D.E. FILTER
DE or diatomaceous earth filters provide the cleanest water of any filtration system.
There are many more parts than the other systems but the cleaner water outweighs those disadvantages for some people.
DE FILTER FAQS
HOW DOES A DE FILTER WORK?
A DE filter consists of some type of grid or frame that gets coated with DE powder. The grids hold the DE in place and the DE powder is the actual filter media.
It is important to put enough powder into the filter to prevent debris from clogging the grids instead of the DE powder.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN A DE FILTER?
That depends on the type, but better models have a multi-port valve the same as a sand filter. Backwashing the filter removes the DE powder and takes the debris with it.
Then you recharge the filter with new DE.
Like all other filters the grids or frames inside the tank must be chemically cleaned. Twice per season is best.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A DE FILTER?
Better water clarity is the primary advantage. This filter removes smaller particles than other types.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF A DE FILTER?
The main disadvantage is that there are many more parts to this type filter than others. This in turn may lead to more breakage.
Another is that the DE powder itself is a known carcinogen. There are alternatives that can replace DE, cellulose being the most prominent. Some areas of the country require a separation tank installed to remove the DE powder before it ends up in the environment. It then gets disposed of as "hazardous waste".
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