How To Backwash & Recharge Your DE Filter
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- Опубліковано 17 гру 2019
- DE Pool Filters are one of the most efficient pool filters on the market. Unlike cartridges, they can be cleaned through backwashing and recharging. They also offer the benefit of filtering down to 4 microns. In comparison, a sand filter only filters down to 30 - 40 microns. That is a significant difference. Improper care is one of the challenges with DE Filters. Watch our “how to” video and follow the process below to clean and recharge your filter like the pros:
STEP 1
Know the size of your filter.
Read the tag on the filter to get the SQ of the filter (see picture). This will tell you the new start amount for DE Recharging.
- You DO NOT want to add this amount when recharging.
- This is the amount required when the filter has been opened and cleaned by a professional or the filter is new.
- You always want to recharge with 1.5 lbs to 2 lbs less than the required new start amount.
- The reason for this is you will never get 100% of the DE off the grids when backwashing and recharging.
Listed below are your common filter sizes and recommended recharge amounts.
36 SQ - 2lbs
48 SQ - 3 lbs
60 SQ - 4 ½ lbs
80 SQ - 6.5 lbs
100 SQ - 8 lbs
STEP 2
Prepare to backwash and rinse your filter
A couple notes before you start the backwash/ rinse cycle:
- You always want to move your multiport handle clockwise and only move when the system is off.
- If you have a backwash hose, make sure it is fully extended.
- Some systems have a ball valve on the backwash pipe that will need to be opened prior to backwashing. Always check for this and open prior to backwashing.
- Once you have extended your backwash line, you can begin the process of cleaning and recharging your de filter.
STEP 3
Now, it is time to properly clean the old DE out of the filter. You do this by using the multiport to backwash and rinse the filter. See attached photo to know the setting you will use on the multiport for this process. (Backwash, Rinse, & Filter)
- First, cut your system off and move the multiport clockwise to the Backwash position.
- Cut system on and begin the backwashing process. This can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute.
- Once the site glass goes clear, shut your pump off and move the multiport to the rinse positions.
- Cut this system on and run the system in the rinse setting for 5 to 15 seconds. Cut the system off and move the multiport to the backwash setting.
- Turn system on in backwash again and watch for site glass to go clear. Once clear, cut system off and move multiport back to rinse setting
- Repeat these steps until you are no longer getting DE/ Dirty water coming out of the waste line.
- There is not a set number of times or seconds to do this. You will continue to do this until you are no longer getting DE and debris coming out of the waste line when backwashing.
- Always finish in the rinse process once you are no longer getting DE out the waste line when backwashing
STEP 4
Steps to recharging the filter
- The Multiport should be in the filter setting and pump should be running.
- In a bucket using a 1 lb de scoop, Mix DE and water to create an oatmeal consistency.
- The amount of DE required should be 1 to 2 lbs less than stated on the filter tag. See step 1 for exact amounts.
- Pour DE mixture slowly into pool skimmer as shown in video.
- Watch pool returns to ensure DE is not shooting through the filter.
- If DE is coming back through pool returns, you need to contact a professional to break apart the pool filter.
- Once mixture has been applied to filter, check filter pressure and record what clean/charged filter pressure.
- Once PSI is 10 over clean pressure, it will be time to repeat the process.
Even with backwashing and recharging, it is still recommended to have a professional take apart the filter to clean and inspect grids. J&M Pool Company offers this with our quarterly services to ensure all equipment is running properly. For information, visit: jmpools.com.
That’s the best, concise explanation of anything that I’ve seen on UA-cam. Great job.
Thanks brother, I'm getting into the business here in Texas and this helped me understand DE tremendously. May you and your business prosper!
Godlike! This is the ONLY video anyone needs on backwashing DE from a filter. Perfectly done and explained. You get an "A". Have a great weekend.
Thank you, you’re fantastic!! I’m slowly taking control of my 40,000 gallon pool. It’s about 70 years old now and it’s a solid concrete beast built by my grandfather.
I’ve learned that once you tackle pool stuff slowly, eventually it starts to make sense and, yes you can do it. Don’t overwhelm yourself with how-tos to the point it becomes so confusing. I’m also engaging with my younger more active neighbors and encouraging them to take care of their own pool. It’s been fun and rewarding helping them along the way. Hopefully their young son will take care of my pool some day when I can no longer do it myself.
