filter/pump problems - pool newbie

[ChuckD]

Sorry to just jump in here but I've followed this thread and I'm not clear why none of the more experienced here haven't addressed what I see as a pressing problem, that the filter was run for 'hours' without DE. This to me is a serious issue (tho not fatal).

For backgound I run a Hayward EC-65 DE with a 3/4 hp SuperPump (and am very satisfied with it).

If this were me, the first thing I would do is open it up and thoroughly clean, and then inspect the filter fabric. I don't think the warning to not run without DE is the risk of damage so much as that you will clog up the fabric with gunk that won't easliy backwash out. That fabric is supposed to provide the foundation of your DE coating, which will shed easily when backwashed, taking with it all the entrapped particulate. It's not meant to be the filter medium.

That said, I think it would help if you posted the make and model of the filter so we could help you do this. IMHO, I don't think you're going to get optimum filtering/flowrate from it until you do, not to mention finding out why the thing is passing debris back to the pool. You'll also get a good understanding of how a DE filter works. In the case of the Hayward it's a very easy, straightforward process (tho a bit tedious with it's 15 nuts and bolts, God bless my B&D power screwdriver!).

ChuckD

[ryanm]

Hey Chuck,
Ya know to me the running the filter without DE always seemed like a big issue since what I've read had warned against doing it for more than a couple of mins.

BUT this is a non issue now as I said screw it and bought myself a brand new Hayward pump and sand filter. I can now see the bottom of my pool, woohoo! Still have some dirt/leaves in the bottom but hey I can at least see it now. All the rain we've had was actually good for me as I had to backwash so much the extra water was needed. Maybe I could of spent more time futzing with my filter but in the long run DE seemed like a pain in the ass anyway so I'm pretty happy with my purchase.

thanks
Ryan