Note: You should take your DE filter apart, remove the grids and clean out the caked-on DE once a year. A high pressure hose will usually do the job. To avoid injury, always turn pump off and open the air valve before disassembly of a filter.

How do I back wash my DE filter?

Do in the following order:

1. Turn the pump off.
2. Stretch the backwash hose out to where you want to discharge the water.
3. Rotate the handle on the front of the filter to the open position and pull it down until it stops.
4. Turn the pump on and run until the water coming out of the hose turns clear (approx. 2-3 minutes).
5. Turn the pump off, wait 60 seconds and turn the pump back on for another 10 to 15 seconds.
6. Turn the pump off.
7. Return the valve on front of the filter to the up and locked position.
8. Turn the pump back on.
9. Recharge the filter with DE (see below).

How much DE should I put in my DE filter and how do I add it?
36DE = 4.5 lbs., 48DE = 6 lbs. and 60DE = 7.5 lbs. Fill a small bucket about 3/4 full of DE (or less if that's too much DE for your filter). Add water until it is a thick slurry. Turn the pool pump on and the pool cleaner off. Remove the basket from the skimmer and slowly pour the DE slurry into the skimmer. If you need to add more DE, repeat this process until you have added the correct amount. Replace the skimmer basket and turn your pool cleaner back on. Note: Pouring the DE directly into the skimmer without mixing it with water first can cause excessive caking of DE on the grids.