Thank You! That's the best advice to give! After 20+ years in the inground swimming pool industry the number one thing I recommend is to not overwhelm yourself & to have fun! I've seen too many people ticked off because the pool becomes another chore
Nicely done video. Your the first guy that says to only move the multi port valve clockwise.
By far the best instructional video on this subject. Thank you, this helped A LOT!!!!
Thank you, very straightforward. There are a bunch of DE videos but I feel this is the best.
Best explanation I’ve found thank you
Perfect execution.
Note: I tried to turn my multiport to backwash without a pen between my index and middle fingers and was repeatedly unsuccessful, so I ran in the house and grabbed a pen, held it like this guy, and bam! Went right into the backwash slot. Get a pen and hold it between your index and middle fingers from the get to and save yourself a heap of trouble. Thanks, J&M! Btw who does your background music? 'Cause that s**t is off the hook. My gf was holding her lighter above her head the whole time this video played.
Very helpful!
Great Video!
Good video, thanks much.
Excellent!!!
good details, good video
Thank you for the video. What if there is a separation tank? What do I need to do before backwashing? Thanks.
I found an easy way to reinstall DE filter pads that needs to be shared. I don’t do videos so perhaps you can add this to one of yours. I was one of those who struggled with getting my Hayward filter pads realigned after taking them off the manifold. There was always one or two that would leak DE back into the pool on completion. I thought one or more may have torn but it turned out the filter pads weren’t seated properly to the manifold. I found it by running the pump in the backwash mode (cover off) and seeing water leaking from several of the connections. After disassembling I turned the manifold upside down, started with the short pad and worked clockwise outside to inside making sure all pads were well seated into the manifold and there correct spacers. The hardest part was getting the long bolt back into the manifold hole and it wasn’t that bad. All in all this was a much easier task than working from the normal position and no leaks or DE back into my pool. As a side note, I almost purchased a new filter set at $100 plus.
You actually described the only method of installing the DE filters onto the manifold. That's how we all do it. Then you just pick up the entire assembly and lower it into the can.
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for that video. My valve (sp740de) does not have a rinse function…. What do you recommend to do?
I don't have a rinse setting, but I do have a 'waste' setting. I used that instead if rinse, just as per directions in this video, but the dirt or some of it, still went right back into my spa. I will try keeping it on the 'waste' setting longer than 3 to 4 seconds next time!
When would you recommend this backwash only approach versus taking the filter top off and spraying down manifold and filters with a hose? Under what conditions would you recommend one over the other?
Thank you
do i do anything with the pressure valve on the DE filter before or after the backwash?
Sounds like we need to wash all of the de powder in the grid out? Did I get that right? Then recharge to replace all the de powder?
Do different pools have different PSI norms? My Aunt whose 90 ;) said her clean pool psi is 20-25? Maybe she needs a new gauge. It is reading 25. I'm confused. Also, must you always use DE when you back wash your pool if the water during backwash is running clean?
What If I only have a backwash valve and not a multiport with a rinse or waste option?
Did you ever get an answer to this question?
This video I amazing 👏 😅
So you run it on BACKWASH the first time until it gets clear?
Not sure how to know when to switch from BACKWASH to RINSE.
My selecta flow doesn’t have a rinse function. Just has filter, backwash, boost and waste.
How do you lower the psi w/o removing DE and backwashing?
When should I take panels off to clean?
can you stir the de with the water with something other than your hand? I don't have a good glove like you do, but want to mix with water, my hayward takes 6DE cups of DE. so 4 1/2C?
If I don't put much DE in will that cause my pressure to go high?
My system has a waste channel that goes... somewhere I don't see. It sounds like there's no way to know how long to backwash without being able to look at the water coming out? What's a good amount of time for doing it blind?
Can I install a D.E filter with out back was valve ?
Great video, should have spent some time showing users the panel and switching between different functions
The amount of DE always confused me, according to the label on DE bags, 60sqft need 7lbs equal to 12 cups which I found it's too much when I took apart the DE filter to do a totally clean! Now I just add 6 cups when new and 2 cups after backwash. Your amount is reasonable, the label on bags is toooo much!
The Hayward model 6020 calls for 7.5# of DE on a clean grid, taken directly from the manual which I own. So 4.5# on a backwashed filter is not unreasonable.
Let me also note that not all 60 ft DE filters require same amount of DE. Be sure to check your filter model for exact specifications to avoid damage to your grids or cartridges. Best be safe than sorry. All the manuals are easily available online and you can likely find your model number noted on the outside of the filter so take note.
