how much de filter powder to add

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How Much DE Filter Powder to Add

DE filter powder is an essential component to keep your swimming pool crystal clear throughout the year. One of the most commonly asked questions by pool owners is, how much DE filter powder should be added? The answer is simple; it depends on the size of your pool and the type of filter you have. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you're adding the correct amount of DE filter powder.

Understanding DE Filter Powder

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an abundant, sedimentary rock that is crushed into a fine powder. DE filter powder is commonly used as a filtering agent for water, oil, and other liquids. There are different grades of DE filter powder, including food grade, pool grade, and industrial grade. Pool grade DE filter powder is specifically designed for swimming pool filters and is safe for swimming pool use.

Choosing the Right Type of DE Filter Powder

Before knowing how much DE filter powder to add, it's essential to understand the type of filter you have. There are two types of DE filters; a diatomaceous earth filter and a cartridge filter. The amount of DE filter powder required for each filter varies.

Diatomaceous Earth Filter: DE filters work by using DE filter powder to coat the filter grids or fingers, trapping dirt and debris as water passes through. The amount of DE filter powder required is dependent on the size of the filter. Typically, a DE filter requires about one pound of DE filter powder per ten square feet of filter space.

Cartridge Filter: Unlike DE filters, a cartridge filter does not require the use of DE filter powder. Instead, cartridge filters work by trapping dirt and debris on the filter material. To maintain a clean pool, replace the cartridge filter every season or as needed.

Calculating the Amount of DE Filter Powder

To determine the amount of DE filter powder needed for your pool, you'll need to know several measurements related to your filter and pool's size.

Step 1: Calculation of Surface Area - Calculate the surface area of your filter by multiplying the width by the length. For example, if your filter is 30 inches by 20 inches, your filter's surface area would be 600 square inches. (30 x 20 = 600).

Step 2: Calculation of Pool Volume - Calculate the volume of your pool using the dimensions of your pool. For example, if your pool is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 5 feet deep, your pool's volume would be 1,000 cubic feet (20 x 10 x 5 = 1,000).

Step 3: Calculation of the Amount of DE Filter Powder - Once you have calculated the square footage of your filter and the volume of your pool, you can calculate the amount of DE filter powder needed. A standard guide is one pound of DE filter powder per 10 square feet of filter surface area. For example, if your filter is 600 square feet, you would need six pounds of DE filter powder (600/10 = 60 lbs).

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and clear pool requires some work, but using the right amount of DE filter powder is crucial. Choosing the right type of DE filter powder, calculating the surface area of your filter, and your pool's volume is vital. By following these simple steps, you'll ensure that your pool filter remains in excellent condition and that your pool remains crystal clear all season long. Don't forget to backwash your filter after adding the correct amount of DE filter powder.