Have used it in my business since 1994. Have never even considered going back to DE. Try it, you'll love it. Just make sure to get all the DE out of your filter with a good cleaning. You may have to do a second filter cleaning (teardown not backwash) if your pool has had a lot of oils get into it.

After that, your backwashes will be more complete and a teardown and clean will ususally not require that the grid cluster be disassembled. Just a good spray from a hose.

The product is completely inert and non-hazardous. Yes, your water will sparkle.