I bought a house with a pool and it has an earth filter. I am experienced with sand filters but not this type

Question

I have to keep regenerating it all the time because it is not pushing water out. After a few minutes I have to do it again!! How often do I have to add the earth through the skimmer? If anyone could please explain to me the everyday maintenance I would really appreciate it.

Answer 1

these type of filters have a very small surface area-I am assuming you have a hayward perflex filter?....a Sta Rite system 2 D.E. cartridge filter will save you much hassle over the life of your pool theres a photo of one at the bottom of this page: http://www.swimming-pool-information.com...

Answer 2

By the term "regenerating" it sounds like a Hayward Perflex filter (the type with the fingers inside).  The main drawback to this type of filter is that it may have a tendency to clog frequently (especially if the pool is green or dirty.)  It's actually an indication that the filter is doing it's job and removing stuff from the water.

How does the water look?  If it isn't clear, it may still have this problem for a while.  If the water is clear, it may just be that the previous owner didn't clean the filter at the end of the season.  DE filter elements need to be cleaned at least at the end of every season. (Soaking them in a filter cleaner solution.)  

DE filters do have a bit more maintainence involved than sand filters, but when working properly, can filter out much finer particles than sand filters (which generally means clearer water.)

Anyway, new DE should be added only when the old DE is removed (the tank being drained in the case of Perflex filters, or backwashed in the case of vertical grid DE filters; these filters normally have a six-position valve that allows you to backwash the filter:  force the water through the filter in reverse to rinse the dirt and old DE out of the filter.)  How much DE to add should be on the label of the filter (assuming it's still readable).  If your pressure guage on the filter is working, a good indication of when the DE needs to be changed is when the pressure reading rises 8-10 lbs above what it starts at when the filter is clean; or when the flow into the pool really slows down.

The everyday maintainence shouldn't be different than a sand filter; the difference is what to do when backwashing (or regenerating), and what to do with it at the end of the season.

Answer 3

Take it apart and clean the filter,change to DE and your problems should be solved.You should only have to regenerate it once every week or two.Change the DE every spring.If you still have problems you will need to invest in a better filter.

Answer 4

Snowman is correct.