Diatomaceous Earth versus Sand filter

[ytngt]

I had sand and recently replaced it with a DE filter. Most people perfer sand filters because they are easy to maintain and work well. If you are real picky about your pool filtration and don't mind extra maintenance then DE is for you.

[cleancloths]

I just don't get it - what is hard about a DE filter? I have had mine for 8 years and do almost nothing too it.

[CarlD]

It's just what you are used to. Both work well if used correctly.

Several of us use DE in our sand filters to improve filtration and it works GREAT!

[ThePoolGuy]

I just don't get it - what is hard about a DE filter? I have had mine for 8 years and do almost nothing too it.

Ditto...although I haven't had mind that long.

i've come to the conclusion, now that i'm on my 3rd sand filter , that there is no way of not getting sand back into the pool. i've been through it all with a sta-rite,jacuzzi, and now hayward sand filter,and seems no matter what i do, i get sand of some type in my pool after running the filter over night. i now have the Zeobrite stuff in my new filter and have the same problem. any ideas? the reason i changed filters is i totally rebuilt them ,laterals,standpipe ,etc. and still had the problem . this is one reason maybe someday i'll go to the DE type.

Just wondering, how long do you back wash the filter?