how much de filter powder

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How Much DE Filter Powder Do I Need to Use?

If you have a pool, you are probably already familiar with DE filter powder. This substance is used to coat the filter grids inside your pool's DE filter, trapping dirt and debris as the water flows through. Over time, the powder becomes saturated with dirt and needs to be replaced. But how much DE filter powder do you actually need to use? In this article, we'll take a closer look.

1. Understanding DE Filter Powder

Before we dive into the question of how much DE filter powder to use, let's first discuss what it is and how it works. DE, which stands for diatomaceous earth, is a natural substance made up of the fossilized remains of tiny plankton called diatoms. When ground into a fine powder, DE has a unique ability to capture and hold onto microscopic particles in water.

In a DE filter, the powder is poured into a grid of plastic or fiberglass mesh that sits inside the filter tank. As water is pumped through the filter, the DE powder coats the grids, forming a layer that traps dirt and debris. Over time, this layer becomes clogged with dirt and needs to be backwashed or cleaned. Eventually, though, the filter will need to be taken apart and the old DE powder replaced with new.

2. Calculating How Much DE Filter Powder to Use

So, how much DE filter powder do you need to use? The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your filter, the type of DE powder you're using, and the condition of your pool. As a general rule, most DE filter manufacturers recommend using about one pound of DE powder for every 10 square feet of filter area.

To calculate the filter area, you'll need to know the size of your filter tank. For example, if you have a 48" tank with eight 30" grids, you would calculate the total square footage by multiplying 30 x 30 (the size of one grid) by the number of grids (eight), for a total of 7,200 square inches. Divide that by 144 (since there are 144 square inches in a square foot), and you get a filter area of 50 square feet.

So, in this example, you would need around five pounds of DE powder to properly coat the filter grids. Keep in mind, though, that this is just a general guideline. If your water is particularly dirty, you may need to use more DE powder to effectively trap all the debris.

3. Types of DE Filter Powder

Another factor to consider when figuring out how much DE filter powder to use is the type of DE powder you're working with. There are two main types available: standard DE and swimmer-friendly DE.

Standard DE powder is the most common type and is made up of natural diatomaceous earth. It works well to filter out small particles, but it can be a bit messy to work with and may cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.

Swimmer-friendly DE powder, on the other hand, is specially formulated to be safer and less irritating. It is made up of a blend of natural and synthetic materials, and it's been treated to remove impurities that can cause skin and eye irritation. While it's generally more expensive than standard DE powder, it may be worth it if you have kids or pets who frequently swim in the pool.

4. Maintaining Your DE Filter

Once you've added the appropriate amount of DE filter powder to your filter, you'll need to properly maintain it to ensure it's functioning at optimal levels. This may include regularly backwashing or cleaning the filter, checking the pressure gauge, and replacing the DE powder on a regular basis.

It's also important to note that DE filter powder isn't a magic solution that will keep your pool perfectly clean and clear all on its own. You'll still need to maintain proper water chemistry, skim debris from the surface, and brush the pool walls regularly.

5. When to Replace Your DE Filter Powder

Finally, it's important to know when it's time to replace your DE filter powder. As we mentioned earlier, DE powder becomes saturated with dirt over time and needs to be replaced periodically. Some signs that it's time to change your DE powder include:

- Reduced water flow or pressure

- Cloudy water

- Algae growth

- Increased frequency of backwashing

Most manufacturers recommend replacing your DE powder every six months to a year, but you may need to do it more frequently if your pool gets a lot of use or if the water quality is poor.

In Conclusion

DE filter powder is an important component of any DE filter system, but it can be a bit tricky to figure out how much to use. By calculating the filter area, selecting the right type of DE powder, and properly maintaining your filter, you can enjoy clean and clear pool water all season long.