![]() ![]() Introducing new DE to the mix only compounds matters. Also, the residual dirt will add pressure in the filter. The precoat formed in the filter makes up many millions of these particles on the filter element.īy backwashing, you merely disturb the even distribution of the media. In the typical pool grade of DE, the particles are actually an assemblage of individual diatom particles, with a median particle size of approximately 40 microns. To understand why I’m advocating this approach, we should take a closer look at what this material is and how it works.Ī single diatom is very porous, with about 85% void space. Not only is this a more water-wise approach, but it also will help the filter function more effectively, resulting in a cleaner pool. Rather than backwash, I suggest cleaning the filter. That’s why I’m encouraging service techs to think twice before backwashing DE filters. What you’ll have then is old DE mixed with new, creating an inconsistent precoat throughout the surface area of the grids. In reality, much of that old media remains. This is better in theory than in practice. Simply top off the filter with fresh DE, and you’re good to go, right? In the minds of many service technicians, backwashing is a quick and easy way to purge the filter of dirt and old diatomaceous earth. We’ve seen numerous examples of this, such as advocating for evaporation covers, limiting the use of waterfeatures, and being more conscientious about our drain-and-refill practices.īut there is another water-conservation practice that still hasn’t quite caught on. Over the past several years, as parts of the nation grappled with a severe drought, the industry has developed a more water-sensitive approach to the way it maintains pools. Backwashing merely displaces the material. Effective filtration depends on the even distribution of DE across the grids. A precoat in a filter is comprised of many millions of these particles. The median particle size is approximately 40 microns. EP Minerals Under the power of a microscope, you can see that a single diatom is very porous, consisting of about 85% void space. ![]()
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