Pool filters need occasional servicing to clean water effectively.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a white, powdery substance that filters out impurities inside pool filters. DE is available at pool supply stores in 10- and 25-lb. bags for refilling a filter after cleaning. Servicing a DE pool filter involves turning off the pump, washing the inside components and replacing the dirty diatomaceous earth with a fresh supply inside the filter.
Instructions
1. Unplug or turn off the swimming pool pump.
2. Grasp the air relief valve on the top of the filter and turn it counterclockwise to open it. This lets any trapped air in the system release from the filter. There is a hissing sound as it escapes the filter.
3. Turn the T handle on the backwash valve about ½ turn counterclockwise to open the valve. The backwash valve is on the bottom of the filter body.
4. Place adjustable pliers on the bellyband nut in the center of the filter. Turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen. Pull both washers and the nut off the bellyband and set aside. Open the bellyband, pull it straight off and set it aside.
5. Place a large flat screwdriver in the middle seam of the filter. Pry the top and bottom halves apart and pull the top half straight up and off.
6. Grasp the metal grids with one hand while holding the filter body with the other hand. Pull the grids straight up and out.
7. Place a high-pressure nozzle on a garden hose end. Turn the garden hose valve completely counterclockwise to the on position.
8. Hold the metal grids in one hand and spray a high-pressure stream of water on them to clean the grids. Turn the grids over as needed to spray all DE off the grids. The grids will turn a bright white when they are clean and the water will run clear off the grids.
9. Set the grids back in the bottom of the pool filter.
10. Add DE to the filter according to the amount listed on the side of the filter for the specific filter size.
11. Press the top of the filter onto the bottom half and push down until it clicks into place.
12. Place the bellyband around the center of the filter. Slide a washer on the bellyband nut and thread it through both halves of the band. Place the second washer on the bolt threads protruding from the back of the screw holes.
13. Tighten the nut hand-tight, turning clockwise. Tighten the nut fully with an adjustable wrench.
14. Turn the T handle on the backwash valve about ½ turn clockwise to close the valve.
15. Grasp the air relief valve on the top of the filter and turn it clockwise to close it.
16. Turn the pool pump to the on position or plug it into the electrical outlet.
