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Home-pool filters
Maintain DE filters
The cleaning and maintenance involved with a DE filter is much more
cumbersome and time consuming than with sand or cartridge filters.
With
cartridge filters, you merely hose them off, soak them (if
necessary) and
put them back into position. With a sand filter, you merely need to
backwash
it periodically. However, a D.E. filter must be taken apart, then
cleaned
and recharged at least once each year. It is time consuming to take
the
filter apart, and it's a dirty job as well. Although the overall
maintenance
of the pool may be simpler with a D.E. filter.
All three filters (D.E., sand and cartridge) are effective when it
comes to
keeping your pool or spa water clean. Of course, you cannot let too
much
dirt and debris accumulate on any type of filter, because it will
eventually
clog the entire system.
The following are some guidelines to assist you in working on your
D.E.
filter so that your pool water can stay clean. The task involves
tearing
down the unit, then cleaning the grids and recharging it.
Before you take the unit apart, make sure the pump is turned off,
then open
the air release valve in order to release the pressure from the
tank. You
will hear a hissing sound. Once the hissing stops, the air will have
been
drawn and the water will flow out of the tank. You are then ready to
work on
your filter.
To remove the filter from the tank, first mark the lid with a marker
or
grease pencil so that you can line up the sections correctly when
you put it
back. Then unscrew the clamp ring. Now you are ready to remove the
filter.
Take the top off of the tank and pull out the grids. (You may need a
little
leverage to accomplish this, but do not bend the tank in any way.
Pull out
the grid assembly carefully so that you don't split or crack the
manifold or
tear the grid fabric. The grids are quite heavy so lift properly so
that you
do not hurt your back.
Use a pressure nozzle to hose off the grids so that you can remove
all of
the old D.E. from the fabric. The old D.E. should be disposed of
properly
according to the rules of your local health department.
Next you need to examine the manifolds and grids, the O-ring and the
band/ring to check whether they are damaged in any way. To inspect
the
manifolds and grids, remove the wing nuts using a pair of pliers. If
there
are any tears or holes, they can be fixed temporarily with PVC pipe
adhesive. Then check the O-ring for wear and tear. Replace the
O-ring only
if necessary. To inspect the band/ring, use a screwdriver to loosen
the band
ring from the tank then look to see if it is worn. Next clean it
with soap
and water. Then put it back so that it is securely in place.
To clean the filter tank, release the bottom of the tank and drain
it. You
may need channel locks or a pipe wrench for the bottom drain as it
can get
very sticky. Clean off the loose D.E. and debris with a hose.
The next step is to put back the grid assembly. Be sure that the
grids are
aligned properly and the pipe fittings are firmly in place.
Next align the tank lid up with the actual tank (using the grease
pencil
marks you previously made). Then put the ring clamp back on the tank
and
make sure it is seated correctly around the tank.
You need to tighten the bolt on the clamp assembly. But before you
do so,
check the manufacturer's suggestions to find out how much you should
tighten
it. You may need to use an open-end wrench to tighten the bolt. To
make sure
it is secure, tap the band ring periodically.
Take the following steps to recharge the D.E.: Restart the pump and
keep the
air-release valve open until a flow of water comes out. Then put the
correct
amount of D.E. in a bucket and add water to make a "slurry." The
slurry should not be too thin or too thick, but just the right consistency
so that
it can be poured slowly into the skimmer--with the pump on. You can
also
scoop dry D.E. into the skimmer so that it will mix with water and
circulate
into the filter.
Check the pressure gauge periodically. Write down the pressure
reading as
soon as the process begins, then at successive stops, check the
gauge to see
how much the pressure has increased.
Hose down the area around the filter to get rid of the dirt and
debris.
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