Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

Diatomaceous earth pool filters are a type of swimming pool filter that uses a DE filter powder to coat the grids in the pool filter housing and act as a sieve to remove debris.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is mined and is the microscopic fossilized exoskeletons called diatoms.   These types of pool filter sieves are very small and can filter out particles as small as 5 microns.  DE pool filters will require backwashing, while, the DE pool filter removes dirt and debris, it will also cause the removal of the DE powder in your pool filter.  Check your DE pool filter grids periodically to keep the build-up of oils, scale and other deposits from layering on them.  When a new layer of DE powder is needed for this type of pool filter you will have to mix DE powder with water, the mixture will enter the pool DE pool filter evenly creating a fresh layer of DE powder to the grids.  Care must be taken when measuring the powder, too much will make the DE powder too thick.  The coating of this powder mixture causes compression of the grids against each other where debris will build, scraping of the pool filter grids will be necessary.  Too little DE powder used in the DE pool filter can cause dirt and debris to get imbedded on the grids and ruin them.