HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DE GRIDS

Recently we published an article about how to backwash DE filters. Monthly backwashing is a great way to keep your filter in good shape, but over time as dirt, grime, oils, etc. begin to buildup on your grids, you'll need more than just a backwash.

Here in Maryland, our pools are closed for about 5 - 6 months of the year, so giving your DE filter a full cleaning and inspection once a year is recommended.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR DE GRIDS

1 / DE POWDER
First, make sure that you have enough DE on hand - Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended amount of DE Powder.

2 / TURN POOL PUMP OFF

3 / RELEASE PRESSURE
Release any pressure inside the filter by opening the pressure release valve on the top of the filter.

4 / REMOVE DRAIN PLUG
Remove the drain plug located at the bottom of the filter to drain the water from the filter tank.

5 / LOCATE CLAMP ASSEMBLY
The Clamp Assembly holds the top and bottom of the Tank together.

6 / REMOVE HEX BOLT & NUT
Remove hex bolt and nut from the Clamp Assembly.

7 / REMOVE CLAMP
Loosen and remove the clamp.

8 /LIFT OFF TOP HALF
Lift the top half of the Filter Tank up and off and set aside.

9 / HOSE DOWN GRID ASSEMBLY
To reduce the weight of the grid assembly, hose it down thoroughly to rinse off the old DE powder.

10 / REMOVE GRID ASSEMBLY
Lift the Grid Assembly straight up and out of the filter tank. Take note of how the Manifold Pipe on the side of the grid assembly lines up with the bottom pipe on the Tank.

11 / HOSE DOWN GRID ASSEMBLY AGAIN
Place the Grid Assembly gently on the ground and give it another rinse. You want to remove as much of the old DE powder as possible.

12 / REMOVE LOCKING NUT & WASHERS
You'll have to turn the Grid Assembly on its side to tighten and hold the bolt on the bottom of the Grid Assembly while you remove the top nut and washers.

13 / REMOVE TOP MANIFOLD
Pull the Top Manifold up off of the grids. Take note of how the Ports on the Top Manifold line up with each of the grids.

14 / REMOVE GRIDS ONE AT A TIME
To avoid confusion on where each grid belongs, remove grids one at a time. Hose down each grid from front to back, inspect for tears, check the plastic core for damage, and replace if needed. Replace the cleaned and inspected grid and continue with the remaining grids.

15 / RESET TOP MANIFOLD
Place Top Manifold back on top of the grids, making sure that each of the grids is firmly lined up with each one of the Manifold ports.

16 / REBOLT MANIFOLD HOLDING NUT
Place the Grid Assembly on its side and while holding the bottom bolt, screw on the top nut and washers to secure the Top Manifold.

17 / HOSE OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK
Rinse out the bottom of the Tank allowing the water and debris to flow out of the drain.

18 / REMOVE & INSPECT THE TANK O RING
On the top lip of the bottom of the filter tank is an O-ring. Remove, inspect for cracks, and wear or any other damage. Replace if needed. Before returning the O-ring to its place, thoroughly wipe the lip clean where the O-ring sits.

19 / REPLACE & LUBRICATE THE O-RING
Place the O-ring back on the top lip of the bottom half of the filter tank. Lubricate the top of the O-ring with a Silicon or Teflon based lubricant.

20 / POSITION GRID ASSEMBLY BACK IN TANK
Gently drop the Grid Assembly back into the bottom of the Tank, ensuring that the sections of the Manifold Pipe line up.

21 / HOSE OUT THE TOP OF THE FILTER TANK
Rinse out the top section of the Filter Tank with the hose.

22 / REPLACE & SEAT TANK TOP
Place the top section of the Filter Tank back on the bottom. Make sure the Pressure Gauge is lined up so you can see it. With a rocking motion push down on the top of the Tank to help seat the top of the Tank.

23 / REPLACE CLAMP ASSEMBLY
Replace the Clamp Assembly starting with the back third and folding the two sides so they meet at the front. The clamp should be positioned over both lips of the upper and lower tank sections.

24 / REPLACE CLAMP BOLT AND NUT
Insert the bolt and begin screwing the nut on the end of the bolt. Adjust the Clamp Assembly when the nut becomes hard to turn. Make sure the Clamp Assembly is snug, but do not overtighten.

25 / REPLACE THE DRAIN PLUG

26 / CHECK MULTIPORT VALVE
Ensure that the Multiport Valve is in the FILTER position, and the handle is locked in place.

27 / TURN THE POOL PUMP ON

28 / CLOSE RELIEF VALVE
Close the filter relief valve when a steady stream of water shoots out the end of the valve.

29 / ADD DE POWDER
Mix the appropriate amount of DE powder with water to create a slurry and slowly pour directly in the skimmer closest to the pump. The DE will be drawn to the filter and distributed evenly over the grids. Let the pump run for at least 30 minutes.

There is no doubt that there are a lot of steps to give your DE filter a thorough cleaning. Sometimes all of the pool maintenance responsibilities can be too much. If that's the case for you, having a swimming pool service professional help out is the way to go. With years of experience, our service pros get the job done efficiently and effectively. One thing is for sure. You have to take care of your filter for safe and clean water. Don’t hesitate to give us a call. 301-972-3800

/ HAPPY SWIMMING /