What about a play pool filter? How do you clean them? Can you wash with Dawn soaking it in water?
If its a single small filter I'd suggest not washing them (they're cheap enough to just replace once a month. If you do decide to wash them NEVER USE SOAP. Just water through a good nozzle. DON'T USE DAWN.
What about backwashing vs manually cleaning D.E. filters?
Backwashing and recharging the filter has to be done regularly but once a year your grids need to be taken apart and washed off cause some DE always stays imbedded in the grids when backwashing and you need to clean them more thoroughly. Here's a link to a video I did on that: ua-cam.com/video/M9jmD7Jsv04/v-deo.html
It's scheduled for release in two weeks so the link may not work til then but try it and see if it works. If not, check it out in two weeks. Hope you'll subscribe.
I have a quick question about the pressure. If being too high is indicative of dirty grids and need to be back washed, does low pressure mean you don't have enough DE in the filter? My pressure is 10psi which seems low to me.
The lower pressure could be due to a couple things, but typically that does not include two little DE. Often low psi is due to some type of restriction on the suction side of your pool. Make sure your skimmer and pump baskets are empty and check your pumps impeller. One of the most common reasons for low psi is a clogged pump impeller
So I have a pentair filter and it was reading 30PSI where the gauge says Clean Filter. I cleaned the filters inside the tank, hosed them down got all the debris, dirt and DE clinging to the filters off. Once i did that i then put the new DE through my filter but my gauge still reads 30PSI and clean filter. What did I do wrong or is there something else I need to do??
Appreciate the videos, they have been a huge help. Thanks
Nick Nolan is start by making sure your return flow back to the pool isn’t restricted in any way like maybe a valve being shut a bit. If all valves are open it may have to do with your manifold inside the filter. If it’s broken or clogged in anyway that could do it or the remote possibility of it being reassembled incorrectly could effect it too.
How do you know what size of DE filter to get for your pool, 32 ft tells me like 8 ft by 4 ft but if I've got a swimming pool on my backyard that a lot of campgrounds would love to have and holds about 40,000 gallons that'll tell me a heck of a lot more gallon size than so many square feet
There are many online calculators to help you determine what size DE filter do you need for a pool of any size. All you have to do is enter the dimensions or the gallonage I will tell you. Just look up online DE filter calculator or type in “how big a DE filter do I need for my pool“