DE to sand filter?

[Digger]

Thanks Anna for your response and help. I was doing searches for sand changes, sand, etc. I will try that also. I SO appreciate your help and response. I try not to be an impatient person, but I don't very often have the help to do a major task, smile! I want to be able to take advantage of that, and the day is getting away from us. THanks again!!

[AnnaK]

Janet gave you some excellent advice about the process. I would like to stress something she said because so many people seem to forget to do that, or not know:

RINSE after backwashing.

The rinse cycle should be about 30 seconds. It reverses the water flow inside the filter and packs the sand back down. If you don't do this you WILL get sand in your pool through the returns.

Be sure you have plenty of water in the pool before you begin a backwash/rinse cycle. It tends to take a considerable amount of water, depending on how dirty the filter is. I usually do it either right after a good rain when the pool is over-full anyway, or I run the hose while I'm cleaning the filter.

Don't skimp on the rinse cycle or you'll be sorry You can tell when it's done packing down the sand by how much/how little sand remains in the sight glass. A few grains means you're done. Too many to count? Keep rinsing.

[aylad]

Be sure you have plenty of water in the pool before you begin a backwash/rinse cycle. It tends to take a considerable amount of water, depending on how dirty the filter is. I usually do it either right after a good rain when the pool is over-full anyway, or I run the hose while I'm cleaning the filter.

Good point, and something I usually forget to check until I'm in the middle of it all and hear the skimmer sucking air!

Janet

[AnnaK]

Heh! Don't I know it!

Earlier this year I posted here about air in my pump pot. Al helped me look for leaks in the plumbing. My husband, bless him, took all the plumbing apart, wrapped it with Teflon tape, lubed O-rings, worked his fingers to the bone. He's a sweetie!

Then I got the bright idea to add some $#@! water to the pool. Oh yea! No more vortex in the skimmer, no more sucking air.

Sometimes, it's just too easy.

[aylad]

Digger,
Did you get your sand changed? How's everything looking so far?

Janet