How To: Prevent DE Powder Returning To Pool 

A similar problem can occur if the push/pull valve o-rings are damaged.

Hi scharkalvin, we recommend to head over to our forum (www.inyopools.com/forum/) and post a few pictures of your filter. We have pool experts standing by that should be able to identify your filter and get you the right grids.

@@Inyopools first of all, thank you so very much for that information-packed video. Unfortunately, there's no way I can get my DE filter open to determine what type I have; IF I have cracks in the manifold; IF I need new o--rings; IF I need a new spider gasket or ANY of the above you mentioned. I would LOVE to head to the forum with pictures, but if I can't even get the darn thing open (believe me, I've said much worse, lol), how in the world do I know what type filter I have? All I know is that the guy at the Pool supply place said it appears relatively new, from the picture I showed him. I just purchased this home. Believe me, if it's like everything else, it's not been properly maintained. I just had to replace the flow switch. I haven't been able to get the salt cell (?) off to clean it. I'm waiting until a friend comes up to visit. I even purchased the special strap wrench and still a no-go. I guess an old lady like me has no business trying to do all these things herself. However, I spent my retirement trying to save my late husband. So, I'm living the social security dream, lol. I was proud to replace the flow switch and figure out how to backwash, haha. However, not so proud when the DE powder reappeared in the pool. Grrrrr.

Lack of water-flow?

+szililolabu there should be a check valve preventing your solar panels from backflushing your DE filter. That should have been installed at the time of the solar panel installation.

+Inyo Pools thank you

You shouldn't run your pump without DE, so add it right away after you switch back to filter on the valve.

Make sure you rinse in the backwash procedure as well. But like the other comment said you should add ASAP after backwashing

If I had to guess, you installed the in and out plumbing lines in reverse. When the filter is plumbed correctly, it should be pushing in towards the grids. The way you describe the ballooning grids, you've been pushing water outwards.

I'm assuming that it should have been a cartridge filter, instead of a DE filter. I'm going back and forth with the pool builder. Thanks for your expertise.

It's easier to add the DE if you mix it up in a bucket of water and then pour it into the skimmer. In a pinch, you can pour the DE directly into the skimmer but make sure to do it slowly so the skimmer line doesn't clog up.

Absolutely, make a slurry and pour slowly.

if i pour it too quickly could this also cause the De to come out from the bottom of the pool?@@Inyopools

DE powder is only used if you have a diatomaceous earth filter. The DE powder coats the grids inside the filter and that's what catches the fine debris and removes it from the pool.

Grids in the filter could be torn causing the de to just shoot out of the filter. It looks like algae because it grips on the DE

The pool's plumbing valves and multiport valve should be set to normal filtering positions.

hi ..what if the DE powder leaked to the pool?what should i do ?

Polaris w/ silt bag

Manual vaccum

You need to vacuum to waste, for my company we just powervac. Which would the same as you going to waste. Let the DE settle and the pool get clear. Then go to vacuum moving very slowly and carefully. If you move to fast it’ll cause the cloudiness again like you experienced. Just a tip we like to do on the vacuum head take out the front brush. That way debris comes in a lot smoother especially for dirtier jobs

Hi CJ, you can use your pool vacuum to suck up the DE powder which will go directly to your filter.

It can simply be vacuumed into your filter via the skimmer. If you have already recharged the filter with DE, to keep the extra DE from clouding your pool, then you may need to backwash the filter and recharge using 80% of the normal recharge volume of DE.

I have same problem. When the pump is turned on, DE powder rushes into the pool. I have checked all items listed here but did not find the cause yet.

Sometimes what can happen is the grids are not tighted down properly. Regardless of top or bottom manifold, the idea is the grids are sandwiched between the manifold and the wheel. As each grid sits properly in the hole of the manifold the nut on the rod is tightened. If not secure the pressure for starting your pump can lift the 1 or more grids and de can escape through the crack.

check the manifold for any cracks. and backwash valve o-rings or gaskets

Fünke?

You can! your just gonna have to do a really good vacuum after.

@@hulkhogansnutsax766 thanks Mr. Nutsax!

Except they don't filter as well.

​@LetsDIYIt as a pool technician I agree. Cartridges need to be cleaned atleast once a month two and it takes time to clean them right

There could be a small tear in the grid fabric, or the manifold is not sealed correctly to the standpipe or grid ports. When the pump starts, some powder may slip through, but this gap could close when the filter is fully pressurized.

I'd give the grid assembly one more inspection. Since the problem only presents itself as the filter is filling, there could be a seam that is only open when it is not fully pressurized. Besides a small tear in the grid fabric, a crack in the manifold or a standpipe o-ring that's just a bit out of place could be a problem.

@Inyopools thanks for your help and info👍🏽