Diatomaceous Earth is a quite common material that is used in pools. The powder of diatomaceous provides its users with a filtration system that is much more effective than other pool building materials such as sand filters or filters made out of cartridges.
Even though the Diatomaceous Earth filter systems are very popular, there are some Diatomaceous Earth pool filter problems.
In this article, we will show you how to identify these problems and their possible solutions.
Common DE Pool Filter Drawbacks And Solutions
As mentioned before, the Diatomaceous Earth filters are arguably the best pool filters in the market. They are very popular amongst their clients for their efficiency and reliability in use.
But just because of their high efficiency, it does not mean that the machines are without their flaws.
Every now and then, you might come across a problem with the filter, and it is quite common amongst users to be at their wit’s end when it comes to dealing with the problem in front of them.
The problems mainly arise due to their complexity in design and operation. There is a lot of intricate technology inside the machine.
As a result of these intricacies, there are specific problems you might face while using them. We’re including the most faced issues below:
DE At The Bottom Of The Pool
Sometimes, the DE from the machine gets blown into the pool and then you need to clean the pool. This is a pretty common problem for users.
Commonly, this is caused by tearing in the mesh or due to the grid collapsing. You can identify the problem by inspecting the filter housing.
This issue is primarily caused due to having an imbalanced amount of DE in the machine.
Solution
Make sure to regularly check the amount of DE inside the machine. Besides that, you should also inspect the filter housing and the mesh to detect any tears.
Now you might be asking, “How do I remove the DE powder out of the pool?”
When DE powder accumulates in the pool, it’s usually at the bottom of the pool. In order to get rid of the dirt that accumulates, you can filter or vacuum the pool using the filter release valve.
Eventually, all the dirt will be flushed out of the pool.
Filter Clogging
Filter clogging is another very common problem. Filter clogs can happen due to a variety of reasons. Despite the fact that the DE Pool filters are very highly regarded, some might complain that one of the biggest problems of this machine is its high maintenance.
Here are some issues that might arise in the filter and their solutions:
- Oil Clogging
Oil Clogs are a very common scenario that arises in filters. Oil gets stuck in the filter due to the presence of oil in the pool water.
There are various ways water gets into the pool, such as: by wind, by swimmers, and sometimes pool clarifiers cause oil to be stuck.
Solution
If the problem is very severe, you can use pool enzymes to rectify the issue. In other cases, though, this problem can be solved using a degreaser or filter cleaner products that you can find in any market near you.
Using substances that have high oil absorption power can help prevent or minimize the rate of this issue.
- Scale Clogging
Oftentimes minerals like calcium and magnesium might get clogged in your filter. This is very common in areas where there is hard water. The minerals can come out of certain solutions in unusual circumstances and can end up clogging the filter.
Solution
You can free the grids of these scaly materials by using an acidic solution made up of water and muriatic acid. The amount of muriatic acid should be one gallon, and the amount of water recommended to be used is ten gallons.
There are several DE chemical removers that you can also use to get rid of this problem.
- Baquacil Clog
This is another major problem that pool users often face. Baquacil is a type of material that is often used to sanitize the pool.
But this baquacil can end up on the grids of the filter and clog it.
Solution
We recommend you use a sand filter and change it once every one or two years, depending on your usage or application of baquacil in the pool.
You can also change filters when the filter cycles shorten.
- Algae Clogs
As a pool user, you might consistently clean their pool and get rid of the algae blooms that dwell there. However, some residue is often left behind.
These algae blooms reside in the filter grids and become quite problematic by clogging the filter.
Solution
To solve this problem, use a bleach solution to properly clean the grids of the filter. Finish by rinsing the grids using soap.
Watch this video to learn how to clean all such cloggings.
Water Leakage
Water leaks are quite a common problem in DE pool filters. However, these only occur in specific places. Here are some of these potential places and the ways to clean them:
- Clamp Band
Water leaks from clamp bands occur when you have a dirty o-ring. So the most basic way to fix this problem is by cleaning the o-ring, or buying a new one if the old one has been damaged too much.
In addition to that, try to make sure that the clamp band is placed properly between the two halves of the tank. Try to notice if your attempts to fix it have caused any damage to the clamp band.
If there is any damage, just adjust the position of the band to ensure that the clamp is in a functional position.
- Drain Plug
Water also leaks from the drain plugs. In order to prevent leaks from happening from this region, use Teflon tape to wrap around the plug.
You can also use lube in order to seal the drain plug if there is a leakage.
Powder Leakage
If you have been using your pool for a very long time, the filter grids might develop holes. Due to these holes, the DE powder might pass through and get into the pool.
In order to solve this issue, it is better to change the damaged grids.
If a filter has been running for a long time, the damage might happen to the manifold. This problem can be prevented or eradicated by replacing the filter.
If you are looking for new filters, they are both available in online marketplaces and physical stores.
Conclusion
A damaged pool filter is a cause for concern for any pool owner. They represent a substantial health hazard to their users.
It is imperative for the owner to ensure their pool filters are in good condition and get the necessary repairs done when required.
Diatomaceous Earth pool filter problems are not unnatural. They can occur in anyone’s pool.
By following the guidelines we have given you in this article, you can identify the problems and their causes and understand the solutions you can avail to.
Make sure you scout the proper markets before buying replacement products. Otherwise, you might end up going to the market again and spending twice the amount of money on the same product.
About Author
