DE filter information

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DE filter information

Diatomaceous earth is a fine white powdery substance which is actually billions of tiny fossilized plankton. The manufacturer normally instructs that two ounces of DE per each square foot of filter area be used. The DE should be mixed with water then poured into the filter. The DE attaches itself to the mesh, which is called the septa. In the filtering process the DE forms a cake to trap the dirt and debris. The filter passes water through this cake (layer of diatomaceous earth) as the DE coats the grids inside the tank. Water is able to filter through the DE cake while leaving the impurities behind. The DE filter is able to filter out elements that are actually microscopic in size.

Turn on the filter circulation system and add the DE mixture slowly and steadily to allow for even coating of the septa. The DE should become a cake type substance that is approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. This process may be simplified by using a pre-coat pot, solution feeder or erosion feeder that is especially for pre-coating purposes.

The tank contains grids that are two to five feet high and approximately two feet in diameter. Without filter grids, the DE would be a massive cake when wet, which would, of course, be impossible for water to flow through.

The two main types of DE filters are the vertical grid and the spin type grid.

The vertical grid filters are put together vertically on a manifold. In order to secure the grid to the manifold, a holding wheel is used, and a retaining rod screws into the base of the tank so that the assembly will be secure. The manner in which this system operates is that the water goes into
the tank from the bottom, then flows upward and around the exterior of the grids. Then the water flows down the stem of each grid into the manifold, then out of the filter.

The spin filter is out of date and uses a crank to turn the grids, and is not very effective. It may still be found on older model pools and spas.
 

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