@@loreall.2461 same 6020
So I've got a DE Hayward filter. I'll pull tbe grids and wash them clean. I'll start at 10 lbs before adding my DE slurry. I'll got at about 12psi.
Next day, I'm up to 20-25 lbs and barely cycling water.
Full backwash, rinse, backwash and check filters. Clean.
Put back together and add DE.. same results.
Any ideas?
- not piping/motor. If I run recirculate, I've got great flow until I go back to filter.
Same problem with my new Pentair DE filter. Just opened pool.
Is this a sand filter or a cartridge filter?
2:00. And 3:20 important part back wash then rinse then filter then back wash
great vid but you didn't show the clean water coming out of the dump hose on the last backwash and rinse. OK I'll use my imagination....lol So a 1 lb. coffee can is maybe too small? or I'll just use the larger number.
My pool system doesn’t seem to have a backwash, rinse indicators on. What do I do in my case?
You have a slide valve? Google How to backwash DE filter with a slide valve. ua-cam.com/video/8avTR2KzBkE/v-deo.html
Sounds like you have cartridge filters, not DE.
In that case what do you do if you have a cartridge filter because I think I have the same problem I do not have a backwash or rinse indicator and my Gauge is constantly reading 20 psi
what happens if you dont put DE in skimmer after backwash ??
It will collapse your grids and ruin them.
Should have shown the clean water in backwash
I used tonhave cartridge filer on my old pool was easy, my new pool that im installing my installer wanta to use DE, seems like a PIA compared to cartridge.
DE works great once pool is clean.
If you don't keep up pool .It will be PIA.
After I backwash my DE filter and turn it back to normal filtering I always get a small amount of DE shooting back into the pool through the jets, is this normal or a sign of a problem? Thanks
There maybe a little cut inside of the filter element or maybe the bypass hose inside were detached.Try the 3 cycles of backwash and rinse for 1 minute per cycle.
I thought 60 sq feet filter requires 10-12 lb of de 🤔
I think you are right.
www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/manuals/filters/fns-/fnsplus_install_guide_english.pdf
Page 5
This would have been a great instruction but the music made it impossible for me to hear all. WHY DID YOU RUIN IT WITH MUSIC?
You didn't cover what happens to the effluent of the backwash process. The 60 sq ft filter contains 6 lbs of de. Do you really want to dump that stuff on the lawn so that it gets aerosolized during mowing. DE is a lung and skin irritant especially if it gets into your lungs. So what's your solution to this very real problem. You also could have added some parameters to the backwash times because it is difficult to see what is coming out of the backflush tube because of the rapid flow.and air mix. Doing it "until" is not a fair instruction to follow.
There is a few things ive noticed in the video that is not adding up. First of all he adds DE to a EMPTY bucket, that in it self is correct as you do not know what residual you have in the bucket which is why its important to always add chemical to water NOT the other way around. Also near the end of the video he was lying about the filter pressure because if you look closely at his gauge, there was no pressure present when he said he was running it. A for effort and for his description however F for lying to everyone and not giving a clearer explanation on how to PROPERLY add de to the bucket.
I stopped the video and zoomed in, and it said 10 psi. You could do the same thing and see it for yourself but you have to zoom in on it
Nah mine is still junk
Why is this in my recommendations
Attention!!!!! Your scoop is 0.5 LB of DE not 1 LB. So you should add 9 scoops = 4.5 LB of DE
One full scoop is 0.5 LB of DE.
1 LB Scoop is 0.5 LB of DE
DE scoop has the same volume as a 1 lb can of coffee, not weight. DE is measured by volume not weight. 1 scoop = 5 sq. ft.
My Pentair filter manual says the same thing. However, I just explained this to a guy at Leslie’s, to which he replied, “No, one scoop per 10 sq feet.” Then another guy came out and said “yeah, for your 60 sq ft filter, it’s six scoops.” 🤷♂️
www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/manuals/filters/fns-/fnsplus_install_guide_english.pdf
Page 5
You all are making this too complicated. DE is measured by weight and one orange DE scoop holds real close to one pound (I measured it). Look up the manual online and use what it says to use. My Hayward 4820 requires 6 lbs when clean. For a backwash recharge, use about 60% of that which is about 3.6-4 lbs. If you put the original 6 lbs in, you will probably blow it into the pool (I did once).
My only complaint is that I can barely hear the jock jams background music, so turn that stuff up or quiet your voice. Not everyone is watching this to get instructions on a stupid pool filter.
This dude doesn't know what oatmeal is.
Very helpful!