D.E. Powder In Your Pool?

Understanding D.E. Powder and Its Role in Your Pool

Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) powder is a naturally occurring, siliceous sedimentary rock that has been crushed into a fine powder. It is composed of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms known as diatoms. In pool filtration, D.E. powder is heated and crystallized to become a powerful filtering agent used in D.E. filters. This powder coats the filter grids, allowing the filter to trap dirt, debris, and particles as small as five microns — about a tenth the width of a human hair. This makes D.E. filters the most efficient type of pool filtration compared to sand or cartridge filters.

Identifying If D.E. Powder Has Entered Your Pool

Normally, D.E. powder should remain inside the filter unit and never enter your pool water. However, if you notice white, powdery residue or a cloudy appearance in your pool, you may have D.E. powder escaping from your filter. Signs include:

• White powder spilling out of the skimmer.
• Cloudiness or haze in the pool water.
• Fluffy white deposits near the main drain or petals of powder floating in the water.

If you detect these symptoms, it’s essential to act promptly to prevent potential equipment damage or water quality issues.

What to Do if You Have D.E. Powder in Your Pool

1. Avoid Swimming Until Resolved: Although D.E. powder is generally considered safe for swimmers, inhaling it can cause respiratory discomfort, and it may irritate skin and eyes in large quantities.
2. Check Your Filter and Grids: Inspect the D.E. filter grids for tears or damage, as broken grids are a common cause of D.E. powder escaping into the pool. Also, check the top manifold and standpipe o-rings for cracks or wear that might allow powder to leak.
3. Verify Valve and Gasket Integrity: The multi-port valve gasket or o-rings in the filter valve might be compromised, causing water to bypass filtering and letting D.E. powder enter the pool.
4. Backwash or Clean the Filter: Perform a backwash to clean the filter and remove trapped debris. After backwashing, recharge your filter with fresh D.E. powder following the manufacturer’s recommended amount.
5. Add D.E. Powder Properly: When adding D.E. powder, always wear protective gear like a face mask to avoid inhaling the powder. Pour the powder slowly into the pool skimmer to allow it to coat the filter grids evenly.
6. Measure the Right Amount: Use the recommended amount of D.E. powder based on your filter’s square footage. Typically, one pound of D.E. powder is used per 10 square feet of filtration area to ensure optimal performance without excess powder escaping.
7. Monitor Pressure Gauges: After adding D.E., observe the filter’s pressure gauge. A proper reading indicates efficient filtration and reduces the likelihood of powder escaping.

Benefits of Using D.E. Powder for Pool Filtration

• Superior Filtration: D.E. filters capture particles as small as 3-5 microns, far smaller than sand or cartridge filters, resulting in clearer, cleaner water.
• Compact and Efficient: D.E. filters are more compact than sand filters, offering high efficiency without taking up excessive space.
• Environmentally Friendly: Effective filtration reduces the need for chemical treatments, promoting a more environmentally responsible pool care approach.
• Cost-Effective: Although D.E. powder replacement is required, the extended life of pool water and equipment cleanliness can translate to cost savings over time.

Comparison to Similar Products

• Sand Filters: Typically filter particles down to about 20-40 microns. These filters require less maintenance but provide less clarity compared to D.E. filters.
• Cartridge Filters: Filter down to about 10-15 microns and require regular cleaning but do not reach the microscopic filtering capabilities of D.E. filters.
• D.E. Filters: Offer the best filtration with microscopic particle capture, leading to superior water clarity and fewer maintenance needs related to water quality.

Why Choose EZ Pool & Spa Supply for Your D.E. Powder Needs?

EZ Pool & Spa Supply not only provides high-quality D.E. powder but also offers the confidence of over 20,000 verified 5-star reviews. Customers consistently praise the company’s friendly and knowledgeable customer service, ensuring you get the best advice and support tailored to your pool’s needs. When you choose EZ Pool & Spa Supply, you’re investing in a cleaner pool with superior filtration performance, backed by expertise that makes pool maintenance easier and more effective.